Richmond News December 1 2022

“It’s about to blow up in our faces,” is how outreach worker Hugh Freiberg put it “It” being the horrendous conditions in which some people live, not in another part of the world, or even Vancouver’s Down town East Side, but right here in this afflu ent city of Richmond

Horrendous conditions include spending the night under a pile of blankets with noth ing but an old golf umbrella to protect you from snowfall and icy winds

Our story (Page 13) was prompted by research carried out in Richmond by the Union Gospel Mission and presented to city council on Monday

The report outlines the supports currently available to people in poverty. It recogniz es the angels among us who trudge out in the middle of the night to bring a hot meal to some of those living rough However, it also highlights the gaping holes in our so

cial safety net and points to an untenable reliance on donations and volunteers

This brings us to the question of charity

Right now, we ’ re in the throes of charity season. Everyone, including us, are ham mering hard the charity/donation mes sage Two weeks ago we had on our front page a story about the Christmas Fund Toy Drive, last week we wrote about a blanket drive, in this week’s paper we have a story about a toy fund for BC Children’s And if you logged into your email on Tuesday, you would have been inundated with “Giv ing Tuesday” requests

While it can be overwhelming, the need is real, people are truly suffering.

According to Freiberg, the number of peo ple he sees living under umbrellas, behind garbage bags and in vehicles in Richmond far exceeds what he saw pre pandemic.

Meanwhile, a long time organizer with the Richmond Christmas Fund’s Toy Drive said never in his 16 years with the organi zation has he seen so many people lined

ignition switch

up, in hopes of putting a couple of donated presents under the tree for their kids

But while the drives are on and the need is real, there lurks the question of stainability As the Union Gospel report shows, far too much is being asked of too few volunteers and faith based organizations If we truly want to tackle poverty, we have to look at systemic problems, income disparity and the need for the government to take more ownership

In next week’s paper, we will look in more depth at the report’s proposed solutions, but, spoiler alert, they won’t include asking caring citizens to give more

The debate between charity and gov ernment services is nothing new but often comes up regarding food banks While some see food banks as an example of active, caring citizenship, others say they have eroded support for state programs Canada’s first food bank opened in Ed monton in 1981 as a stop gap solution to an economic crisis in that city, resulting from massive layoffs in the energy sector

Currently, the oil and gas sector earn tens of billions of dollars per quarter, but the need for food banks has hardly abated

In fact, far from being a stopgap, food banks across the country have become vi tal institutions They no longer supplement our welfare system, in many cases, they are the welfare system

We need to take a hard look at why that’s the case and whose interests that serves

Next week, the Christmas Fund will hold its largest fundraiser of the year at the Porsche Centre, where those with the means will generously bid on items that have been generously donated

This is all good Thousands of dollars will be raised to help make the season a little brighter for many in this community

But while we ’ re there (and I do plan to be there) we ought to consider the systems in place that create such income disparity and the desperate need for charity in the first place If we don’t, as Freiberg says, it may well “blow up in our faces.”

Eve Edmonds

Work to be done on reconciliation LETTERS

Open letter to the Richmond Mayor and City Council,

Dear Editor,

Last week I emailed the City of Richmond with concerns pertaining to the new bridge built over the canal in South Arm park, ad jacent to the tennis courts and McRoberts secondary

Although the new bridge was an excellent and sturdy addition, it lacked proper treading to keep walkers/runners/bikers from slipping on icy mornings when the trees block any sunshine from reaching the bridge.

A week later, I was out for my morning walk and noticed the parks department had added extra treading which means park users can now safely cross the bridge without fear of injury. I wanted to pass along a thank you to the city parks department and appreciated their timely response in dealing with the issue.

Gina Quee RICHMOND

I am a Grade 11 student from Hugh Boyd secondary and a passionate advo cate for the implementation of a truth and reconciliation policy in Richmond

I was scheduled to speak to Richmond City Council this week, as part of the re cent petition and campaign to develop a municipal policy that could close the gap between Richmond and cities like Vancouver, which currently conduct land acknowledgments before meetings, host city run events on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and are taking steps to incorporate the 94 calls to action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

While I was pleased to see Coun Mi chael Wolfe’s truth and reconciliation motion pass during last Monday’s com mittee meeting, I believe there is still a lot of work to be done

The motion has been added to a pre vious truth and reconciliation referral from June 2021, which has not been ad dressed in more than a year

I hope we will see quicker progress on this motion, as the city’s actions or inac tions send a symbolic message

It is one that Richmond youth have heard loud and clear from their schools who have made truth and reconciliation a priority

Earlier this year, for example, our class built a temporary museum that acknowl edged the historical injustice of residen tial schools and highlighted the strength and resiliency of the local Musqueam community

Every student in our school was able to walk through the museum to educate themselves, and to pause and reflect on how they could work toward reconcilia tion

Similar lessons, projects and events are provided to students across the district

So, as you wait for city staff to review the recently passed motion, residents could be provided with opportunities this coming year to explore truth and reconciliation through annual city hosted events on days such as Sept 30 or June

Thanks to parks staff for quick response Register for the 2022 Richmond Christmas Fund

About the Christmas Fund

The Richmond Christmas Fund is a non-religious, non-discriminatory program operated by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives. We assist individuals and families living in Richmond, BC, who are facing financial hardship and cannot afford a holiday celebration

What You’ll Receive

Eligible residents will receive a selection of

This year, the Christmas Fund is returning to same-day registration and distribution To access support, you must come and apply in person on a designated registration day If you qualify for assistance, you’ll receive your allotment of items on the same day you register Registration will be held at the Richmond Caring Place, located at 7000 Minoru Boulevard, on the following days:

