View - Vela Canada

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WINTER 2004
Table of Contents
Letter from the Editor .............. 1
Letter from the President ......... 2
World Accessibility
Marketplace Inc. ................. 3
Connecting to Capital ............ 4
Individualized Funding
Initiative ............................ 5
Workers’ Compensation ........ 5
Options for Funding .............. 6
Website Updates .................... 7
Summer Vacations ...........8-10
Mel Reviews Movies! ........... 10
Thanks for the Help! ............. 11
Letter from the Editor
My name is Jeff Moulins and I’m a former board member of Vela Microboard
Association British Columbia. My microboard, Moulin’s Support Society, is
one of the longest incorporated boards in the province. It is with pleasure that
I am assuming the position of editor of Velavision and I look forward to
working with the Communications Committee members and staff.
Microboards from across the province met at the Sunrise Banquet Center in
Cloverdale from September 24th to 26th for our annual Vela Conference. As in
previous years we received positive feedback from the microboards in attendance. Our thanks to the following individuals who presented this year:
Sherry McDonald – Community Restructuring Fund
Alex Booth – Workman’s Compensation Board
Roger Jones – World Accessibility
Dan Collins – Individualized Funding
Linda Perry – Employment Standards & CCRA Updates
Linda Perry - Potential Sources For Combined Funding
Shelley Nessman – Connecting to Capital
As in previous years, management and staff of Sunrise ensured that all of our needs
were met and the meals were fabulous.
Velavision’s theme for this issue is “what people do on their vacations” with family,
friends, and/or staff. We thought it would be interesting to know what people
are up to, where they went and what they did. Maybe others will be inspired to
try something new or visit an unexpected place.
One of Vela’s newest board members is Melanie Marcotte. Mel works
at Capitol Six Theatre, in downtown Vancouver. Melanie is a movie
fanatic and the perfect choice to write our movie review column.
Welcome to Vela’s board Melanie! We look forward to your upcoming
articles.
In this issue we will also hear from Vela’s new board president, Randy
Wilson. Thank you for assuming the responsibility of the position
Randy!
In closing, I would ask that microboards please keep in mind the
challenges facing Vela now and in the future. We have experienced an
incredible increase in demand for our services, with no financial
resources to address this increase. Any fundraising ideas or financial
support would be gratefully received. Please call (604) 575-2588 or
email: info@microboard.org with your ideas and support.
Enjoy our latest issue!
-Jeff Moulins
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Letter from the President
This is the first chance I’ve had to speak with most of
you in the role of president for Vela Microboards. I have
sat as a volunteer on many boards, but I must say that I
am very proud to be associated with this board and Vela.
I’m especially honored with this role.
At the same time I would like to welcome our new board
members. Melanie Marcotte lives in Vancouver and has
served on several boards prior to joining Vela. Shelley
Durant lives in Surrey and sits on her son Jason’s
microboard. We are very excited at having both of them
on the board of directors.
At our AGM in June we sadly said goodbye to three long
You will learn more about Melanie and Shelley, as we will
time members of the board. Cathy Lafortune, past
profile them along with all of
president, Sherry McDonald, past
our board members in coming
treasurer and Jeff Moulins, member at
issues of velaVision. Please
large, each of whom had all served the
read through the newsletter to
maximum of 4 – 2 year terms on the
hear more about what’s
board. Such a commitment is an
happening and what is coming
inspiration in itself.
up.
Cathy will be missed for her ability to
Our theme for this newsletter
always bring us back to our roots while
is “summer vacations”. There
struggling with some of the issues that
is a review of the annual
face Vela in these difficult times. Her
conference and some pictures
tenacity to stay grounded no matter
for your enjoyment. Also take
what will stay with me forever.
a moment and visit our
website at
Sherry served as treasurer since I
www.microboard.org, as we
joined the board, not a very popular
role, and helped us understand the
are always updating it. The
rather droll discussions around
newsletter and the website are
budgets and such. Sherry has given her
for your information and
Randy Wilson thanks outgoing president Cathy LaFortune for her enjoyment. Please do not
time unselfishly over the years and we
hard work and dedication to Vela Microboards.
will miss her.
hesitate to contact myself, or
any other board member, with
Jeff needs no introduction. Jeff travels at every
any comments or suggestions as to how we could
opportunity and sits on many panels and boards
improve them, through the office at (604) 575-2588. Our
throughout the province. As a self-advocate, Jeff speaks next edition will be out in 2005 so all of you please have
from the heart directly to the issues that affect our loved a HAPPY HOLIDAY from all of us at Vela.
ones. Jeff has thankfully volunteered to stay on the
Communications Committee. Thank you for the many
-Randy Wilson
years you have given Vela.
