LutherCare book sale

VVCA News & Events, ,

LutherCare Communities presents a book and movie fair on September 13, 2017.

LutherCare Communities is hosting a book and movie fair on Wednesday, September 13th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Items can be purchased by donation.

All proceeds from this fair will support the recreation programs for the residents of Luther Special Care Home. We strive to provide top quality programs and entertainment to the residents of our long term care. This sale is a fantastic way to support neighbours within the community and get some great deals on a wide selection of books and movies.

The sale will be held outside of the Luther Special Care Home at 1212 Osler Street (weather permitting).

LutherCare Communities has been providing excellence in care, shelter and support to Saskatchewan seniors and residents for over 60 years. Today, over 500 employees provide a wide range of health services, senior’s housing and community services to over 1,200 residents and clients in locations throughout the province.

For further information on LutherCare Communities and their services, please visit www.luthercare.com.

An evening with Sheldon Kennedy

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute presents
An evening with Sheldon Kennedy

With a screening of the documentary “SWIFT CURRENT”
Thursday, October 5, 2017
TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.)

“Why I Didn’t Say Anything: The Sheldon Kennedy Story” will be available for purchase. Book signing to be held.

FREE ADMISSION and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (14A)
Cash donations appreciated with profits benefitting Respect Group, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, and Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation.

Concession available: no outside food or drinks allowed.
Purchase tickets to enter draws for prize packages!!
See www.skprevention.ca/prizes for a list of prize packages available. (Check back often, as prizes updated frequently.)

Sponsored by Cameco and Cuelenaere LLP – Cuelenaere Kendall Katzman & Watson

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is pleased to be bringing Sheldon Kennedy to Saskatoon in October 2017. The Institute is a provincial, non-profit organization with a mandate to reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions in children. We work in a variety of areas, one of which is the prevention of child abuse.

Sheldon Kennedy was sexually assaulted over a period of 5 years by his hockey coach, Graham James. It became a very public issue within the hockey community and beyond. The biggest questions asked were, “how could this happen?” and “why didn’t anyone know?” Sheldon lived for many years in the shadow of the abuse. However, he decided to take a stand that would have implications for many, by charging his former coach and going public with his story. He has become a strong advocate promoting better response to child abuse in Canada.

Unfortunately, many children in Saskatchewan experience abuse. Although old, these publicly available statistics help to paint the picture of child abuse in our province. In 2012, Saskatchewan had the second highest rate of police-reported cases of child abuse in Canada. In 2008, there were almost 9,000 child welfare cases investigated in Saskatchewan. There are multiple long-term impacts on the physical, mental, and emotional health of an individual who has experienced abuse as a child.

As a province, we need to talk openly about this issue. It is important for us to understand that children are most at risk for abuse, not from a stranger, but from a person who is trusted by not only the child, but the child’s family. Parents need the knowledge and resources to protect their children. Our society needs to be prepared to protect those children who are not protected by their families.

On Thursday, October 5, 2017, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is hosting a public evening with Sheldon Kennedy at TCU Place in Saskatoon. The documentary of his life, “Swift Current”, will be shown and there will be a chance to hear from Sheldon and learn from his experience. The event will be open to the public, including youth 14 years of age and older.

To learn more about our organization, please visit www.skprevention.ca. To learn more about Sheldon Kennedy’s organization, please visit: http://www.sheldonkennedycac.ca/.

Junior Roller Derby

VVCA News & Events, ,

Saskatoon Junior Roller Derby Presents…
Junior Roller Derby Registration

September – December session
Ages 8 – 18, all genders
Equipment not provided

Registration Night
September 6, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Cosmo Civic Centre

For more information contact: curb@srdl.ca or visit www.sjrdl.ca

The Saskatoon Junior Roller Derby League (SJRDL) ​is a non-­profit competitive junior flat track program, open to all youth between the ages 8 – 18. We support the development of skaters to help build the sport of roller derby in the Province of Saskatchewan. The Saskatoon Junior Roller Derby Program is designed to develop character, confidence, leadership and social interaction in youth through the sport of Roller Derby. The SJRDL​ intends to nurture and develop both skilled athletes and those who have not yet realized the champion inside of them.