21, National Indigenous Peoples Day

These actions would demonstrate today that the city cares about history and rec onciliation, wants to raise the awareness of its citizens and values improving rela tions with local Indigenous groups

National Day for Truth and Reconcilia tion should not be experienced as a day off in our city, but rather, as a day for Richmond residents to honour survivors and their families

I believe the city has a vital role to play in shaping the experiences of Richmond citizens on Sept 30, as properly honour ing this day and potentially others

Other municipalities across the province and country have already taken mean ingful steps

Richmond could and should readily take similar initiatives, as it is a critical gesture and sign of allyship with our local Indig enous communities and an important step in affirming the tragic events of our na tion’s past

Jasmine Dulay RICHMOND

Tenant beats eviction $115 average tax increase

Valerie Leung VLEUNG@RICHMOND NEWS COM

A Richmond tenant will not have to move out despite not paying their utilities as stipu lated in their lease agreement.

The landlord of the residence tried to evict the tenant after six utility payments were not made and applied to the BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) to receive compensation for the unpaid utilities as well as the application fee

However, the RTB declared the application void due to unclear instructions for util ity payments on the tenancy agreement

“I find that the tenancy agree ment states that the utilities are the tenant’s responsibility but does not indicate whether the tenant is to put the utilities in

their own name or pay the utilities to the landlord,” reads the RTB decision

The name of the tenant and the address in question has not been made public by the RTB

The landlord sent a letter dat ed March 18 asking the ten ant to pay $2,997 60 worth of unpaid utility bills, but doc umentation of the letter shows it was not sent until April 18

A 10 day eviction notice was then sent to the tenant on May 25 stating if the utility bill was not paid, the tenant would have to move out by June 5.

According to the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord can treat “unpaid utilities as un paid rent” followed by a 10 day notice

However, this is only the case if the tenancy agreement requires the tenant to “ pay

utility charges to the landlord” and if the charges are “not paid for more than 30 days” after the tenant is notified by a written letter from the land lord

While it was clear that the tenant was supposed to pay the utility bill, the lease did not “specifically require the utilities to be paid to the land lord ”

In its ruling, the RTB stated the landlord cannot end the tenancy and the application was rejected However, the landlord can reapply for the tenant to pay them back for the utility charges but only if the application excludes a re quest for eviction

Under the Residential Ten ancy Act, the tenant is entitled to stay until the contract ends and the landlord will also not be able to get their filing fee back.

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND NEWS COM

The city’s operating budget could increase by 5 88 per cent in 2023, which would work out to an average property tax increase of $115 per household

This is a two per cent higher in crease than in 2022, when property taxes went up 3 86 per cent

Richmond city council will look at its 2023 budget and proposed proper ty tax increases at its Dec 5 finance committee meeting

The 5 88 per cent increase would mean the city’s budget would rise by about $15 8 million, bringing the total 2023 operating budget to $385 6 million

At Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Malcolm Brodie cautioned it would be a “ very tough” budget

One of the big drivers of the in crease is the contract for the recently

unionized RCMP RCMP costs are ex pected to go up more than seven per cent in 2023, about $3.7 million.

Cycling path extension

A three metre wide cycling and pedestrian path is planned for Ste veston Highway between Railway Avenue and No 2 Road to the tune of $5 7 million

Funding this pathway is just one capital project proposed in the 2023 budget

This is one section of a cycling/pe destrian pathway which will eventu ally go all the way from Shell Road to Railway Avenue on the south side of Steveston Highway

The city has applied for a $2 85 million grant from TransLink to help pay for this section

Some other capital items proposed in the budget are improvements to the curling club, a new fire truck, ren ovations to Fire Hall #7, renovations to Thompson Community Centre and 34 new trees in City Centre

Maria Rantanen MRANTANEN@RICHMOND NEWS COM

Brothels, bars and gambling dens were once prolific in Steveston, keeping the com munity vibrant

But now Steveston “rolls up the sidewalk at 9 o ’clock,” according to a local devel oper who advocates for more housing in Steveston Village to revitalize the area, es pecially in the off peak months

Dana Westermark was speaking to city council Monday as they deliberated wheth er to allow three or four storey residential buildings on a strip of waterfront property on the south side of Bayview Street.

In addition to a vibrant nightlife making it a “happening place,” Westermark noted there used to be 27 canneries that “domi nated” the Steveston waterfront.

“To suggest down scaling those buildings to two storey buildings is completely con trary to the historical context,” he told city council.

Former city councillor Linda Barnes, also arguing for residential in this area, said she’d been told by the Steveston Business Association 11 businesses were for sale in the village, emphasizing the need for more residential development to support them

But Mayor Malcolm Brodie pointed out homes have been added to Steveston Vil lage, from No 1 Road to the Britannia Shipyards, and the same complaint from

merchants is still heard about businesses struggling to make a go of it.

“There are hundreds of residences that were put in as part of the BC Packers proj ect, and yet the same complaint was made before that as after that during the win ter months, the merchants need more sup port,” Brodie said

All councillors agreed to reduce the height of buildings on the strip to nine me tres However, three councillors, Alexa Loo, Andy Hobbs and Chak Au, voted to allow residential use on the south side of Bayview Street, between the Blue Canoe and the Cove restaurants

This was defeated by the majority of city council, which sparked a veiled accusation of racism from Coun Loo who said this

wasn’t the first time she’s seen an Asian ap plicant treated this way

The city councillor was referring to a pro posal to build 22 condos on the water side of Bayview

Loo said this is the second time while on council she’s seen an Asian buyer encour aged to buy a property, be told it was zoned for their “dream project,” but then council “yanked the rug out from under them, then denied the application and then downgraded the property.”

