City shows its heart all this month

City shows its heart all this month
Here and Now column by Dan Hilborn
Published Feb. 12, 2003

Burnaby is a city with a whole lot of heart.
At least that's the impression we're getting this week, as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. is sending out special kudos to at least three groups who have been helping to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.
On Valentine's Day, there will be a whole lot of jumping going on at Forest Grove elementary school as students participate in their 10th annual Jump Rope for Heart event.
Over those years, students at the little school tucked onto the side of Burnaby Mountain have raised a whopping $39,950.72 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
When the kids enter the gymnasium on Friday, they will be the recipients of a very large thank-you banner.
Another special presentation took place on Tuesday, when employees from the U.S.-based Alderwoods Group, formerly the Burnaby- owned Loewen Group, were honoured for their participation in the foundation's Jeans Day promotion.
Last year, the employee-sponsored fundraiser brought in a healthy $17,412.56 for the foundation.
"There are many local companies who let their employees wear jeans once a week or once every two weeks, but with a fee," said H&SF area manager Anna Evans. "Now, if they all did the same like Alderwood employees, we would be closer to our vision."
Another fascinating fundraiser will take place next week, when Russ Aunger and Rob Rushmer of the Scotiabank near Kingsway and Willingdon have their heads shaved to raise funds for the foundation.
The shearing, to be performed by local stylists from Great Clips For Hair, will take place at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the lobby of the bank at 4299 Kingsway.
More medal winners
The list of recipients of the Commemorative Medals of the Queen's Jubilee continues to grow. Another presentation ceremony took place last Thursday at the local Radisson Hotel when Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney granted the medals to seven people with strong ties to the city.
The recipients are:
Ruth Loland, a retiree who helped set up the rather elaborate system of English as a Second Language classes at Royal Oak Community Church which have been offered to hundreds of newcomers to our city over the years.
Shiraj Haji, a local tennis instructor who goes out of his way to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn the game, regardless of their financial situation.
Akbar Kassam, a philanthropist who has provided employment to hundreds of people since he moved to Canada. "Always ready with an open hand, he has enriched the lives of so many in our community," said Nuraney.
Dick Kouwenhoven, of Hemlock Printers, who is among the city's best known philanthropists, making donations to charities of all kinds, especially those that assist young people.
George McLean, a freeman of the City of Burnaby who received eight medals for his service with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Still active as a volunteer at Burnaby Hospital, McLean is a past recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club.
Sev Morin, now the chair of the Burnaby 2010 legacies committee, Morin is an SFU senator and director of a long list of local non- profits groups including the Theatre at Burnaby South, St. Michael's Hospice Foundation and the Coast Foundation Society.
Ted William, general manager of Metropolis at Metrotown, Williams serves as chair of the southwest district community policing committee, and an avid organizer of fundraising events for many charitable groups and community organizations.
Kudos to all.
The Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society has elected its new directors for the coming year. They are: Roger Zahar, president; Shirley Mortimer, vice-president; Nancy Gobis, secretary; and Don Ward, treasurer.
The society does incredibly good work with elderly people in our community, helping to coordinate information events and organizing the senior's peer counseling programs through the Heights Resource Centre.
For more information on helping out the elderly in our city, contact the society at 604-291-2458.
The folks at the Vancouver Resource Society have nothing but good things to say about the Burnaby-based Independent Contractors and Business Association.
The society, which provides housing and care to approximately 150 adults and children with significant disabilities in Burnaby and Vancouver, says it relies heavily on the hard work and fundraising efforts of ICBA staff and members.
"Annually, over the past five years, ICBA has raised thousands of dollars from their membership to improve the safety and comfort of our client's homes," said VRS spokesperson Murray Hamilton. "They have rebuilt decks, renovated kitchen and even put in an air conditioning system to make life more comfortable for the kids in our children's program."
Noted for special mention were ICBC president Joe Lindgren, vice- president Phil Hochstein, and executive director Ken Fraser.