Alvin Buckwold Program is 50!

VVCA News & Events, ,

Come Celebrate Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program’s 50th Anniversary!!!
Where: 1319 Colony Street
When: Saturday September 23rd, 2017
Time: 11:00am- 2:00pm
Free hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks!

Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program (ABCDP)
Located at 1319 Colony Street, the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program (ABCDP) is a unique place for special kids to learn and grow. Our programs give kids tons of room to play and lots of chances to meet new friends.

We offer diagnostic and treatment services to children 0-18 years of age, as well as support for families. Our mandate is to serve clients who display or are at significant risk for developmental, cognitive and/or physical challenges.

Using a family-centered approach, we work in partnership with parents to try to understand the specific needs of their child. We are open to receiving requests from parents and caregivers, physicians and other agencies.

Big Plans Update

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Albert Recreation Unit – 13th Street and Clarence Avenue
Big Plans for a Little Park

Changes are scheduled to begin this fall as the City of Saskatoon will be replacing four of the play structures. Funding for this part of the park rehab is courtesy of a federal Canada 150 grant. This will improve the park on both the north and south sides of the fenceline with the removal of the extremely well-used wooden play structures.

Fundraising continues towards further redevelopment of the park. Through various grants, fundraising events, and donations from residents we have raised well over $100,000. Thank you to all those who have helped support our neighbourhood project. To donate please visit https://nutana.ca/about-our-fundraising-for-the-albert-rec-unit/ .

The scope of further improvements, primarily on the south side of the fence, will be dictated by the total funds raised by early 2018. These further improvements include many features including more equipment, green landscaping and contouring, new play features, a riding/running loop, a tiny toboggan hill and a 3 on 3 basketball court. The current timeline is to complete all phases of construction before 2018 splash pool season. Thank you to Jim Siemens (Oxbow Architecture) and Chris Popplewell (Strata Developments) for their professional assistance.

Urban Ag Tours

VVCA News & Events, ,

Brought to you by the Saskatoon Food Council and CHEP Good Food Inc.
Urban Ag Tours
Saturday August 19, 2017

Your chance to visit Saskatoon’s most vibrant urban ag projects and connect to your home-grown food community.

8:30am Permablitz Site – 1802 Ewart Avenue
9:15am Permablitz Site – 1402 Ewart Avenue
10:00am Varsity View Community Garden – 615 Wiggins Avenue South
10:45am Parking Lot Garden – 411 Main Street
11:15am Backyard Chickens – 1946 Lorne Avenue
12:00 pm Lunch at the Saskatoon Food Bank’s Garden Patch (bring your own bag lunch) – 900 Block of 3rd Avenue North
1:15 pm City Park Community Garden – North Side of Wilson Park
2:00 pm Askiy Project, Kiscikanis Garden- Across from Station 20 West (1120 20th St W)
2:45 pm Chain Reaction Urban Farm – 434 Avenue D South
3:30 pm Riversdale/King George Community Garden – Victoria Park, corner of Avenue H South and 16th St West
4:15 pm Future Urban Farm- Victoria Park, South of King George Community Garden

Please contact Gord at gordon.enns@usask.ca or Jessie at jessie@chep.org with any questions.

Magic City Chorus

VVCA News & Events, ,

Your Voice has a Place On Our Risers!
Magic City Chorus Invites You To An Open House Event To Experience Four Part A Capella Harmony!
For Women with a PASSION for Singing and Performance!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 – 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

COME SING FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!

For Information and Registration Details Contact Yvette
PH: 306-955-6033
E-mail: y.jaspar@shaw.ca
Website: www.magiccitychorus.com

Our goal is to reach as many women 16 years and older who love singing and are interested in A Capella singing through the musical art form of barbershop harmony. We are hoping you can help.

