7 Grand: Ideas + Inspiration

Ideas + Inspiration

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The “1000 X 5” Children’s Book Recycling Project

Families at most elementary schools in Victoria, Saanich, and Sooke School districts and seven independent schools can donate gently used picture books for babies and preschoolers. Retired teachers and administrators donate time to sort, label, and gift bag those books. The gift bags are delivered to Strong Start Centres and community agencies where families can take home three quality books for each child. For information or to make a charitable donation, visit 1000x5.ca.

A Grandparent’s Q&A

Questions for My Grandmother/Grandfather (Insight Editions) poses 150 engaging questions—some silly, some serious, all genuine—to encourage grandkids of all ages to approach conversations with their grandparent in a fresh new way. Questions are inclusive and meant to appeal to a wide range of grandparents and grandkids and come in an illustrated box set that includes a blank notebook for jotting down notes, memories, and new questions to ask. simonandschuster.ca

Learn Something New

Learn about writing, cooking, wellness, sports, business, relationships and more, with each topic taught by an expert. Through programs like Masterclass and Skillshare, you can access thousands of classes about topics ranging from Animation to Wilderness Survival—and everything in between. Both platforms offer per class options along with unlimited access based on membership. For more information, visit masterclass.com or skillshare.com.

ACTIVE Aging, Not Anti-aging

Active Aging Canada strives to promote a society where all adult and older adult Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being and independence, a lifestyle that embraces physical activity and an active living philosophy with the end goal of healthy active aging. For resources and active living tips, visit activeagingcanada.ca.

Summer Farmers’ Markets

With summer just around the corner, it’s not too early to start thinking about Farmers’ Markets. Make a day of it with your grandkids; stock up on picnic ingredients and hit the park or beach. There are markets from one end of the Island to the other, featuring locally grown produce, handmade products, live music and family-friendly activities. For a list, visit bcfarmsandfood.com.

Creative Communities

Every community has its own unique cultural footprint. Art-BC Creative Communities present events, artists and destinations that will help you discover the best of BC’s Arts and Culture. From Alert Bay to Zeballos—and many more locations—on Vancouver Island, and from Abbotsford to Williams Lake in the Lower Mainland and beyond, BC’s Guide to Arts & Culture will keep you busy throughout the year. To order a guide, visit art-bc.com.

The Wellness App

Make your own health and wellness plan with The Fountain of Health’s Wellness App. The Wellness App helps you to set and meet small, doable goals in areas that can promote well-being and improve health. Areas include: physical activity, social activity, brain challenge, positive thinking and mental health. The Wellness App is available for free and usable on any device— computer, laptop, iPhone, iPad or Android device. fountainofhealth.ca