Hobbs argued having residential above commercial is “ an effective way to revital ize an area ” but noted council should sepa rate current applications from their discus sion on a policy for an area

Reversal on hub model leaves some kids behind

Vikki Hui

VHUI@RICHMOND NEWS COM

While many celebrated the province’s announcement on Friday to keep individu alized autism funding and pause the intro duction of hubs serving all special needs children, others are disappointed

“David Eby is the Grinch who basically stole my Christmas He stole the ability that I saw of getting help,” said Kutrina Shu muk, a mother to twins with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

Shumuk, along with other families with FASD, has been struggling to get much needed services such as therapy, speech and language pathology and respite, often having to pay for them out of pocket

An FASD diagnosis often precludes chil dren from service programs in B C commu nities which require an autism diagnosis, explained Bonnie McBride, president of

And FASD families face additional stigma and discrimination, said McBride, as “In digenous moms and moms who come from poverty are questioned about whether or not they drink during their pregnancy, and white affluent mothers are not ”

The lack of support has forced Shumuk to make the “hard choice” to give up custody of her son to her ex husband

“Because my son ’ s needs are so great that I can’t do it without supportive services,” she said, adding the experience of being separated has been “traumatic” for her children

The province’s earlier decision to intro duce 40 one stop shop hubs to support chil dren with various special needs and treat those yet to be diagnosed was opposed by 34 autism related organizations, who wor ried the new system was too “generalized”

and lacked clarity They applauded the an nouncement to reverse it McBride, however, said the hub system was “ a huge step in the right direction” for underserved communities such as those with FASD as there were no services to be gin with Shumuk added that the hub system had given her hope that services she had wait ed “for years ” for were within her grasp And Eby’s announcement took it away “Things would be so much different (if I had support) I wouldn’t have to be on wel fare, I’d be able to hold down a full time job I’d be able to have my kids in the local community school,” she said, adding she faced animosity from some in the au tism community for speaking up against the changes

McBride, whose organization has been working with the province to make support more inclusive, said the main challenge pre

venting stakeholders from working together is the current diagnosis based system

“It’s easy for people to feel protective of the service providers and firms that are working for them,” she said, but added organizations such as AutismBC have com mitted to making sure the province’s model is inclusive

Eby also announced the government would develop a new system of support and promised investments to support chil dren with disabilities and underserved needs, such as FASD, but no details were provided

McBride said it was a “disappointment” Eby’s announcement came with “ no time lines and no tangible budget” to inform families of what to expect in the next six to 12 months

“The only acceptable path forward is complete equity for every child in B.C. with a disability that needs support,” she said

Inspire Kids, which advocates for children with FASD

Superintendent set to retire

After four years at the helm, Richmond School District superintendent Scott Robinson will retire Robinson became superin tendent after serving in the deputy position for about a year

He had previously been superintendent of the Van couver School District dur ing a controversial time when the then board defied the province and refused to pass a balanced budget

Robinson

Robinson was hired in Rich mond about a year later

Referring to the COVID 19 pandemic, board chair Debbie Tablotney said in

on online announcement Robinson led the school dis trict through “ a very difficult time, while adapting to the many challenges faced in ensuring ongoing learning for students ”

“The Board of Education and I myself will miss his kind, respectful and under standing approach to ev ery aspect of his role,” she added

Maria Rantanen/ Richmond News

Judge orders treatment

Hui VHUI@RICHMOND NEWS COM

A Richmond man has been sentenced to 13 months in custody, to be served in a treatment centre, and one year probation after committing various offences while “in the throes of addiction ”

Joshua Lai Sun Shu, 29, pleaded guilty to six out of seven charges, which happened on three separate occasions from 2021 to 2022 Shu was charged with choking and hitting his then partner on several occa sions in 2021 and subsequently contacting her despite a strict no contact order

He was also charged for stealing a license plate and for breaking into an impound lot to fetch his wallet from his impounded car

The last set of charges stem from May 2022, when his neighbours called the po lice after hearing him yelling and causing a disturbance at a Richmond home When police arrived, Shu became increasingly aggressive and confrontational Police then tasered him, after trying to negotiate for an “extended period of time ”

Shu was put in a police car, where he

then kicked out a side window He was also filmed uttering remarks to police that Richmond Provincial Court Judge Bonnie Craig described as “disgraceful” and “sim ply inexcusable ”

Shu is currently enrolled in a two year treatment program His lawyer Chris John son told the court, as a child, Shu raised himself “to some extent ” His parents sepa rated when he was young, and his mother also had addiction issues Shu started abus ing drugs in his teens He committed the of fences while “in the throes of addiction” to methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl

Johnson said Shu has tried to get sober and seemed now to be “doing very well ” Craig said the key principles for Shu’s sentence are denunciation and deterrence for violence against intimate partners, as well as rehabilitation for Shu

“Drug abuse and addiction is a very dif ficult disease to conquer, ” she said, adding while some people do relapse, it doesn’t mean Shu won’t conquer it “at some point ”

“I have some hope for you, sir,” said Craig

Search Treatment for full story at Richmond-News.com

Scott

Vikki

Beautiful Smiles Created by the Artisans at Esthetics Denture Studio

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What is the Tridemic alert?

Tridemic alert refers to flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. These are all highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses flu by influenza virus, COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by respiratory syncytial virus. It is possible for a person to be infected with multiple viruses at the same time.

RSV can infect anyone but is the most dangerous in infants and the elderly The symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. Most adults and older children experience mild symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, fever or cough and recover in 1 to 2 weeks. But in infants and elderly, RSV symptoms tend to be more severe including shortness of breath and wheezing Severe RSV infections can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia and may require hospitalization.

