The Buzz - December 2024

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The Buzz

Upcoming events and information at the Burnaby Neighbourhod House

Greetings from Burnaby Neighbourhood House! These past few weeks we have seen so much generosity from our neighbours, community members, and businesses. Our Neighbourlies mascots have been everywhere spreading holiday cheer, rrom the Toy Room launch, to the Bright in Burnaby at Burnaby Village Museum, to the Burnaby Firefighters Toy Drive.

Before we see what's happening this month, we all here at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and healthy holiday. We will see you in the New Year!

Community Events & News

BNH Office Holiday Closures:

Our offices will be closed from December 25th until January 1st.

We will reopen on Thursday, January 2nd.

Lights on BNH

make a financial gift and help keep our programs and services in place!

Thank you so much to all the individuals and community business leaders who have contributed so far to our holiday campaign. Please consider making a donation or spreading the word so we can continue to provide accessible programs and services for the community.

Gift Wrap by Donation

until December 24th

Metropolis at Metrotown (by Winners)

Lougheed Mall (near Walmart)

Need gifts wrapped? Consider heading to BNH's Gift Wrap Booth at Metropolis at Metrotown and Lougheed Mall (new location!), and get your presents wrapped by our trained volunteers! Funds raised will go towards our Youth Leadership Programs.

Burnaby Christmas Bureau

accepting new unwrapped toys until December 21st

The Burnaby Christmas Bureau provides Christmas cheer for people with low income and living in Burnaby through our Toy Room and Seniors Hamper Program.

Individuals and corporations can also donate new unwrapped toys or make a monetary donation.

For more information or to donate, please visit

www.bbyservices.ca

The Province's Empty Stocking Fund

For 106 Years, The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund has been dedicated to making the holidays brighter for B.C. residents who are less fortunate. With the generosity of our readers and supporters, the fund gives money to 25 B.C. community organizations that provide food hampers and gifts to children, needy families and singles. The 2024 campaign will run until December 31 and during this time funds can be donated online.

Children & Youth

Future Leaders

Youth leaders take responsibility for the well-being and improvement of their communities.

Burnaby Neighbourhood House will provide a series of workshops designed to build transferable skills.

Community Work
Financial Literacy
Games Leadership
Special Event Planning
Working with Children
Community Projects

See brochure for more details.

For more info, or questions: contact Ann at [email protected]

BNH Youth Connections Grant Program

apply now!

The BNH Youth Connections Grant program is an upstream, youth-led, community asset building and well-being program designed to engage youth to improve Burnaby neighbourhoods. This program is open to youth of all genders and ethnicities aged 12 to 17 living in Burnaby.

You can apply for a grant up to $500, to share your ideas, gifts and talents with your peers or neighbours, and to help you bring your project idea to life. Once you have applied for a grant and your project has been approved, you do not need to pay the money back.

To apply, please complete the application form and email it to John at [email protected].

See poster for more details.

Family Place

Various Days at Various BNH locations

We offer a number of Family Drop-in programs throughout the community for parents/caregivers with children 0-5 years. Family drop-ins provide a variety of opportunities for families to socialize, to have a safe and fun place to play and learn and to get parenting information. Feel free to join us at any days and locations outlined above.

Please see poster for more details.

The program is free for members. Find out how to become a member.

Adults (18+)

Computer Workshops

Mondays, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

at South House

Dec 16 – Google Maps and Google Search: Learn how to efficiently search for information, filter results, and get quick answers using helpful search techniques. We’ll also dive into Google Maps to help you navigate your world with confidence—whether finding local businesses, planning routes, or exploring new places.

Please see the poster for more details or email Marina at [email protected].

To register scan the QR code on the poster or call 604-396-7307.

Community AdultTai Chi Program with Fatemeh

Tuesdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

at South House

Step into relaxation and rejuvenation with our Chen Tai chi program, led by the skilled instructor Fatemeh. This class is a perfect blend of gentle exercise and mindful movement, designed to help you unwind and energize.Join us weekly to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and connect with your body in a whole new way. Breathe, move, and find balance—one session at a time. The program runs on Tuesdays from January 7 to March 25, 2025 with no classes on Jan 21, Feb 18 and March 18, 2025.BNH Membership is requiredSee poster for details.To register, reach out to Carina at [email protected].

Ukulele Connection

2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

at Brentwood House

Want to try your hand at learning a musical instrument? Join this new evening class where you will get to jam, pick up new skills and connect.