Vela Microboards would like to thank the
Sunrise Banquet and Conference Centre
5640—188th Street
Surrey, BC V3S 4N5
for their generosity and support.
World Accessibility Marketplace Inc.
Roger Jones, the CEO of World
Accessibility Marketplace Inc.
presented on his exciting work.
Included in this report are excerpts
from a letter sent by Roger Jones in a
summary follow up letter.
“As you are well aware, WAMI is
building an accessible communications environment for people to
interact seamlessly with each other
and with information. Our
environment is easy to use for
everyone, regardless of physical,
intellectual or other disabilities.
To address needs that are specific to
particular groups of people, WAMI
has instituted a community-based
approach. Information that is
relevant to satisfying common needs
is provided by Communities of
Interest (COI) … (Vela has)
identified that your organization
would like to create a COI related to
Microboards. This is certainly a
commendable move on your part and
reinforces our belief that community
is strengthened through active
participation.
World Accessibility could liaise with
Vela Microboard Association to:
1) Provide access to a multimedia
communications system that will
include options such as video,
voice and text chat.
2) Develop the infrastructure for
one-to-one discussions and group
forums for community members.
3) Help bring organizations into your
COI in order for them to present
information about products and
services that will be of interest to
the members.
WAMI will continue to develop and
maintain an accessible e-commerce
mechanism to allow members to
select and securely purchase products
and services. This mechanism will
eventually include services such as
delivery information, warranty and
buyer protection, recall notification,
and information related to the
World Accessibility recognizes we are
not experts in every Community of
Interest. We fully intend to allow
your organization to determine the
direction that your COI will take. It is
our job to provide the tools to help
you to provide the best possible
service for your membership. While
we are not putting any numeric
expectations on your COI, I expect
that memberships will grow very
quickly.
Because I have pre-approved you as a
WAMI Community of Interest, we
Roger Jones, CEO, presenting on are very interested in expanding the
World Accessibility Marketplace Inc. products and services available for
your organizations. After receiving
your subscription fees, we can begin
introduction of upgrades and new
accessories. We will work closely with to discuss your requirements.”
your COI while this happens.
Vela, being a community of interest,
will be able to have Webcast provide
It is likely that the bulk of the work
web-based presentations How it will
on the part of a person or group
work:
spearheading a COI is to build the
membership. The more members, the
Broadcast Screen – Presenters have
more feedback; which increases the
full audio. The audience is limited to
opportunity to satisfy everybody's
100 people. The audience can text
needs. This can be done through
questions and comments to the
several methods:
presenter, who can allow audio
participation at their discretion.
1) Help identify required modes of
communications for the
membership and suggest products We will be able to broadcast live
camera webcasts of the presentation
and services that the members
as well as any PowerPoint
would like to see listed. WAMI
presentation materials that they use.
will try to provide ways for
everyone to communicate, and
work with supplier organizations This provides us with many exciting
possibilities. We anticipate providing
to make information about
our first live broadcast early in the
products and services available
new year. Each broadcast will focus
and accessible.
on topics identified as being of
interest by microboards.
2) Facilitate discussion forums on
relevant topics.
We will be able to provide webcasts
3) Play the role of "Needs Advisor" for virtually anyone that has
computer access. This means we can
for members and potential
members seeking information or reach individuals and microboards
whereever they may be in the
experiencing difficulties.
province!
4) Help ensure that informed
purchase decisions are made, and To learn more and offer your
suggestions, please contact Linda at
that support for products and
Vela by email:
services are adequately provided
for. One way to do this would be lindaperry@microboard.org or by
telephone at (604) 575-2588.
a membership rating system.