Sweet Adeline’s International is an organization that provides music, fun and friendship. Magic City Chorus has been a proud member of this organization for 60 years. We are a caring, harmonious community that reaches into our membership and out into the world, creating a safe, encouraging, supportive and positive impact on all women.

Lighthouse Raise-A-Thon

VVCA News & Events,

Lighthouse Raise-A-Thon
Amazing Race – Lighthouse Edition

Event Date: September 22, 2017
Time: 1:00pm
Start at the Lighthouse, Rain or Shine
The Lighthouse Supported Living is an emergency shelter, supported living, and affordable housing provider in downtown Saskatoon.

The goal is to have a fun adventure race on foot with teams of two competing to raise big funds, beat the competition, and have a unique team building event. Mini-challenges around downtown Saskatoon will test your problem-solving skills with an after-party to celebrate!

We hope to raise $25,000 through sponsorship and team fundraising, with a goal of $500 raised per team.

Money raised will go towards our pilot Foot Care Program that aims to detect health issues before they become serious diseases, as well as providing homes and meals for those who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness in Saskatoon.

Entry fee to race is $100 per team of two ($50 per person). Prizes will be awarded to the team who finishes first, as well as the team who raises the most funds for The Lighthouse.

Registration

Diabetes Canada canvassing

VVCA News & Events, , ,

From October 1 – 15, 2017, Diabetes Canada will be canvassing door to door in your community raising funds to assist in the fight against diabetes. Our residential campaign proceeds will support essential child, family and youth programming including D-Camp, Family Camp, and Youth in Action. D-camps are the only camps of their kind for children living with Type One Diabetes in Saskatchewan. The cost to send one child to camp is $2,500, which is primarily covered by the Diabetes Canada. Over the last 10 years, the prevalence of diabetes in children has increased 40% with no sign of slowing down. At Camp, children learn how to lead a healthy, active lifestyle with a lifelong commitment on careful diabetes management.

Diabetes Canada would like to thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can lead the fight against diabetes for the 100,000 people with diabetes and 176,000 people living with prediabetes currently in Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, this number is only expected to rise and with the expectation that 24% of the Saskatchewan population will be living with diabetes or prediabetes by 2020.

To make the Residential Campaign as successful as possible for the 100,000 people living with diabetes in Saskatchewan, we are constantly in search of volunteer canvassers for your area. If you are willing to give your gift of time for 1 to 1-1/2 hours from October 1 – 15, to canvass, we would LOVE to hear from you!

For more information, please contact:
Marg Polanik, Res Camp Supervisor, 306-700-2851
Dave Parkalub, Community Engagement Coordinator
Email: dave.parkalub@diabetes.ca or rescampnorth@diabetes.ca

Brunskill School playground donations

VVCA News & Events, , , ,

The Brunskill Home and School Association and Brunskill Playground Committee members would like to thank everyone for their support of our project to replace the aged playground structure on our school grounds.

With VVCA’s initial contribution of $15 000 to the project in April 2016 we were able to secure over $50 000 in government grants with the help of Mesa Canada Consulting Corp.

We continued our fundraising with magazine sale campaign, monthly hot lunches, movie nights and a Brunskill Anthology book which included works from almost every student in the school in April 2016.

We had two Move-a -thons in May 2016 and May 2017. With the students’ participation in collecting pledges and being active by walking, running, scootering, rollerblading or biking around President Murray Park, this event generated $25 000 in donations! We also had our first ever bike garage sale – “Turn your Bike into a Playground” – where we collected donated bikes and then sold them with all the proceeds to the playground raising close to $1500.

With generous donations from the students and families of Brunskill School and residents of Varsity View and beyond we have almost reached our goal.

Our goal was to fundraise $215 000 and with the $35 000 contribution from Saskatoon Public School Division we would build a $250 000 playground.

At this time, plans are being finalized for the playground with construction to occur in July and August of 2018.

The brand new playground will be ready for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

Thank you to VVCA and all the students and families that have made this project happen.

This success was possible with the incredible team of volunteers contributing their time and expertise to our fundraising events.

