What’s happening?
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is having a 1920’s Speakeasy Soiree, where roaming performers and the Gatsby Strutters swing band will entertain party goers. While it’s a cocktail-style event, the dress code is casual.
Why party?
Family Services of Greater Vancouver, one of Canada’s oldest continuing social services agencies, is celebrating its 90th anniversary. It opened in 1928 in the Dominion Building in Gastown with a $25 donation, a single case worker and a mission to support struggling families in B.C. Today, the agency has nearly 500 staff and operates more than 80 community and social services programs across 13 locations in the region.
“We’re incredibly excited to celebrate this important milestone with the community we’ve helped build for over 90 years,” CEO Karin Kirkpatrick said in a press release. “FSGV has proudly served several generations of families in Vancouver, and we hope to continue being in the community’s trusted safety net for many more years to come.”
What does the agency offer in New West?
Money raised at the fundraiser will allow Family Services to continue delivering programs and services to families and youth in need through more than 90 programs, including initiatives addressing the needs of at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and families in need of support. In New Westminster, the agency has been providing services to children, youth, adults and families for more than 60 years.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver’s current offerings in New Westminster include: counselling and victim support; support for youth and parents; community education; ESL for moms, caregivers, and seniors, including ESL conversation groups at the library; community kitchens; a single-mothers support group; a Neighbourhood Small Grants program; the Caring Neighbours program at Christmas; parent-teen mediation; literacy outreach; and other assorted programs, including Parenting in Canada; Project Parent; Stopping the Violence; Money Skills; and Parents Connect.
Tell me more about the fundraiser:
The cocktail-style event, being held at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver, includes a cocktail menu, European wines courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy and the Consulate General of France in Vancouver, and beer from Whistler Brewing. Tickets are $175 and available at www.fsgv.ca.
