The New Westminster Homelessness Coalition would like to invite you to SAVE THE DATE for our 4th annual fundraising dinner on Thursday October 13th at the magnificently restored Columbia Theatre, Lafflines Comedy Club.
Our Coalition is an affiliation of more than 35 non-profit organizations, community, business and government representatives, committed to ending homelessness in New Westminster. Each year we raise public awareness of homelessness during a special week across BC called Homelessness Action Week (HAW: October 10-16, 2011).
We hope you’ll be our dinner guest on Thursday October 13th as Catherine Gretzinger of CBC radio hosts the evening, along with Bijan Nasiri Manesh as our thought provoking speaker on Harm Reduction.
Given that a portion of people who are homeless, also struggle with an addiction, Bijan will put forward Harm Reduction as a perspective designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with high risk activities. This approach can take many forms, yet the essence is to meet people “where they’re at”, addressing conditions of use along with the use itself, while being open to outcomes other than abstinence or cessation of use.
As an international specialist involved in helping create alternative models of treatment and support services, his philosophy is that a place to call home is the first step in recovery. Bijan will share with us ideas on how to strengthen the already available efforts and projects in New Westminster.
Some key ways to get involved during this year’s HAW:
- Attend our Fundraising Dinner on Thursday October 13th
Lafflines Comedy Club, 6:00pm, 26-4th St. New Westminster, BC
Dinner Tickets $75; Contact: Lydia at 604-526-2522 - Donate a silent auction item or raffle basket for raising funds at the Dinner; Contact: Linda at 604-775-2101
- Become a Fundraising Dinner Sponsor; Contact: Lorrie at 604-521-1888
All proceeds from this year’s dinner will stay in New Westminster to help end homelessness. In union there is strength, please join us in strengthening our community.