Your instructor, Peter Luongo, has 40-years of experience and expertise as a professional ukulele teacher at festivals around the world. Students will get to learn about tuning, strumming, rhythm, melody, and many other skills while learning the ukulele.

Come to the Brentwood House (2055 Rosser Ave) on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 6 – 9 pm, starting on November 28th. Cost is $10 for a song book (one time fee).

Please see the poster for more details.

To register or to learn more, please contact Ann at [email protected].

Community Language Class – Arabic & Farsi

Fridays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

at North House

Want to try something new this Fall, then join us at the North House on Friday mornings for a community language class where you will get to learn some Arabic and Farsi.

There are many benefits of learning a new language – it can improve your brain and memory functions as well as boost your creativity and self-esteem and not to mention it can increase your understanding of the language you already speak.

This class will run weekly – please contact Ann for dates of next session.

See poster for details.

To register or for more information, please email Ann at [email protected]

Community English Conversation with Rihanna

Fridays (Oct 18 – Dec 20), 1:30 pm – 3:00

at South House

Looking to improve your English in a fun and supportive space? Starting this October, come and connect with us every Friday for an enriching language experience! Don’t miss your chance to join!

Spaces are limited, so registeration is required. Please see the poster for more details. For more information and to register, contact Carina at [email protected]

Burnaby Dudes Club

Every Monday, 6:00PM- 8:00PM

at BNH Community Hall (5024 Rumble Street)

Join us every Monday for an empowering gathering at "A Brotherhood for Men's Wellness." This dedicated space is where men come together to foster physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our weekly sessions provide a supportive environment for open discussions, sharing experiences, and building a strong sense of camaraderie. Come be a part of this transformative journey every Monday as we navigate the path to a healthier and more fulfilling life together.

Digital Literacy Program

Would you like learn to use email, create files and documents, use excel, search the Internet or practice typing and writing skills on a computer? Volunteer Computer Instructors are available to help community residents with their computer learning needs. We offer support in multiple languages.

Drop in to this in-person program at the North House, South House or Brentwood. No registration required.

You can use one of the Neighbourhood House devices or bring your own device. For more information, email us at [email protected].

Please see poster for more details.

In partnership with both SFU Department of Education and UBC Learning Exchange and with funding from the Government of Canada.

Community Cafes

Fridays, 1 PM to 4 PM

at North House

Thursdays, 1 PM to 4 PM

at South House

Drop in to chat and relax, or take part in the activities and games going on that day. Bring your favourite game to share with others or learn something new.

The Mahjong Club is now part of this group and will meet at this time.

This is open to anyone who wants to connect over a tea or coffee with others in the community, and if you want to play table games, so much the better!

See poster for more information or call the North House on 604-294-5444 and the South House on 604-431-0400.

Seniors (55+)

BNH’s December Newsletter for Seniors is now available!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Minds in Motion®

Fridays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

at South House

Minds in Motion® is a fitness and social program for people living with any form of early-stage dementia to attend with a family member, friend or other care partner. This program runs for 6 Fridays starting on October 25 and ends on December 13, with no session on November 8 and 22. See poster for more details.

The program is available in Cantonese. Registration fee is $30 (for 6 sessions).

Registration is required. Please contact the Chinese First Link® Dementia Helpline: 1-833-674-5007 /or Lyanne 778-357-1541 to register.

Chinese Coffee and Chat

Wednesdays, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

at Brentwood House

Chinese Coffee and Chat is a social program designed to help you engage in social activities, have fun and meet other people who are on the dementia journey.

Come join us for a cup of coffee or tea and fun activities. The program is available in English and Cantonese from October 9 to November 27, 2024. There will be no session on October 23. See poster for more info.

Registration is required. Please contact the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 to learn more or to register.

Grocery Shopping and Delivery

We provide food hampers, prepared meals, and grocery shopping & free delivery to seniors who are living with health challenges and are experiencing food insecurity.

For more information, contact Emily at 778-288-3747 or [email protected].

Soup Lunch

Mondays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

at North House

We’re so excited to bringing back "soup on Mondays"!! Join us for a bowl of healthy soup and a fresh bread bun. Stay a while and chat and connect with your neighbours. Freshly made tasty soup and a bread roll for $2.

BNH Membership required.

See poster for more details or contact us on 604-294-5444.

No registration required.

English Conversation Class for Seniors

Fridays, from 10 AM to 11 AM
at BNH South House

Do you want to get better at speaking English with others? This might be the program for you! Join Rowena for our English conversation class at the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House to get more comfortable speaking English in a supportive community environment.