The best protection we have against viruses is to get vaccinated as treatments such as antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Vaccines work by helping our body produce antibodies that fight off the viral infection. Thus, it is important to protect yourself against the flu and COVID-19 by vaccination to minimize risk of co-infections. Although there is no vaccine for RSV engaging in proper hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks can reduce getting infected and prevent spread of infections. Since the symptoms for these infections are similar, the best way to accurately determine whether you have flu, COVID-19, or RSV is to get tested.

At-home Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test kits are available from pharmacies at no charge or reaching out to your doctor for laboratory testing if needed.

I received in the mail a flyer from a company coming to buy coins and gold. How do their prices compare to yours?

Another gentleman took silver dollars to them and then came to us We paid him 300% more than they offered My firm belief is that you could take your coins or gold to any reputable in the country and get more than these people offer I believe that we could serve you better and offer more than they can

What is involved with a chiropractic visit and what are the costs?

The first visit fee for a chiropractic visit is $80 and involves taking a complete history and consultation, postural assessment, spinal computerized scan called a surface electromyograph, a range of motion assessment and palpation of all spinal joints.

A chiropractor is looking for any spinal misalignments, which are called subluxations. When the spine rotates out of position it puts pressure on the delicate nerves that exit from the spinal column. This pressure on the nerves is what causes unwanted health problems such as back pain, headaches, digestion trouble, numbness and tingling, leg pain etc. Once the chiropractor determines if a patient has subluxations, they can begin treatment. An adjustment consists of re-aligning the spine by a gentle technique that removes the pressure on the spinal nerves and allows the body to heal itself. The subsequent visits are $55 for an adult and $45 for children under 18 Please call our office today to book your initial visit.

Dr. Bonnie Chuter www.chirofamily.ca

Dr. Dana Koren

‘It’s about to blow up ’ : Outreach worker

2-part story features the challenges in getting food to homeless people

Alan Campbell ACAMPBELL@RICHMOND NEWS COM

It’s 10 a.m. and the mercury has yet to rise above 2 Celsius in Richmond

As we drive around the back streets of the city’s north end, one wonders what the temperature was like before sunrise for the people we see cowered into corners of vacant buildings and in the crevices under the Oak and Knight street bridges

What was it like a few hours ago for the man under a pile of blankets of various material, sheltered only from the Arctic blast by an old golf umbrella?

Or the man sleeping behind a makeshift, eight foot high wall of filled, black garbage bags?

And then there’s the 30 strong caravan of RVs on Vul can Way, most in a state of disrepair, some mobile, al though some clearly haven’t shifted an inch for a very long time

Most of them boast all manner of home made contrap tions, designed to convince the chilling breeze whip ping off the nearby Fraser River to divert away from their “home ”

Our driver, Hugh Freiberg, knows most of the locals, many of them pensioners, bringing them a hot meal, amongst other vital items, six nights a week Freiberg an after hours outreach worker said he’s never seen it so bad in the 10 years he’s been seeking out those who need help on the streets of Richmond, not ing that the RV train wasn’t there prior to the pandemic “I’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in homelessness and opiate overdoses,” and delivered “twice as many meals since pre Covid,” said Freiberg, who works with the Salvation Army, with the support of the Richmond Food Aid Delivery Coalition

“The situation is really bad right now and is getting worse by the month It’s about to blow up in our faces ” Report: Too much reliance on faith community Freiberg’s stark assessment jives with a report com piled by the local Union Gospel Mission presented to Richmond city council this week by members of the

aforementioned food aid delivery coalition

At that presentation Monday evening, which Freiberg attended, council members were told of the gravity of the situation on the front line of homelessness in Rich mond

The 20 page report was titled “One to Ten Minutes to Connect,” pointing to the notion that outreach workers, such as Freiberg, have that time window to connect with a person living on the street, assess their needs and gain a modicum of trust that might just save their lives

Billed as an “inventory of outreach services” in the city, the report paid homage to the many voluntary arms of Richmond’s faith community, which scrimps and scrapes to provide the life support of more than 16,000 meals a year for Freiberg to deliver in the dead of night But it also highlights the fact that there’s way too much reliance on Richmond’s patchwork of faith based vol unteers to be the vital cog in the wheel of support for people living on the street

“What happens when the (professional) support closes at 4:30 p m ?” asked Freiberg, noting that most of the services in place operate on regular office hours

“Who’s supposed to take care of all these people? We got a lot of Band Aid solutions here

“Yes, there is a temporary shelter and there are the 80 mods (temporary modular homes), but there are still so many people out there who either can’t get into a shelter to get help or don’t want to leave their tent or little camp because they are scared

“Whatever agency I’m directing these people to, that (agency) has gone home for the night or for the week end

“I’m dealing with all this stuff after hours and it gets ugly I’ve seen it I’m in the middle of it

“It’s all happening after hours The support is not there ”

“The Downtown East Side is coming to Richmond, if it’s not here already They just say Richmond’s streets are a safer place to live than Vancouver ”

Homelessness not a Monday to Friday issue

As well as taking a hot meal to those not able or willing to venture into civilization, Freiberg tries to direct them to the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter and/or other services such as MSDPR (welfare), Turning Point, Chimo, St Albans Advocacy and more

“You have me, as an after hours outreach worker, con nected to the Salvation Army, pumping out all these meals and supplies (underwear, gloves, coats, etc ) while I can, ” said Freiberg

“I’m making these connections The problem is still the same and it has never changed in all the years I’ve been doing this the support operates (in office hours) ”

Longest registration line ever for the Richmond Christmas Fund

Leung VLEUNG@RICHMOND NEWS COM

The need for help during the winter holi days is greater than ever this year

Registration for the Richmond Christ mas Fund on the first day saw a lineup “larger” than previous years, according to Wayne Duzita, chairperson for Rich mond Christmas Fund’s Not So Silent Night event

“There’s no doubt that this year we ’ re

going to have a record number of peo ple looking for help and support,” said Duzita

“This year, the lineup was larger and had more people than we ’ ve had at any other time on the first day.”

