RECORD FOOD: In 1986, the inaugural CBC Food Bank fundraising effort was a two-hour radio show, raising a modest $462. Three decades later, the yearly campaign soared to new heights generating a record $780,347 from its annual CBC Open House and Food Bank Day. Thousands tuned in and or visited the Hamilton Street studios for a behind-the-scenes look at the newsroom and studios and to meet some of their favourite personalities. Among those greeting guests was event founder Anne Penman, who has orchestrated every food drive since its inception. More than 103,000 people receive assistance from food banks across B.C. Proceeds from the generous day of giving will ensure stocked shelves at B.C.’s 99 food banks.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT: With three stores, Tiffany & Co. has been part of Vancouver’s retail landscape for 10 years. From TIFF to the Met Gala and Cannes, the luxury jeweller has shined on red carpets around the world. The firm’s Wendy Eagan and Renita Hansraj recently made the season brighter hosting their annual holiday reception for tastemakers, influencers and the style savvy. Toasting the recent opening of a new boutique in Holt Renfrew’s luxury wing, the biggest opening is still to come for the centuries-old jewelry house: their multi-level Burrard Street store, scheduled to open May 2017.
RED RIBBON DAY: In the early 1990s, a group of artists met to discuss how to get people talking about HIV. At a time when HIV was highly stigmatized, they wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people affected by HIV. The red ribbon was born. While there have been advancements in managing the disease, the stigma persists. On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, people around the world unite in solidarity in the fight against HIV and AIDS and associated stigma. In Vancouver, A Loving Spoonful hosted its annual World Aids Day Luncheon. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group, Dignity Memorial and McMillan, the event attracted some of Vancouver’s business elite, community leaders and distinguished personalities to the afternoon luau, which raised $78,000 to support the charity’s ongoing efforts of providing nutritious meals to clients affected by HIV/AIDS.
GAME CHANGERS: The Richmond Chamber of Commerce recognized the city’s top business performers at its 39th Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Glacier Media. Of the 14,000 businesses in Richmond, 26 finalists, from start-ups to family-run businesses representing the crème de la crème of local companies, were feted in 10 categories for their business acumen, leadership and community contributions. Yours truly emceed the biz bash staged at River Rock, Casino and Resort. Attracting 300 of the municipality’s top movers and shakers, the event toasted the city’s top dogs. Among this year’s recipients: 505-JUNK, Herbaland and Pacific Gateway Hotel (Businesses of the Year), Seafair Minor Hockey (Association), McArthurGlen Designer Outlet (Newcomer), Steveston Harbour Authority (Leadership) and Gilmore Gardens Seniors Community (Workplace of the Year).
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