Marie Jang was overwhelmed by the community support for a recent fundraiser for the Columbia Street fire relief fund.
Jang recently opened the doors to De Dutch New Westminster for a buffet dinner that raised money for the fund.
“New Westminster residents have hearts of gold,” she wrote in an email to The Record. “The evening was a smashing success.”
The event raised more than $2,000 for the fire relief fund, which will assist businesses impacted by the Oct. 10 fire on Columbia Street.
Mark Donnelly, known to many hockey fans for singing the national anthem at Vancouver Canucks’ hockey games, was among those in attendance.
“Mark Donnelly ended up singing two songs and led us with O Canada,” Jang said. “Mayor Wayne Wright was kind enough to say a few words. Councillors Lorrie Williams, Betty McIntosh, Chuck Puchmayr and Bill Harperall came to show their support.”
Leona Green, who runs Greens and Beans Deli in Sapperton and is no stranger to holding fundraisers, provided “invaluable” support and guidance in organizing the event.
Meranda Po Thiessen, who is Jang’s niece, brought Farhan (Hyack football coach and TSN sportscaster) and Mary Lalji – who in turn brought several items for the silent auction. Dave Vallee and Bob and Betty Toporowski each gave a gift basket, while fellow Columbia Square restaurants Cockney Kings and Boston Pizza offered up gift certificates.
“Everybody told me after how much fun they had and how they thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was so nice to see people from all walks of life just chatting it up with total strangers,” Jang said. “What moved me the most was how much everyone cared about what the fire victims are going through.”
Jang and her family opened De Dutch in Columbia Square in 2010. She said the fundraiser was a team effort by the restaurant’s staff and her family, all who helped cook, clean, serve and set up for the big event.
Campaign wraps up
B2B Network of Women has wrapped up its campaign to raise money for the downtown New Westminster fire relief fund.
The business group coordinated several campaigns to raise funds for the fire relief fund that will assist businesses affected by the Oct. 10 fire on Columbia Street. The Shop New West campaign raised $6,023, including $1,005 from Scotia Bank which matched funds raised from sales of the limited edition collectable shopping bags at both their New Westminster locations. All totalled, 916 bags were sold at various locations throughout
the city, with the remaining 40 or so bags available for purchase at Eden at 451 East Columbia St. in Sapperton.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of Yellow Pages Group, who backed the shopping bag project, to Scotia Bank for making an additional $1,005 contribution and to the community of New West as a whole,” said B2B NOW spokesperson Heidi Clarkson in a press release. “So many people were involved in various ways to help the affected business owners. It has been amazing.”
In addition to the group fundraiser, two B2B NOW members participated in their own ventures. Katie Marshall of Medical Esthetics by Katie raised $405 at her Christmas open house, and Robyn Murrell of Foxy Kickboxing – New West raised $523 through special sessions held specifically for the fire fund.
“The community of New Westminster has been doing a fantastic job in pulling together to raise funds for the fire relief efforts,” says Nicole Eich, Westminster Saving’s foundation and community giving manager, Westminster Savings. “Westminster Savings has been pleased to help coordinate the donations made in order to support those who have been affected.”
Westminster Savings, in partnership with the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, is holding the fire relief account. While some of the funds have already been distributed to businesses, fundraising continues this weekend.
The Columbia Theatre is hosting a benefit concert, Fire in the Heart, on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tickets are $40 and features performances by the Rhythm & Blues Allstars and Barracuda (a Heart tribute band.) For more information call 604-522-4500.
Mayor mending
New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright is on the mend after being injured in a car accident on Wednesday.
Wright was heading home from a doctor’s appointment on Jan. 29 when the accident occurred.
“Somebody ran a stop sign. It pretty well totalled my car,” he told The Record. “It was hard to get out because it was crunched quite a bit.”
Wright said he had the right of way when his car was struck by a large pickup truck. Local police and firefighters attended the accident that occurred at Seventh Street and Third Avenue.
“The neighbours were terrific,” Wright said. “They came out right away. They were calling out, wanting to know if they should call ambulances.”
Because he had no cuts or broken bones, Wright opted to go back to his doctor’s office.
“My doctor is not too far away, so he is an easier person to go to,” he said.
Wright took a couple days off to heal but was back at city hall for council’s Feb. 3 meeting. Since the accident, he’s had a sore shoulder and neck, as well as a nagging headache.
“I don’t think I have had an accident in 50 years. I have a wonderful record,” he said. “Anyway, it gives me a chance to watch the Canucks on TV.”
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