Newsletter 15 November 2009
Building Welcoming
* About Kits House
For 36 years, Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House has
been the hub of the Westside.
It’s a place where all ages
from toddlers to seniors come
together to enjoy programs
and services that makes this a
good place to live and do
business.
Vision:
The Westside of Vancouver is
a healthy, safe and vibrant
community where everyone
thrives.
Mission:
We are dedicated to
strengthening our community
through leadership,
collaboration and opportunity.
In This Issue
1. Program Highlight:
Community Preschool
2. Volunteer Spotlight:
Alex Bowie
3. What's New at
Kits House
4. Community Postings
2305 – 2325 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6K 1Y4 | T. 604.736.3588 F. 604.736.3640 | www.kitshouse.org
Communities Newsletter
Program Highlight:
KNH Community
Preschool
At the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Community Preschool, they are helping
children get ready for school. Through their
play-based curriculum they are encouraging
children to explore, discover, and learn. The
community pre-school offers the children
programs in early literacy, music, theatre, at,
science, math, games, and fun!
All staff are licensed early childhood
educators who are experienced and
dedicated in their work with young children.
The teacher’s focus is to support the
children in being self-confident, expressive,
and cooperative. The children’s progress is
all photographed and documented, giving
both parent and child a clear picture of the
child’s development.
Parents are welcome to volunteer – either
by visiting the class or offering skills as
needed. The Community Preschool also
encourages families to become better
acquainted with the community and the
participants of the program by a monthly
lunch time potluck at the preschool.
Kits Neighbourhood Community Preschool
had two Hallowe’en parties on October 30.
Instead of the usual potluck for families held
in each class on the last Friday of the
What's New at Kits House
Seniors' Christmas Lunch
Tuesday, December 8
12pm – 2pm
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Come join us for a delicious meal of
turkey with all the trimmings, while
enjoying great seasonal entertainment.
Cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased at
the Kits House front desk.
Contact: Julie Wall at 604-736-3588
month, parents planned Hallowe’en parties
with pumpkin patches. The children wore
costumes, found their pumpkins, and did
special crafts in the afternoon class for four
year olds. In the morning, the three-year-
olds created books with the poem "Five
Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate". The
opportunities for parents to meet each other
and plan an event fits with the Kits House
philosophy of creating opportunities for
community to create gatherings.
Spaces are available in the morning and
afternoon programs for January 2010.
Where: Jericho Military Garrison at 4th &
Highbury
Cost: $1900/year or $190/month
(registration: $250)
Contact: Lisa Paul, Director of Childcare &
Family Programs, at 604-736-3588
or Ann McQueen, Preschool Program Lead
at 604-225-2520 ext 2709
2010 Community Vision Calendar
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is selling a
beautiful ‘Community Vision’ 2010 calendar
created by Kits House staff, participants
and volunteers. Only $5 for members, $10
for non-members.
Support Kits House today!
Please come to the office between 9 and
4.30pm Monday to Friday to buy your
calendar.
Contact: Allison at 604-736-3588
allison@kitshouse.org
Building Welcoming Communities Newsletter
Community News
Holiday Craft Fair
Dunbar Community Centre
Saturday, November 28
10am – 5pm
Get started on your holiday
shopping at the Dunbar Holiday
Craft Fair. With over 140 local
vendors, this craft fair is one of
the best in the city, featuring
handmade crafts ranging from
jewellery to woodwork.
Admission is $3, free for children
under 12. Childminding,
refreshments, and free children’s
crafts will be available
Consumer Information at Your
Finger Tips
Thursday, December 10
@ 2pm
Vancouver Public Library
Kitsilano Branch
2425 Macdonald St
Have you ever wondered how
much to sell your old car for? Or
what is the best refrigerator to
buy? Come to the library to learn
about databases and other on-
line resources that will aid your
decision-making.
Admission is free.
Contact: 604-665-3976
Breakfast With Santa
Kitislano Community Centre
Saturday, December 12
8:45am-9:30am, 9:45am-11am
Santa and his elves bring the spirit
of Christmas with a scrumptious
breakfast of pancakes with berries
and whipped cream, sausages,
juice, and coffee. Face painting
and a sing-a-long will be part of
this fun-filled morning. Join the
elves for fun crafts and activities,
and have your photo taken with
Santa in the lobby. Parent and tot
gym is free for all participants.
Register early as this event sells
out every year! No drop-in
registration available.
Admission: $5/per person
Contact: Michelle at
604-257-8607
michelle.stebnicki@vancouver.ca
th
2305 – 2325 West 7 Avenue, Vancouver BC V6K 1Y4 | T. 604.736.3588 F. 604.736.3640 | www.kitshouse.org
Newsletter 15 November 2009
What's New at Kits House
Community Potluck Youth Advisory Group
Wednesday, December 2 (Ideal for ages 13-18)
6pm – 8pm Youth Room,
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Kits Hall,
Contribute in your community, develop
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House your leadership skills, gain volunteer
Come together with your neighbours to hours, plan youth events, get creative,
discuss how we can create a welcoming and have fun!
and inclusive community for all on the The Youth Advisory Group is made up of
Westside. Bring a vegetarian dish to youth who are interested in sharing their
share, enjoy a casual atmosphere, and voice and making things happen in the
community, like youth events, programs,
get to know your neighbours. Everyone
activities, working with kids and seniors,
is welcome. Potlucks are held on the first and art projects.
Wednesday of every month. Contact: Chelsea at 604-736-3588
Contact: Jennifer Longson at youth@kitshouse.org
604-736-3588
jenn@kitshouse.org
Volunteer Spotlight:
Alex Bowie
When Alex Bowie speaks, his calm,
measured tones communicate his
considerate manner as much as his actual
words. Combined with his wide smile and
friendly eyes the message is clear: Here is
a person you can rely on.
So when Steeves Manor needed a volunteer
van driver, it is not surprising that they
leaped at the chance to have Alex take the
wheel. At Steeves Manor, a BC housing
complex, many residents have limited
mobility and must rely on others for
transportation. Alex has driven the
residents to flu clinics, grocery stores, and
other resources not easily accessible. “I like
to help out wherever I can,” he says.
In one instance, Alex drove a group of help at the Kits House Autumn Fair by
seniors to a TransLink meeting to discuss delivering tables, chairs, tents and even
transportation services for seniors. By making a coffee run or two. “He really went
attending the meeting in person, the seniors above and beyond,” notes Kits House
were able to directly express their needs, Volunteer Coordinator Emily Palmer.
frustrations and expectations. Alex was
pleased to be able to support them. “I felt Alex plans to continue to volunteer with Kits
that I helped to get their voices heard.” House and other community organizations.
He likes the community feel of Kits House.
Alex has supported the Steeves Manor Fruit “I grew up in a small town and Kits House
and Veggie deal by delivering fruit and reminds me of that small town. Here,
vegetables boxes. This program brings everyone is very friendly. Here, everyone
fresh fruit and vegetables to residents direct says ‘hi’.”
from wholesalers. The residents receive
good nutrition at reasonable prices. To learn more about different volunteer
roles or how you can get involved visit
In addition to all this, Alex was also a huge Kitshouse.org.