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Workshop Summaries from the Annual Vela Microboard Conference
Connecting to Capital
Shelley Nessman led the session
entitled “Connecting to Capital”.
She went over some of the
initiatives that Vela has undertaken
this year to raise funds to replace
our lost revenues.
fee and then donate the fee to Vela
(receipt for donation in kind).
One of our current initiatives is in
partnership with VanCity. In this
issue you will find a form that you,
your Microboard, or anyone else
who has an account with VanCity
can fill out and send to them. Upon
receiving this form, VanCity will
share 50% of their profits on the
account with Vela and PLAN.
Shelley then facilitated a brainstorming session and tapped into
the creative resources in the room.
Some of the ideas folks had were:
• Write a book with stories about
microboards in our province;
• Focus on planned giving through
work, e.g. Telus employees that
have designated Vela as their
charity of choice;
• More evenings like Trivia Nite;
• Silent auction;
Shelley Nessman, Vela Facilitator
• Create a link on our website for
easy giving (Paypal);
• Different groups make gift
baskets and raffle them off;
• Designate Vela as your choice of
• Stories beyond Hope;
• Make it easy for people to give
regular donations;
receiver with United Way
campaign;
• Gift envelopes in the newsletter;
• Get the word out to microboards
• Champers, Magicuts, etc. could
• Events like an “Antiques Road
• Runners 10 K run (Running
and their networks;
Show” or second-hand book
sales;
• Approach service clubs like the
Rotary Club or the Lions for
funds;
donate a “day of cuts”;
room etc. for advice);
• Link other sites to donate to Vela;
We may have some computers
donated for microboards. Colin
Wessels will set up and deliver for a
(This does not affect the interest
paid to you on your account!
Vancity is sharing their profit on
interest only!)
Get the word out! The more people
who sign up – the more Vela
benefits.
We are also working on corporate
partnerships, so if you know of any
companies that might be interested
in having a greater profile in the
community or in making a
donation, let us know and we will
make the calls to explore this idea
with them. All we ask of you is that
you let us know who they are,
whom you connected with there,
and we will do the rest!
Shelley finished this session by
encouraging anyone who has any
other ideas to call us at Vela or
drop us an email to share it!
For those interested in helping Vela you can reach us at:
info@microboard.org
Or by telephone at: (604) 575-2588
Or mail at: #100–17564–56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 1G3
WE NEED YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT
ALL IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED!
- Shelley Nessman
Workshop Summaries from the Annual Vela Microboard Conference
Individualized Funding Initiative Update
Dan Collins, Primary Consultant for the Individualized
Funding Initiative, provided an update on the current
situation with the initiative. This initiative is cosponsored by the Ministry for Children & Family
Development, Treasury Board and the Interim Authority
for Community Living British Columbia.
The response to the initiative was very positive. There
are 150 individuals and families involved in the process.
They represent all regions of the province. These people
and families have developed a variety of plans to address
their needs in an individualized way.
The Individualized Funding initiative also provided
training for facilitators. The facilitators’ role is to assist
the individual and those closest to them to develop the
person-centred plan for their supports and services.
Facilitators were chosen from around the province. Each
facilitator was provided with training, information and
tools to assist individuals and their families with
developing the individualized plan. Those plans will be
used for future funding negotiations. As a result of the
facilitators training and return to their communities,
many individuals have successfully developed personcentred plans.
The progress for the Individualized Funding Initiative
has been slow. To-date, no one has received their
individualized funding. This is due to a number of
challenges. The Ministry for Children and Family
Development has not yet developed a method of
providing direct payments to individuals. They are also
Colin & Avril Wessels, Sandy Jansen and members of the Love Bugs Society Microboard
waiting on an advance ruling from Revenue Canada to
determine if individualized funding will be considered
taxable income and if GST could apply. Finally, sorting
out ways to unbundle globally funded programs so that
individualized funding can be accessed from existing
dollars is still being determined.
Dan and his colleagues have worked hard to ensure the
initiative progresses and are determined to sort out the
challenges so that the 150 applicants can soon receive
funds.