This program runs on Fridays from 10am to 11am at our South House.

See poster for details.

To register, email Lea at [email protected] or call 604-431-0400.

Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors

Thursdays, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
at Community Hall (5024 Rumble St)

Burnaby Neighbourhood House is launching a new, low-cost, social

activity day program for Burnaby seniors, called TAPS. The program is
funded by the Government of BC and managed by the United Way of the
Lower Mainland. See poster for details.

Seniors Connections

Wednesdays, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Fridays, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

at South House

Meet new friends and enjoy lunch ($6 for lunch, Fridays only)! Activities include karaoke, art, bingo, workshops and much more! See poster for more details.

To register: Contact Lea at 604-431-0400 or [email protected]

Latin Beat

Fridays, 10 AM to 11 AM
at BNH South House

Are you looking for a fun morning of exercise? Come join Ivette at our South Burnaby House for a morning of upbeat dance with our new Latin Beat dance class.

This program runs on Fridays from 10am to 11am, a perfect addition into your morning and exercise routine!

See poster for details.

Email Lea at [email protected] or call 604-431-0400 to register, or for more information.

Tai Chi & Sword

Different levels in different days

at South House

Tai Chi, as an ancient Chinese tradition, is practiced by many today. This slow and graceful exercise helps improve muscle strength and cardio health – that’s why it is so popular among seniors.

If you are 55 years or older, come join one of our weekly classes – whatever your level, we have the class for you. And if you feel like mixing it up, we also offer Tai Chi Sword to bring you different experiences. Click here for the poster.

For more information or to register, contact Lea at 604.431.0400 or [email protected].

Qi Gong

Saturdays, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

at the Amazing Brentwood Mall (4567 Lougheed Hwy)

Qi Gong is a personal practice that led to fitness, flexibility, and internal peace that combines the physical benefits of exercise with the spiritual qualities of meditation, leading to full nourishment of both mind and body.

There are many different types of Qi Gong practices, but most of them involve slow-moving exercises that reflect the qualities of nature.

See poster for more details or email Ann at [email protected].

It is a drop-in class at the Amazing Brentwood Mall (next to Purdy’s Chocolate). Registration is not required.

Qi Gong

Mondays, from 2 PM to 3 PM
at Brentwood Hose (2055 Rosser Ave)

Discover the basic concepts of Qi (vital life force energy). Qi Gong focuses on slow-flowing movement and rhythmic breathing to promote relaxation and health. Join us in enhancing your own awareness of your energy.

The class is in person at Brentwood (2055 Rosser Ave).

See poster for more details.

For more info, please email [email protected] or call 604-294-5444.

Form Filling Clinics

By appointment only

All locations

If you are in need of a little extra support in the kitchen we provide delicious home-cooked meals in our licensed kitchen.

These are available for purchase at the South House for $7 each. Subsidies to help with cost are available.

See poster for details.

For more information please contact Emily at 604-431-0400 or [email protected].

Frozen Meals for Seniors

Do you have trouble cooking for yourself at home?

If you are in need of a little extra support in the kitchen we provide delicious home-cooked meals in our licensed kitchen.

These are available for purchase at the South House for $7 each. Subsidies to help with cost are available.

See poster for details.

For more information please contact Emily at 604-431-0400 or [email protected].

Newcomers

Community EAL for Newcomers

Fridays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

at Brentwood House

Join our Community English Classes for Newcomers! This welcoming space is designed for those looking to strengthen their English kills and connect with others in the community.This will take place at the Brentwood House on Friday afternoons from 1 – 3pm, starting on November 8 running until December 20. BNH membership is required.Please see the poster for more details.To register or to learn more, please contact Ann at [email protected].

Family Place Drop-in

Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 11:30am

at South House

This Family Drop-in program is for parents and caregivers with children 0-5 years. It provides a variety of opportunities for families to socialize, to have a safe and fun place to play and learn and to get parenting information.

Please see poster for more details.

The program is free for members. Find out how to become a member.

Welcome to BC - Orienation for Newcomers

Would you like learning about living in Canada?

Join us for learning BC Community, Resources, Legal, Transportation, Schools, Social norms, Tenancy, ...

For more information see poster and to register please contact Xin Rui at [email protected]

Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a community driven and community funded agency located on the unceded territories of the Tsleil-Wauthuth (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) nations with a unique focus on neighbours supporting neighbours.

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