Firefighters rake in over $1,400

Firefighters rake in over $1,400
Here and Now column by Dan Hilborn, Burnaby NOW assistant editor
Published Nov. 6, 2002

In just over one hour, the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society raised a whopping $1,400 in donations during the ‘Safe’ Halloween fundraiser at Lougheed Town Centre on Oct. 31.
"We'd like to thank our community for supporting our fundraising efforts," said an elated Bonney Rempel, marketing director for the recently expanded shopping centre.
The fundraiser, which coincided with the handing out of free candy by more than 150 merchants inside the shopping centre, was conducted by off-duty firefighters and mall managers.
"We were amazed by the turnout and generosity of the families who came to this event," said John McQuade, vice-president of the Burnaby Firefighters Association. "Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the safe environment provided by the shopping centre."
As usual, the money raised by the firefighters will be distributed to a long list of worthwhile charities in Burnaby, most of which have a much lower profile than the big burly guys in the bright red trucks.
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Beecher Creek got itself a nice little cleanup last weekend, thanks to the folks at the Toronto Dominion Commercial Banking Centre at Willingdon and Lougheed.
Local bank employees were out with members of the Burnaby Winter Club Bantam Bruins hockey club planting trees along the waterway - a project that will provide shade for spawning salmon and keep the soil from eroding away.
It's the second time in two years the folks at the TD centre have worked on the waterway. Last year, they did similar rehabilitation project further up Beecher Creek with a group of local Grade 4 students.
"Everyone involved in the project last year, from both the bank and the school, had a great time and really enjoyed putting their time and effort back into the community," said bank worker K.C. Kadkhoda. "We all feel good contributing to such a worthwhile project, but working with the kids makes it even more special for our volunteers."
KUDOS IN THE LEGISLATURE
Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney was singing the praises of local young people in the B.C. legislature last month.
After attending the 10th annual Cavalcade of Stars at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Nuraney went back to Victoria to let the government know the importance of a strong arts community.
"As I watched our young performers, I could not help but feel proud of our superb talent. Some of the performer have attained world renown and are performing in the great entertainment centres of the United States."
For instance, Nuraney pointed to the opening performance of Michael Buble, who started his crooning career at the Cavalcade of Stars six years ago. This year, Buble signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. and his debut CD, to be produced by David Foster, is set for release on Valentine's Day, 2003.
Another international star at the event was Burnaby-born magician Murray Sawchuk, who regularly performs in Las Vegas and will be back in the Lower Mainland to perform for the Lower Mainland firefighters' Magic 'n' Miracles Show at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster early in the new year.
Other names noted in the legislature were 12-year-old pianist and violinist Johnathan Chan, 14-year-old ARCT diploma of distinction pianist Michael Cheung, jazz singer Anita Dupray, Shayne Johnson, flautist Nadia Kyne, pianist Sean Bayntun, the Tap Dance Society, Spotlight Dance Centre, and Darcelle's Dancers.
"The evening was a wonderful experience and what is more pleasing is the fact that there are people like Rose Farina, Nancy Gobis and Linda Cunningham working with the Burnaby Arts Council seeking out talents to produce the stars of tomorrow."