Workers’ Compensation Board
The Employers’ Advisory Office
Alex Booth gave our Saturday
gives support and information to
afternoon presentation from the
Employers’ Advisory Office, which employers in BC regarding issues of
worker safety. His handouts included
supports and advises employers on
rules and regulations of the Workers’ the definition of “employer” and the
duties that employers have regarding
Compensation Board of BC. Alex
WCB.
covered lots of useful information
for microboards. He talked about the
Alex also talked about WCB’s
requirements for microboards and
current rates and what they will be in
gave an introduction to the
2005 and what Occupational Health
Employers’ Advisory Office.
and Safety Regulations were likely to
impact microboards. All in all, it was
Alex explained that WCB removes
the threat of a heavy settlement if an a useful and informative session –
Alex’s humorous style was easy to
injured worker sued for damages.
Alex also said that the responsibility follow and understand.
for complying with the Workers’
Compensation Act, Regulations, and If you would like copies of the handouts, call Vela’s office (604) 575paying assessments rests with the
2588 and we will be happy to oblige!
employers as controllers of the
workplace.
Alex Booth, Workers’ Compensation Board,
Employee Advisory Division
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Workshop Summaries from the Annual Vela Microboard Conference
Options for Funding
Client Support Group option. In this
option, the funds go to an entity that
has been set as stewards of
government funding. This option can
be married with the microboard
concept under one entity.
Linda Perry provided a brief
overview of possible sources of
funding for microboards. The
majority of microboards support
individuals with developmental
challenges. As a result, the main
source of funding is Community
Living Services within the Ministry
for Children & Family Development.
Individuals with aboriginal status can
access funds through the Dept. of
Indian and Northern Affairs. This is
done through their medical services
division and usually must go through
the individual’s band council to the
microboard. The federal government,
through Human Resources
Development Canada, has also
provided time-limited training dollars
to assist individuals looking for
training and work.
However, not every microboard is
for someone with a developmental
disability. Or for some of those with
developmental challenges, other
sources of funding can be accessed.
The second most common source of
funding is the Ministry of Health,
Continuing Care. These funds can be
accessed by individuals that have health
concerns. The level of funding depends
on the complexity of health issues.
Generally, the individual must require
assistance to walk and/or to transfer
from a wheelchair. Continuing care
funding comes in a number of ways.
Once a level of funding has been
identified it can be journal-vouchered
from the Ministry of Health to
Community Living Services and
combined with funds from
Community Living Services. The funds
can also go directly to the microboard,
as a contract with Continuing Care, or
Linda Perry, Executive Director, Vela
through the CSIL funds.
CSIL funds come in two forms. The
first is to have the funds go directly
to the individual. In this instance the
person must be able to demonstrate
they can manage the support dollars
on their own. The second option is
to receive the funds under the CSIL
Beth and Jenny McDonald at the Vela Microboard Conference
Vela has also started supporting some
microboards looking to manage
funds that currently have funds
overseen by the Provincial Public
Trustee’s office. We anticipate some
positive results in the next while.
And finally, the Insurance
Corporation of British Columbia,
through settlements, is another
consideration for a small number of
microboards. We will keep you
posted.
Cathy Anthony and Cathy Phillips
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Website Updates
Vela's website depends
upon input from
microboards. Over the
coming months we will
be working on updating
the Vela Microboard
website. Your feedback,
ideas and suggestions
on content and making
our site easier to use
and navigate are always
welcome.
If you haven't been to
the Vela website in a
while, some of the
enhancements include
the addition of dates
Glyn Townson
beside each link on our
main index page,
showing additions and changes made to the various
sections. Frequent visitors to the site can easily see what
areas have been updated since their last visit.
A section that tends to change most is our Calendar of
Events, starting with a section for Items of Interest,
followed with a section for Upcoming Conferences and
Workshops, and the third section lists Ongoing
Programs and events of interest to our members. If you
have items for any of these categories, please send them
to the communications committee.
A new Vela Microboards member-website was added
during this year's conference. Steven Linemayr has a new
page in our Vela Microboards Webpages section.
