Seven of the group walked from Britannia Seniors Centre and caught the Sky Train to Main Street Station, then walked the north shore of False Creek to Cambie. We wound our way through Yaletown to Helmcken & Seymour where the Gathering Place Community Centre was holding its Annual Block Party.
A band was playing, prizes were being drawn, hot food was being served for just $2.00. Judi and Emily browsed the sale tables and bought books and handmade pottery. Judi chatted briefly with Mayor Greg Robertson while I received a pleasant massage to my shoulders.
The young woman offering the massages is Caroline MacGillivray, Founder and President of "beauty night", a "non-profit volunteer-based organization that provides makeovers and wellness programs to marginalized women and youth." This program started in 2000 when Caroline became concerned with the plight of the sex-trade workers in the DTES, and offers fitness, heath and nutrition, literacy, personal development and job interview skills. In 2002 Caroline was awarded a Flare Volunteer of the Year for her tireless effort with Beauty Night.
As a continuing part of the Beauty Night program, Caroline is currently working with the SPCA and ICBC to set up a dog-walking program for seniors, and anyone interested in getting involved is invited to call her at 778-885-4526 or email her at carolinem@beautynight.org. Check out her website http://www.beautynight.org/.
In the same area as the Gathering Place are two apartment blocks sponsored by The 127 Housing Society at 508 Helmcken (near Seymour). If you know of anyone looking for affordable housing, pass this information along: applicants need to apply in person 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Sept 15, Oct 20 or Nov 17, 2009. Eligible renters must be pensioners, or on income assistance. Disability recipients age 45 plus are also eligible. Rent is based on income. The buildings, according to one tenant we spoke with, are clean, quiet and drug-free.
Our walking group is now in the process of separating into slow and fast walkers; I have asked interested members to take turns selecting the walking tour and leading it when I am not available. Also, the fast group will need to select a full time leader and notify the office so that both groups are represented and accountable for their routes and destinations. So far, Judi, Susan, Linda, Marilyn, Emily and Ken are in agreement. Flora's friend, Brian, met us at the Centre this morning and expressed interest in returning to the group now that we have expanded our routes and interests.
We are slowly growing in numbers and aim to keep our walks interesting and social as well as recreational. New members are always welcome.
Contributor Virginia
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