- Cruising for a Cause: A Motorcycle Poker Run seeing participants travel from North Vancouver to Whistler and back in support of Hollyburn Family Services Society, July 5 at 9 a.m. Registration: 604-987-8211 x223, jhayden@hollyburn.ca or hollyburn.ca.
Representatives of Hollyburn Family Services Society, which provides a variety of programs, counselling and support services to local children, youth, seniors and families, are encouraging community members to support two fundraising initiatives in support of their programs serving homeless youths and seniors.
One is the organization's inaugural Cruising for a Cause: A Motorcycle Poker Run, July 5, seeing riders travel along a designated route from North Vancouver to Whistler and back, stopping at checkpoints along the way, collecting playing cards towards the best hand by the event's end. Motorcyclists receive one poker hand for every $100 raised, vie for prizes and receive breakfast and dinner.
Hollyburn Family Services Society has also launched a crowdfunding campaign, on until July 9, to assist with a new initiative serving seniors at risk. Thanks to a home being provided by the District of North Vancouver for a nominal lease, the society will be able to offer temporary housing for homeless seniors or those fleeing abusive situations.
"Instead of leaving John on the street, we can bring him into this housing and keep him there and make sure that he's getting everything (he) needs," says Joy Hayden, fund development for the society.
"This is just absolutely remarkable," she adds.
The home is hoped to begin serving seniors, up to eight at a time, in mid-July.
A number of community partners have offered support, however, additional funds are needed to help renovate the space.
To donate to the campaign (by FundAid, an initiative of Glacier Media, which owns the North Shore News), visit fundaid.ca/home4seniors.