The annual Richmond Christmas Fund program, operated by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, help underprivileged families celebrate the winter holidays

Duzita told the Richmond News that some people he spoke to were in line as early as 4 a m on Saturday, Nov 19,

when registration for the program began “People who I talked to, they were hap py that someone cares and seeing that it makes all of us, who contribute to help them, feel some warmth from within,” he said

“It’s always nice to really see and talk to some of the people that you ’ re help ing Quite often you don’t get a chance to do that You just donate money and never kind of see where it goes or what it does ”

Duzita described himself as a “tradition

al Christmas guy ” and said he always celebrates the holiday with his family, and he made it his and the Christmas Fund army ’ s goal to help others to do so as well

“We have a strong community that steps up during times of need in Richmond, and those in line are families and neigh bours who just need a little hand during the winter holidays

“We’re doing enough this year and we’ll be able to help support the addi tional people who are coming for help ”

An outreach worker (above, right) helps a pair of homeless people who some times live under the Oak Street Bridge Right, a caravan of RVs, in various states of disre pair, line a large section of Vulcan Way for most of the day and night

Valerie

Richmond Christmas Fund Angel Donor Spotlight

TD Bank Group

For 90 years, the Richmond Christmas Fund has helped brighten the holidays for our neighbours in need In all that time, one thing has remained constant: support from our community The Christmas Fund exists thanks to the dedication and generosity of countless volunteers and donors, to whom we offer our heartfelt gratitude. This year, once again, our Angel Donors are leading the way. These caring companies and kind-hearted organizations have each given $10,000 or more, for the simple reason that, like us, they want everyone to share in the holiday spirit

TD Bank Group first began supporting the Christmas Fund in 2016, when a team of TD employees went on a shopping spree at Toys ‘R’ Us, collecting hundreds of donations From there, TD has grown to become one of our most dedicated and generous partners. That includes making an annual $10,000 donation, and providing significant volunteer support at Christmas Fund events, like this year ’ s A Not So Silent Night Gala & Auction, on December 7. When TD gets involved, we know they’ll go above and beyond for the Christmas Fund and for their community

Media Partner

Richmond Christmas Fund Angel Donor Spotlight

Help make the Richmond Christmas Fund’s 90th holiday season the most magical yet! Donate online at rcrg.org/Donate

Intelli Group

For 90 years, the Richmond Christmas Fund has helped brighten the holidays for our neighbours in need. In all that time, one thing has remained constant: support from our community The Christmas Fund exists thanks to the dedication and generosity of countless volunteers and donors, to whom we offer our heartfelt gratitude. This year, once again, our Angel Donors are leading the way These caring companies and kind-hearted organizations have each given $10,000 or more, for the simple reason that, like us, they want everyone to share in the holiday spirit.

Paul Tam, founder of Intelli Group, is the Christmas Fund’s newest Angel Donor, and his $10,000 gift comes at a critical time. This year, Christmas Fund registration began on November 19, and we’ve already served over 1,500 residents. The need, however, is still great. We’ll be open again on December 3 and December 10, distributing grocery vouchers, toys, and gift cards to community members who can’t afford a holiday celebration. Donors like Paul Tam help ensure that the Christmas Fund is there when families need it most. His generosity reflects the giving spirit at the heart of the program.

Media Partner

AIDS now as ‘manageable as diabetes’

Shaina Garces THE RICHMOND NEWS

In the past 10 years, treatment for AIDS has become so effective that there is no lon ger any risk of transmitting it to others when taking proper medication

John Cameron, a Richmond AIDS activ ist, says AIDS is now “ as manageable as diabetes ”

Treatment for AIDS has evolved to being “undetectable = untransmittable,” or “ u = u, ” meaning the virus cannot be passed through sex when those living with HIV/ AIDS take their medication as prescribed

In the 1990s, early treatment for AIDS with pills such as AZT were not as effective

“The first drugs were really harmful but they kept us alive,” Cameron explains

When Cameron became the first person in Richmond to come out publicly as gay and having AIDS in 1994, he initially took AZT to treat the virus, which has left him

with no feeling in his feet due to severe neuropathy

The 75 year old activist said he feels lucky for the advancements in AIDS medicine that keeps him alive, but the stigma surrounding AIDS persists Cameron believes this can be combated by working together to raise

Christmas Dog Parade coming to Steveston Village

Everyone is getting a taste of the holidays this year in Steveston, even those with four legs

As part of Steveston’s Winter in the Village event series, there is now going to be a Holiday Dog Pa rade

Going Sunday, Dec 11 at 11 a m , the parade calls for dogs and their owners to get festive with their outfits and head down to the Phoenix Pond

bridge

The parade will then make its way to the near by Starbucks on No 1 Road at Bayview Street

There will be prizes on offer, courtesy of Bosleys

The same day sees the second weekend of car riage rides around the vil lage

From 1 p m to 5 p m on Dec 4 and 11, the carriage will depart from

Bayview Street at No 1 Road, with a $10 sug gested donation going to the Richmond Christmas Fund

Also on Sunday, Dec 4 is the Christmas Classic Car Cruise through the vil lage, with local, vintage car enthusiasts decorating for the occasion.

