Camping week for the kids

Here and Now column
By Dan Hilborn, Burnaby Now assistant editor
Published Aug. 6, 2003


A couple of Burnaby firefighters spent a recent week in the wilderness in their efforts to help out the some of the youngest victims of tragedy in this province.

Firefighters Craig Matsumura and Dave Samson were camp counsellors at the 10th annual B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund Camp near Squamish last month.

"I've really wanted to get involved with the kids for some time," said Samson, a 13-year firefighting veteran who is currently stationed in the bright new Hastings Street Fire Hall.

"These are all special kids," Samson said of the 62 young people who were at the camp. "They're all burn survivors and the idea is to give them a good time for a week, even though other times are pretty tough for them.

"I'm really excited to be a part of it."

Samson spent his week hanging out with the kids aged seven to 10 years old, while Matsumura spent his days with the 13-year-old group.

This is the first time at burn camp for either of the two firefighters, although both are well-known for their other charity work.

Both Burnaby firefighters have posed for the B.C. Professional FireFighters Calendar, which helps raise money for the very same cause.

ADERA KICKS IN CASH

Students at a variety of south Burnaby schools have good reason to celebrate the addition of a new townhouse complex in their midst this summer.

The folks at Adera Development Corp. have donated a series of Soccerama Clinic programs to the five local elementary schools as a way to celebrate the opening of their new Ledgestone townhouse complex in the Edmonds Town Centre.

"This means that players from the Vancouver Whitecaps will be coming into the schools to provide an afternoon of clinics that help teach the kids sportsmanship," said Howard Steiss, vice-president of marketing for Adera.

The firm also donated 200 tickets to upcoming Whitecaps games for students at the schools, and they gave an official Whitecaps jersey to the schoolboard.

The donation was made last month during a grand opening celebration that featured Adera Development Corp. president Kevin Mahon and Vancouver Whitecap legend Bob Lenarduzzi. Also on hand were Mayor Derek Corrigan, Coun. Celeste Redman and school board chair Mondee Redman.

A ROBERT BIRCH BIOGRAPHY

One of Burnaby's most controversial and outspoken church leaders is commemorated in a new book written by city resident Beth Carson.

Pastor Bob, A Statesman of Prayer for Canada is a glowing account of the life of Rev. Robert Birch, the former minister of Burnaby Christian Fellowship who made many newspaper headlines for his conservative ideas on social issues and family values.

Carson describes Birch as "a man who wanted his life to count. In his 60s he weathered a hippy invasion at St. Margaret's, his small Vancouver church; then he pioneered the influential Burnaby Christian Fellowship in his 70s; and, in his 80s, took on major social issues and established a nationwide movement of prayer for Canada."

Birch's greatest claim to notoriety came in 1990 when it was discovered that he paid for a full-page ad in the Vancouver Sun, condemning Celebration '90, the gay and lesbian games that were being held in Swangard Stadium.

Pastor Bob, a 352-page tome published by Guardian, brought dozens of people out last month to a book release and signing party at the Pilgrim Book and Bible Store on Kingsway. The book retails for $15.95 and can be ordered on-line at www.essencebookstore.com.

FINANCIAL SELF-HELP IS HERE

Are you having money troubles? If so, Burnaby author Ron Knight believes he has just the solution.

Knight has recently published his own self-help book for people dealing with financial difficulties. Healing Money Issues is a 117- page 'prosperity workbook' that provides 44 methods to help readers improve their self-worth and energy.

"This book is not about about dollars and cents. It's about identifying the subconscious patterns, habits and feelings that prevent people from receiving what they want financially," said the author.

He has a background in the import/export business, construction, jewelry, property management and as a tour bus owner/operator.

Knight has studied numerology and transcendental meditation and is currently committed to the path of Siddha Yoga meditation.

His book is $24.95 and can be ordered at www.prosperitymethods.com or by calling 604-294-2038.