- Glyn Townson
If you would like to have a page
created for you, update your
current page, or have your own
webpage already and would like
to have it linked from our
website, please contact Glyn,
at:
webmaster@microboard.org
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Holly’s
This summer I went on a fun holiday to Klondike Days in
Edmonton. My roommate, Susana, my mom and I drove
down. I enjoyed the drive. We had lunch in Grand Prairie
and spent the 1st night in Whitecourt. We got a very nice
room. Mom and I slept on a king-sized bed and Susana had
a queen- sized bed. I didn’t sleep well though, because I like
to get to where I am going and not dilly dally along the way.
After breakfast we set out for
Edmonton where we stayed at
the Coliseum Inn across the
street from Northlands where all
the Klondike celebrations were
on. I was happy to arrive and
after we had a big late lunch I lay
down and had a big sleep. Then
we walked across the street and
checked out the exhibits. I
bought some cool sunglasses
and a blue bracelet made from
shells. Then we went to Circus
de Amis. Their acrobatics and
dancing were amazing. Then we
strolled through the midway
and I won a prize at one of the booths.
I had a very good sleep and wee were very busy all day.
We had a big breakfast at the Fireside Restaurant, then
back to the celebrations. We watched a hypnotist show
that had me laughing for 10 minutes after. There were a
large number of displays from African countries. We al
bought souvenirs. Susana and I each bought a beautiful
brass bell on a stand. They were made in Senegal. It now
looks beautiful on my table. Mom bought a wall plaque
made of soapstone with a nice painting on it from
Kenya. we looked at a couple of other buildings with
Holiday
exhibits in them and had a nice big ice cream cone. The
weather was beautiful and warm. We had an early supper
with my niece, Sherry and her boyfriend who live in
Edmonton. It was very nice to visit with them. After
supper we watched an African traditional music show
with African drumming, singing, and dancing. We then
wandered through the large midway and over to watch
the chuckwagon races. When we got back to our room
we heard some booming so we
looked out the window We finished
the day watching a fireworks
display out of our hotel room
window.
After another big breakfast at the
Fireside we headed for the West
Edmonton Mall. We checked into
the ‘Fantasyland Hotel’ and the
valet parked the van for us. We had
a very nice room but we didn’t
linger around with all those stores
outside our door. We shopped until
Mom dropped and just watched the
Holly Macdonald crowds go by but Susana and I
continued shopping. Susana and I came back loaded with
parcels.
There were lots of restaurants to choose from and I chose
“The Old Spaghetti Factory”. It was fun. We went back to
our room and watched a show on TV. The next morning
Mom bought some books and we headed home.
We all had a very good time and I let Mom and Susana
drive as I slept on the way home. I’m already planning
next year’s summer fun!
- Holly McDonald
My Summer
I had an active summer this year. During the summer I
service called Coastal Organics. We do the work at the
took the bus more often to meet my girlfriends. I did lots Roberts Creek Hall where we clean and sort out the
of things such as going to Community Events (we all
produce to various bin orders.
went to Hackett Park for a fair),
watched a few movies, and went
The past few weeks during the
out to lunch several times. I also
summer I’ve been exercising a lot
had a bit of a facial and a pedicure
more. I’ve been lifting weights for at
with another friend of mine, plus
least 7 days a week and I was going
mom gave me a French manicure
to Nia classes. I might go to a few
recently. My parents and I went
yoga classes in Roberts Creek.
dancing at a night club, watched a
parade, and saw a local fireworks
Now I have to prepare for the
display, and went to a birthday
upcoming fall. I plan to go back to
party. I will definitely look forward
Nia in Davis Bay and Yoga in
to going to the PNE soon with my
Roberts Creek. Also I might take a
folks and some friends of ours.
couple of college courses at
Also during the summer I worked
Capilano College in Sechelt.
at a organic produce home delivery
Elisse Legge of the Sunshine coast with her friends Cicely and Jenn
- Elise Legge
Jeff Moulin’s Holiday
I had a great family reunion the second week of August, new mini van, Joe’s family, Glen and I. We were in
it actually started the week before when my microboard Invermere three days before my oldest sister’s family
came. Dave introduced a man name Jared, “who has
bought a new mini-van.
CSIL,“ he lives at home with his mother in Invermere.