The cars will display from 12:30 p m until 2 p m at Steveston Hotel parking lot, with donations, includ ing unwrapped toys, also being collected for the Richmond Christmas Fund

Alan Campbell Richmond News

awareness about “ u = u ”

“One thing I’ve learned is that you need a group of people to make change I’m the guy that kicks the door open, ” Cameron said

Cameron has devoted the past 40 years to raising awareness about AIDS Since the pandemic, testing and treatment for AIDS has been reduced due to the focus shifting to prevent the spread of COVID 19, said Cameron

The Public Health Agency of Canada re ported 71 per cent of the new 1,639 HIV cases in 2020 were males More than half of these males were exposed to AIDS from male to male sexual contact, 21 per cent from heterosexual contact and 12 per cent from injection drug use

Of the 28 per cent of female 2020 HIV cases, 65 per cent were exposed to AIDS from heterosexual contact and 32 per cent from injection drug use

In 1989, Cameron oversaw one of the first branches of needle exchange pro grams in Vancouver, in hopes of preventing

the spread of AIDS through drug injection

Cameron still spends his time doing work for individuals with AIDS, Indigenous men ’ s health groups and AIDS Vancouver

This year will be the first national Indig enous AIDS Awareness Week from Dec 1 to Dec 7 The campaign aims to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS in Indigenous communities, while also providing educa tion and prevention programs

The United Nations initiative, UNAIDS, announced its theme for World AIDS day (Dec 1) this year is “Equalize ” This theme calls attention to the ways inequalities can impact progress in ending AIDS

Only one third of people in vulnerable populations have access to regular AIDS prevention, according to UNAIDS These populations include gay men, transgender people, drug users, sex workers and pris oners

The global organization is working to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as a part of the UN’s Sustainable Develop ment Goals

Richmond toy, tablet fundraiser for hospital

A Richmond worker and his friend are hosting their third annual fundraiser col lecting toys and tablets to benefit kids at BC Children’s Hospital

Landon Brown, 20, and Jonathan “Bear” Yeung, 12, started the fundraiser in 2020 to help kids feel less isolated at the hospital during the COVID 19 pan demic and keep them connected with their families and friends

Two toy and tablet drives for new, un opened items are being held on Satur day, Dec 3 in Vancouver and Richmond Brown and Yeung are requesting dona tions to be new and unopened Toy guns and military related or projectile toys will be not be accepted

The fundraiser in Vancouver will be held at Porsche Centre Vancouver from 9:30 a m to 12 p m and the Richmond

fundraiser will be at The Trove Club from 12 to 3 p m on the same day

“BC Children’s Hospital treats the sick est kids in our province and their treat ments are often long and very painful,” said Yeung in an email to the Richmond News

“Landon and I want to help the super awesome kids who are bravely fighting serious sicknesses and horrible diseas es ”

The toys are a way to “cheer up ” the kids and smartphones and tablets can keep them entertained, and connected to family and friends, according to Yeung

Community members can also drop off donations between now and Dec 3 at Mercedes Benz Richmond

Valerie Leung/Richmond News

John Cameron talks about the progress made in treating AIDS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

BUSINESSEXCELLENCEAWARDS

Year Green Business of the Year Young Entrepreneur and New Business of the Year

Richmond Youth Soccer Association

On Thursday night Marius Roevde, executive director of Richmond FC, accepted the Association of the Year award on behalf of the Richmond Youth Soccer Asso ciation As the oldest and largest youth sports program in Richmond, B.C., Richmond FC strives to create the optimal environment to lead the advancement of soccer development while nurturing a lifelong love and appre ciation for the sport Richmond FC actively participates in community outreach, offers lower registration fees and gives back to those less fortunate

With the support of their knowledgeable and experienced staff, Richmond FC delivers hundreds of volunteer hours for: free Indigenous soccer academies, donation distribution with the Richmond Food Bank, and delivering the COHO Commissary free soccer academy, which includes free uniforms and food for low-income and refugee families.

Novex Delivery Solutions

Novex has been helping Lower Mainland businesses and consumers with their delivery needs for more than 40 years.

Throughout the years, Novex has grown to become one of the largest same-day couriers in the region with more than 100 couriers completing 1,700+ de liveries per day

Novex’s triple bottom line includes social, economic and environmental targets making them the first courier of their kind to take their commitment to the earth, the people and the communities. They have more hybrids/electric vehicles than any other local same-day courier, are B Corp certified, are carbon neutral, and are on the road to becoming a zeroemission company by 2030.

Collective Beauty Studio (Young Entrepreneur) Versante Hotel (New Business)

Collective Beauty Studio, founded in 2020 by Brittany Tims and Loni Yee, has grown rapidly through difficult years. Tims and Yee have taken their decades of experi ence in the industry and applied it to their own business which they have grown from four to 15 employees in just three years The two thanked the Richmond community and Steveston Village for supporting their business

Versante Hotel, which opened its doors in 2021, has al ready made a name for itself as Richmond’s luxury bou tique hotel Linda Ching, who accepted the award on be half of Versante, credited the hotel’s rapid success to the excellent staff team

Both businesses are dedicated to finer things in life, pam pering their clients and helping Richmondites indulge in the little luxuries

Marius Roevde accepts the award for Richmond Youth Soccer As sociation

Brett Surgenor ac cepts the award for Novex Deliv ery Solutions

Loni Yee (left) and Brittany Tims ac cept the award for Collective Beauty Studio

BUSINESSEXCELLENCEAWARDS

Terra Nova Medical

Terra Nova Medical Centre, led by medical director Dr Julie Wilson, is a multidisciplinary medical clinic that provides high-quality management, space and materials to doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners in Richmond, B.C. Terra Nova’s unique business model has allowed them to employ 19 regularly working health practitioners, which makes them the largest clinic in the city

They focus on employee and client health and satisfaction and believe that “we should be the change that we want to see.” They provide their employees with medical and dental benefits, unlimited leave and sick days, maternity and paternity leave topped up to 100 per cent of salary, frequent raises, free food and lunches, and requests for employee feedback several times weekly

Ideon Technologies

A world pioneer in the application of cosmic-ray muon tomography and a spin-off of TRIUMF (Canada’s national particle accelerator laboratory), Ideon has developed a discovery platform that integrates propri etary detectors, imaging systems, inversion technologies and artificial intelligence techniques to provide Xray-like visibility underground. It uses the energy from supernova explosions in space to image down to one kilometre beneath the Earth’s surface in 3D

This helps geologists identify mineral and metal de posits with precision and confidence, reducing risk and cost, saving time, and minimizing the environmental impact of exploration In turn, this is helping accelerate the world’s transition to low-impact mining and transform how companies find the critical miner als required to power the global shift to clean energy

Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd.

