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Fred UnLEEshed: Nov. 28, 2014

A WARM WELCOME: For the past 38 years MOSAIC, a multilingual organization, has been helping newcomers settle and integrate into Canadian society.

A WARM WELCOME: For the past 38 years MOSAIC, a multilingual organization, has been helping newcomers settle and integrate into Canadian society. Since its inception, MOSAIC has helped more than one million new immigrants and refugees through its numerous services. The non-profit fronted its fifth annual Festival MOSAIC benefit. The exhibition hall at the Roundhouse was transformed into an interactive and immersive experience of art, music and food celebrating diverse cultures. Chaired by Ninu Kang and emceed by Cal Koat and yours truly, the gala netted $35,000 to support programs provided to more than 7,000 clients at 31 locations monthly.

UBC PRIDE: Alumni UBC executive director Jeff Todd and board chair Michael Lee fronted the 20th annual UBC Alumni Achievements Awards Gala held at the Four Seasons Hotel. Seven members of the UBC community were feted for their extraordinary contributions both near and far to create positive change. Among those feted was John Demco, affectionately known as the godfather of the Canadian Internet. Demco established the .ca domain name two years before the Internet emerged. Working with a team of fellow volunteers, he maintained the .CA registry until 2000, before handing over responsibility to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority. Today, more than 2.5 million web addresses bear the .ca domain. Others honoured included Leona Sparow, Dr. Kimit Rai and Veedesh Kapoor.

HOUSING START: Often when we hear of Habitat for Humanity, we think of the not-for-profit’s work of providing housing to families in developing countries. But the need for affordable housing in our community is just as great. Since its inception in 1995, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver has been moving working families from substandard accommodations into homes that they can own and afford. The organization recently launched its Women Build campaign at the Hotel Vancouver. Looking to bring 400 women difference makers onsite to help build half dozen homes in Richmond, the agency generated $50,000 to kick-start the housing project.