This month on the blog, we’re encouraging readers to check out Neighbourhood Small Grants Projects in the Kitsilano area. Never heard of NSG? It’s a program that supports community members that want to launch projects that bring their community together. Funding ranges from $50 to $500, and the projects they support “bring people together, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of belonging and responsibility, and respect and celebrate diversity”. There are a whole host of different kinds of projects taking place in Kits right now, and we’ve selected a few that you should check out! We’ll be sharing even more projects on Facebook and Twitter over the next few months, so give us a follow and see what new projects there are for you to check out.
Kitsilano Book Club
Once a month, beginning in July and running through to December, the Kitsilano Book Club will host an evening where community members can gather to discuss books and meet new neighbours. A number of the books that will be read were written by local authors, and the Book Club is going to invite them to join the event! (Several have confirmed already.) After each month, the books are donated to “Little Street Libraries” so other members of the community can enjoy them.
When: The first date is July 16th, from 7pm to 9pm
Where: Location TBA
More information: If you’re interested interested, contact Núria Chapinal at nchapinal@gmail.com.
Mason Bee Hotels
Urban Beekeeping
If those mason bee hotels sounded interesting to you, why not take it one step further, and learn about urban beekeeping? These free workshops that are great for beginners.
Where: Arbutus Coffee, at Arbutus & 6th.
When: The next course is going to take place on June 29th – check out the eventbrite here.
More information: You can visit the program’s website here.
The Paddle Song
This event serves as a thank you to the Indigenous First Responders from the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886! Indigenous residents of the North Shore community Ustlawn crossed the Burrard Inlet via canoe and sang “The Paddle Song” to keep the rhythm and comfort those in distress. The event will include a replica of the famous “Tent City Hall”, a performance by Marissa Nahanee of the Squamish Nation, a Declaration of Gratitude from the Native Daughters of BC Post #1, Indigenous Raven Hummingbird Kanaka Blend tea, and a display of 1880s-era dresses curated by Vancouver fashion historian Ivan Sayers.
When: Saturday, June 16th from 1 to 5pm
When: Hastings Mill Park and Old Hastings Mill Store Museum (1575 Alma Street at Point Grey Road)
More information: Call 604-733-9794.
Home Made Bread
Learn how to make bread at home! This event takes place real close to home – it’s at the Kits House kitchen.
When: Wednesday, June 20th, at 5pm
Where: 2305 West 7th Ave, Vancouver
More information: To register, email hassan_asgari15@yahoo.com.
Car Free Block Parties
This is an NSG that you can partake in in a whole different way. If you want to hold a block party on your street with your neighbours, Car Free Vancouver Society wants to help you make it happen! They’l provide you with a step by step tool kit, get city approval and insurance for you, and deliver barricades and a gift basket from West Broadway BIA.
When: If you want to have a party (maybe Canada Day themed?) on June 30, July 1 or July 2, the deadline to register is June 16 or 17.
Where: You decide!
More information: Find out more at their website, on Facebook at Car Free Vancouver Day: Kitsilano or email kitsilano@carfreevancouver.org.