Founded in 1980, Coke Canada Bottling is an independent family-owned business, with a daily mission to deliver optimism and create a better future for employees, customers, consumers and communities. Under the leadership of Justin Emerson, as the Lower Mainland’s local bottler, Coke Canada makes, distributes, merchandises and sells the most loved beverages Canadians, and those in the Richmond area, enjoy Coke Canada in Richmond gives back to the community by collaborating with various local non-profits, many hospitals and food banks.

As a leader in the food and beverage industry, Coke Canada is determined to make a positive difference in its local community and responsibly manage its footprint while building a multi-generational business that is focused on the future.

Outstanding workplace of the Year Innovative Enterprise of the Year

Greg Agnew accepts the award for Ideon Technologies

Dr. Julie Wilson accepts the award for Terra Nova Medical Centre

Justin Emerson accepts the award for Coca Cola Bottling Ltd

Business Leadership of the Year

BUSINESSEXCELLENCEAWARDS

True Conditioning

On Thursday night, Sophie Manfredi accepted the award for Small Business of the Year With just six fulltime employees, True Conditioning is Richmond’s Premier TRX Group Fitness and Personal Training Studio. In addition to fitness training, they offer nutrition coach ing, physiotherapy and massage therapy under one roof to meet all your health and rehabilitative needs so you can continue to perform and feel your best.

True conditioning, established in 2014, is more than just a gym, they are a community built on changing lives.

With inspirational instructors, feel-good vibes, stateof-the-art equipment and specialized coaching, True Conditioning provides a space for people to clear their heads, sweat out their stress, let loose and leave feeling stronger inside and out.

Loulou Lollipop

Loulou Lollipop is a Canadian lifestyle brand offering delightful and adorable products for babies zero to five years old, designed to make memories The products are crafted with the intention for every stage of growth, from infant to toddler, and all of the fun moments in be tween Loulou Lollipop is committed to the highest safety and sustainability standards, always using eco friendly, non toxic materials and ethical sourcing practices

Loulou Lollipop is a female owned business, founded by twin sisters Eleanor Lee and Angel Kho in 2015, whcih employs 13 full time staff members

Loulou Lollipop is available at national retail chains Indigo, Nordstrom, Buybuybaby, Anthropologie, Crate and Kids, Target and many specialty boutique stores, including some of the local favourites like West Coast Kids

Harbour Air Seaplanes

Bert van der Stege accepted the award on behalf of Harbour Air for Large Business of the Year Starting with two seaplanes servicing the forestry industry in 1982, Harbour Air has now become one of the largest all-seaplane airlines in the world. After 39 years in business, the Harbour Air Group has grown to include Harbour Air Seaplanes, Whistler Air and Saltspring Air under its wings. Despite service being season-dependent, Har bour Air employs 400+ full-time employees year-round. Harbour Air has more than 14 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Wash., Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Richmond (YVR South), Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Pitt Meadows, Maple Bay, Kelowna, Powell River and Comox. Along with commercial passengers, Harbour Air transports millions of pounds of freight every year

BUSINESSEXCELLENCEAWARDS

The last thing you’d ex pect at an award ceremo ny is a business represen tative asking the Richmond mayor to fix a pothole in front of 300 people

But for Dave Shaw, op erations manager at Island Mirrors and Glass, it was a bet he couldn’t pass up to celebrate the business being inducted into Rich mond Chamber of Com merce ’ s Hall of Fame this year

While on stage at the 45th annual Richmond Business Excellence Awards, Shaw announced

to Mayor Malcolm Brodie that a pothole was at First Avenue and Francis Road, to which everyone erupted into laughter during the ceremony

“I won a bet for saying that,” said Shaw

But his humour didn’t end there

Shaw also apologized to Brodie for asking him “when was the bridge go ing to be built” during his first year at the company

“I want to say I was not being a wise ass I apolo gize for not knowing your position at the time ”

The Chamber’s Hall of Fame Award honours a Richmond business with at

least 25 years of history in the community

Island Mirrors and Glass has been around for more than 60 years and was es tablished in 1952 by Lyle and Helen Grath before being bought by James and George Greig in 1966

The business is now under the management of Greig’s grandson Brody, the sales manager, and Shaw, Bro dy’s brother in law

“Thank you to the Rich mond Chamber of Com merce and Shaena for this incredible honour,” said Shaw

“It’s not just us accepting this (award), it is all the hard working staff and

Carolyn Robertson, chamber chair, presents Dave Shaw and Island Glass & Mir ror with the Hall of Fame trophy.