We will continue to fundraise until Mid October 2017 for the remaining $35 000 we need to reach our final goal.

For more information please contact us at brunkillvolunteers@gmail.com

Thank you for your donation towards helping build Brunskill School’s community playground!

The importance of play in a child’s academic and social development is often overlooked. By bringing playground equipment to a Saskatoon Public Schools community, we can make further headway towards engaging and developing young learners.

Remember that it isn’t just the school and students that benefit from a new play structure – it is a community and public park accessible to all in the neighbourhood and beyond.

Online donations: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SaskatoonPublicSchoolFoundati/spsplaygrounds.html

If you prefer to donate by cheque, please send to:

Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation
c/o please state the school playground you wish to donate towards
310 – 21st Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M7

A tax receipt will be issued by the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation for all donations over $20.00.

Influenza Immunization 2017

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Influenza Immunization begins October 23, 2017

Prairieland Park – 503 Ruth Street West-Hall A
October 27: 12:30 – 7 pm
October 28 & 29: 9 am – 4 pm

Lakewood Civic Centre – 1635 McKercher Drive
November 2 & 3: 12:30 – 7 pm

Visit: www.4flu.ca or 306-655-4358 (Toll Free at 1-877-757-4358) for:
– Other locations inside and outside the City of Saskatoon
– Pharmacies and Physicians offering influenza vaccine
– Appointment booking options for families with children under 9 years of age

Movie in the Park

VVCA News & Events,

VVCA PRESENTS MOVIE IN THE PARK!

When? Friday, August 25 @ dusk!
What? Disney’s The Lion King

Bring your blanket and find out what everyone’s been up to this summer…while enjoying a classic Disney movie!
Admission by donation. Popcorn and drink sales available.

Thanks to our sponsors Pawluk Homes and Greystone Homes!

Fall 2017 Programming

VVCA News & Events, ,

Registration is Thursday, September 7 AND Tuesday, September 12, 2017, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Brunskill School (Multi-Purpose Room), 101 Wiggins Avenue North.

A membership fee of $10/individual, $20/family per year is required to participate in programs and must be presented at the time of registration. A fee of $10 will apply to late registrations. Varsity View Community Association honours other community association memberships.

See Programs listing.

Community of Heroes 2017

VVCA News & Events, , ,

This is your VIP invitation to Community of Heroes 2017

In Canada, 40,000 cardiac arrests occur each year. Survival for someone who has a cardiac arrest depends on bystanders knowing what to do and acting quickly, but, unfortunately, this action happens in less than one-third of these cases.

The Community of Heroes event aims to increase the bystander response to cardiac arrest by helping community members learn to do Hands–only CPR and how to use a defibrillator (AED).

And to top it off, everyone will have a chance to show off their new skills in our unique CPR relay!

Please join us at this event. Your participation will help Heart & Stroke and MD Ambulance create a Community of Heroes in Saskatoon.

Sunday, August 13, 2017
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Friendship Park
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Participate in this great event and take a turn in our CPR relay to help show all of Saskatoon how easy it is to save a life and encourage others to participate as well.

Please RSVP by Friday, August 4, 2017 by contacting Cecile Klein, Resuscitation Program Coordinator, cecile.klein@heartandstroke.ca or 306-500-6027.

Family-friendly, no experience required, and your participation takes less than an hour.

Lace Up to End Diabetes

VVCA News & Events, , , , ,

Did you know that all the proceeds from the Lace Up event goes towards supporting the 276,000 people with Pre-Diabetes & Diabetes in Saskatchewan and fighting this disease?

The event is a 15 km Run, 10 km walk/run, 5 km family fun walk/run and a Kid Fun Run. The event is on Saturday, August 26th in Archibald Park, registration is at 7:30 am and the kids fun run starts at 9:15 am. Early bird discount deadline July 14, 2017.

Additional events include food and beverage tents, zumba and yoga sessions, bouncy castle and face painting and more!

Participants can register at www.runningroom.com or phone 306-700-2850.

Facebook.com/LaceUpSaskatoon/