A local boy is seeking to ensure kids who may not be able to afford expensive activities this summer still have some fun.
Nur Elmasri, an 11-year-old student at Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School, applied for a neighbourhood small grant from Family Services of Great Vancouver.
"My project is 'fun day for all the kids who can't afford to go to expensive activities.' I know that many kids in New Westminster, especially newcomers, can't afford to go to fun and expensive activities," he wrote in an email to The Record. "So, I decided to organize and plan this event for all the kids ages two and up to have a fun day at Moody Park."
Fun Day is taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Moody Park. The free event includes face painting, henna, magicians, healthy snacks for kids, a performance by Freedom 95 band and a visit from the Tumblebus. Tumblebus, a national program, bills itself as a gym on wheels.
Community members are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy the music and Fun Day activities. Fun Day is being held at the water park and playground in Moody Park, which is located at Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue.
The Vancouver Foundation provides funds for the neighbourhood small grant program, which is administered in New Westminster by Family Services of Greater Vancouver in New Westminster.
Maylen Crespo, coordinator of the New Westminster neighbourhood small grants program, said the program received 76 applications in two different intakes in 2013 and 66 projects were approved.
They included cleanup events, sports activities, festivals, community gardens, workshops, arts events, community activities and block parties.