Valerie Leung

A Richmond teenager has won a gold medal at the Jump Canada National Fi nals in Ontario

Lily Elliot took the top spot at the re cent show jumping championships at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto

Over the course of this past year, Lily an honours grad from McNair sec

ondary in the summer competed at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley to qualify for regional finals for British Co lumbia

She duly won her regional finals, which qualified her for the national finals in Ontario, where she and her 13 year old horse, Carvill VA (known as banana loving “Carl” at his stable), jumped for fun to take the gold

Lily trains out of Triperial Equestrian in Delta, under the tutelage of Jenna Brownjohn and Alicia Gadban

Lily Elliot and Carvil VA, en route to national gold in Toronto

Alan Campbell

ACAMPBELL@RICHMOND NEWS COM

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

BOURASSA, Gerard Joseph (Gerry)

November 21, 1935 November 16, 2022

Gerry is survved by his loving wfe of 64 years, Pauline daughter Debbe Edwards grandchidren Andrew (Brianne), Jeffrey and Sarah and great granddaughter Nova

Aso left to mourn are Gerry’s sister Marie and brothers Leo (Irma) and Frank (Shrley), pus n laws Laurette, Therese, Sue (Conn), Phi (Martina) and many neces and nephews

He is predeceased by hs parents Orise and Aris tide; sisters Noeie (Emle/Frank), Anna, Irene (Phl as/George) Isabel (Phl); brothers Omer Afred (Lu cy), Arthur (Lorna), Adren and brother in aw Oiver

Prayers to be held December 5th, 2022, at 7:00 pm Funera Mass to be hed December 6th, 2022 at 11:00 am at St Paul’s Church, 8251 St Abans Road, Richmond, BC

Onlne condolences may be left at www rchmond funera ca

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Rchmond Funera Home • (604) 273 3748

LANG, Roy M.

April 23, 1927 November 17, 2022

Born in Richmond, BC Son of Arthur and Alice Lang. Predeceased by his wife, Hilda, and brothers, Jim and Ken. Survived by daughters, Barb (Dan) and Kathy (Keith); granddaughter Jackie and great grandchild due in December 2022. Roy and his brothers spent their careers as owners of Lang’s Nurseries at No. 3 Road and Westminster Hwy, creating green space throughout the city and beyond. No service by request. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree and remember him fondly.

CARTER, Ursula Maria

Ursua (Halsmer) Carter passed away Apri 20, 2022 due to complcations from Parkinson’s dsease

Ursua was born n Graz, Austra, Nov 9, 1947 daughter of Ann Maria and Michael Bauer When her mother died, she came to Winnipeg to lve wth her aunt and uncle Horst and Dr Astrd Pacher Ursua worked at a Roya Bank She married John Carter June 27, 1970

CARTER, John David

John Davd Carter passed away at home n Rchmond BC, November 14, 2022 surrounded by hs famiy He was born in Winnipeg, December 14, 1947 John was predeceased by his father John R Carter and his wfe Ursula He s survived by his mother Margaret (Hunt) Carter; his sbings Greg Carter, Harriet Carter and Hlary Alto; his three sons, Jason, Mchael, Peter, grandchildren Naya and Nolen; numerous cousns, nieces and nephews John’s eary years were spent n Fort Garry his summers at the cottage on Star Lake As a Queen Scout he attended an International Scout Jamboree in Valey Forge, Penn From the University of Wnnpeg, John attained a Bacheor of Arts degree in History John was a member of Westmnster Unted Church in Winnipeg He worked at Carter Motors, his father’s GM dealership In 1983, John and Ursula wth their three growing boys moved to Vctoria, BC, later movng to Rchmond He was a member of the Gimore Park United Church n Richmond He wll be greatly mssed by al who knew him Donatons in their names may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of BC, the Heart and Stoke Foundation of Canada or the Canadan Dabetes Association

ROSSITER, Michael Brian

It is wth profound sadness that the famly of Michae Bran Rossiter announces hs passing on November 23, 2022, at the age of 78, in Saint John’s Hospice Vancouver BC

Mike wil be lovngly remembered by his famiy: his wife, Mary Lou; hs chldren, Wendy and Blake Rossiter and their mother, Lori; Shane (Aileen) Mortmer and Sean (Francesca) Mortmer; his grandchidren Miram (Mchael), Marele (Keran), Cooper, and Ronin; as wel as his cousns, neces, nephews, and their familes He wil aso be dearly missed by his many friends

In leu of flowers we request a donaton be made n Mke s honour to the Constable Gerad Breese Centre for Traumatic Life Losses through traumatclfelosses com

Mike was born May 18 1944 After growng up in Vancouver Heights, he moved to Terrace with Lor and their young famiy and ran Totem Press with Nelson and Pat McGinay Mike was always a community man: he was invoved wth Terrace City Counci, on the board for Terrace Lodge, and a part of many other ocal communty groups The Rossiters later moved back to Vancouver, where he started Michae Rossiter Graphc Desgn served on the board of the BC Brain Injury Association, and founded Headine Magazne to serve the brain nury communty and their famles

Mike eventualy setted in Steveston, where he spent the remander of his wonderfu lfe with his beloved wife, Mary Lou, and he discovered his passion for watercoour paintng Thanks to his dear frend Mark Glavina, Mike became an ntegra part of the Steveston art scene and oned the panting group, “Men n Hats”, and the Richmond Artists Guid Painting brought him much joy in lfe

Mike’s friends and family will remember him most for his ability to make people laugh Fittingly, Mary Lou’s nickname for Mike was “The Happy Fellow ” If Mike has touched your ife as he has ours, we once again request that in lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Constable Gerald Breese Centre for Traumatic Life Losses at traumaticlifelosses com

Michael is predeceased by his sister, Gay Sheehan, and his best friend, Jim Mortimer

1410019 2nd Ave, Garry St, Georgia St, No. 1 Rd, Richmond St, Garry St............

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1410026 11020 11500 No. 1 Rd, Regent St (Townhouse route).....

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1420109 Springfield Crt, Dr, Springthorne Cres................................

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