The fun in fundraising

Here and Now column by Dan Hilborn
Published Aug. 21, 2004


Does the drudgery of working inside a muggy office drive you to distraction?

Are you fed up with those ridiculous orders from your immediate supervisor? Or maybe just want a few hours away from work?

Then the Work Frustration Fair taking place in the Metropolis at Metrotown Plaza on Wednesday, Aug. 25, is the perfect place to let loose and raise some money for a very good cause.

Ivanhoe Cambridge, owners of the largest shopping centre in British Columbia, are hosting their 13th annual Cooking for Kids barbecue and they've added a very fascinating twist to the whole affair.

For a donation of just $9.99, with all proceeds going towards B.C. Children's Hospital, the fair offers a barbecued hamburger or hot dog, pop, chips and book of tickets to participate in the most novel carnival games this city has seen in a very long time.

Ever played Pin the Horns on the Boss? It's a twist on that old children's game, pin the tail on the donkey.

There's even a roulette wheel on which to blow your paycheque and a real-life psychic who's willing to offer career advice for those disgruntled employees who burn their bridges.

"It's all in good fun," said Kimberley Randall, spokesperson for the Metrotown office complex that is hosting the event.

"Normally, we just host a barbecue for the kids, but last year we expanded to a traditional barbecue and this year we decided to go for something different."

Of course, everyone who participates will win some kind of prize, ranging from gift certificates for the new Metropolis Food Court to free monthly parking passes (for Metrotown employees) and more.

Last year's event raised just over $2,000 and Randall is confident that the new games and focus will double that number.

The Work Frustration Fair is part of the 13th annual Cooking for Kids barbecue, talking place from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25 in the Metropolis at Metrotown Plaza, located near the SkyTrain entrance of the office towers, beside the large dolphin fountains.

COMIC ARTIST IN TOWN

One of the most successful new comic book artists in the world will be coming to the Tazmanian Comic Collection on Hastings Street this weekend.

Pat Lee, the founder of Dreamworks Productions who revived the old G.I. Joe and Transformer comics of the early '80s,

will be the guest of honour at the local comic shop, as part of his attendance at an anime festival taking place at Simon Fraser University.

"Pat's work is so fabulous it helped to fuel the revival," said Keith Awcock, owner and proprietor of the busy little comic shop near the Heights.

"We're going through about 100 copies of his comics every month, and that's really good. Even big names like Superman only average about 40 copies."

Lee, who hails from Toronto, will be at Taz, 4702 East Hastings, from 4 to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 21, after spending the better part of his day at Anime Evolution, a "celebration of Asian entertainment" taking place at the SFU Burnaby Mountain campus.

While the SFU festival is open to the public, persons under the age of 18 must have a parental consent form to be able to attend.

Registration at the door is $35. For information on the annual anime convention, visit www.animeevolution.com.

PATIO FURNITURE DONATION

The folks at the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion are ecstatic this week after receiving a $500 donation to buy a new barbecue, picnic table and other patio furniture for a small group home that was hit by a heartless thief last month.

The donor, who asked to remain anonymous, made the contribution after reading about the theft in a letter to the editor published in the July 17 edition of the Burnaby Now. The letter, 'Backyard theft hurt two who have little,' was written by the parents of one of two adults with developmental disabilities who live in the D's Place group home, which is operated under the auspices of BACI.

Carol Broomhall, manager of resource development at the local not- for-profit agency, said the donation is especially heartwarming because one of the home's mentally challenged residents, Deb Yaschuk, was a recent winner of a Burnaby Local Hero award.

"I want them to get the barbecue back, so they can enjoy the rest of summer," said the woman who made the donation.

The donor, who will receive a tax receipt and a letter of appreciation for her generous contribution, said she was particularly moved by the fact that the two residents of the group home spend their own free time volunteering in the community.

She also said that she has been fortunate in life and that "God has been good to me, so I give a little bit back."

While the donor asked not to be identified, the Burnaby Now did learn that she is a retired school teacher who lives in a small apartment building that does not have a grass lawn, balconies or any patio furniture of its own.