The next day we went out for a hike up an area called
August long weekend my brother’s family, Glen and I
went to see my mother and lovely sister in Invermere, in Peddly Pass, which is in the Rockies.
my new mini-van. It was for a little get together with the
siblings and the cousins. My brother Joe, sisters and two The next morning was overcast with possibility of
of my brothers-in-law both name Dave planned to run in thunder showers, which the same time we were about to
me in the Trail Rider, it was a twenty minutes delay
a relay around the lake. My brother Joe, brother-in-law
before we began to go up the mountain. It was quite
Dave Zehnder, Glen and I rented a Trail Rider from
British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society. A Trail difficult to climb to the summit with me. The climb to
Rider is crossed between a rickshaw and a wheelbarrow. the summit usually take about ninety minutes to make it
BCMOS sent Dave the Trail Rider by Greyhound, it was up. We had backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. Don’t
waiting for me on the farm, because it could not fit in my forget about hundred and thirty pound with me in it. By
the time we got back to my mother’s house the next day
after sleeping on the mountain, I had a nap. By the time I
woke up all of my siblings were all in town and getting
ready for the relay, “Loop The Lake” they finished third
of the family division.
On the Sunday we went to the garden at the beach and
got family pictures taken. We copied an old picture my
siblings and myself, along with all of grandchildren with
grandmother.
That was my holiday and best thing this summer. I
enjoyed being around my nieces and nephews, it was the
first time we were all together.
Grandma & Grandkids
- Jeff Moulins
Jenna’s Holiday
I had a joint titanium implant operation of both jaws at the University of North Carolina Hospital in May. This
operation, chronic pain, and other health problems have kept me very ill, so my summer has been very quiet.
As always, my passion for hockey has kept me going. I met Shane Doan at the Mark Recchi and Shane Doan Golf
Charity Classic Golf Tournament in Kamloops, in August. I saw my good and supportive friends, Jared Aulin, Jarret
Lukin, and Ajay Baines at the Alumni game here in Kamloops. I also got to meet Eric Brewer and Ryan Annesley.
At the Blue and White training camp close off game, I met
Steve Gainey, and I saw the game "in class" by sitting with the
players!
I belong to an organization called “Bears Who Care”, and I
spent the summer on my computer, visiting "Caringbridge"
websites of families with children, teens, and adults suffering
from severe illnesses and disabilities, signing their guestbooks
and offering support. I have an inspirational website through
which I receive phenomenal emotional support and
encouragement, and I am able to give others support in return.
You can visit my website by typing: www.caringbridge.org/
canada/jenna My email address is: hockeykid@telus.net
Summer is over! Kamloops Blazers Season, hockey games, are
about to begin! :)
Jenna Fowler
- Jenna Fowler
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Melanie’s Summer
I also had my birthday in August. I
This summer I started working at
Capital 6 theater in Vancouver. It is had a really good time. This year I
fun and its great. I stock orders and went out for dinner with my family
for sushi. Then we went down to
fill condiments in the concession,
Stanley Park and to the “Theater
and I meet new people.
Under the Stars”. We saw “Crazy for
You”. The music was really cool. I
Then I went to the “Best Buddies”
had my best friends and my grandma
conference in Toronto. I met so
many students from lots of different and my step-mom's sister there too.
places around Canada. It was great. I
- Mel
liked going to all the different
seminars. It helped me learn how to
speak out.
Mel Reviews Movies!
Shark Tales
This movie is about sharks-that’s
why it’s called Shark Tales!
It is funny and has good animation.
There were lots of different fish. I
especially liked the character named
Oscar. There was some romance in
the movie which I only liked a little.
Melanie with Shelley Nessman
My favorite characters are a crab
and his girlfriend. My favorite part
of the movie was when sharks tried
to eat the main character. I even
laugh now when I think of it now!
Shark Tales is a good cartoon for
little kids.
I want to say hi to all my friends at
Capitol Six! I love my job!
-Mel
Melanie Marcotte with Melanie and Holly McDonald of Ft. St. John
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THANKS FOR THE HELP!
In the first six months of this calendar year Vela Microboard Association supported the development of
sixty-two microboards. That is twelve more than we supported in all of the previous year! This is a
wonderful testimonial to the success of those microboards that have developed over the last fifteen years.
This has also presented Vela with some unique difficulties. As an organization, we are very proud of our
achievements and the acknowledgement we have received. But providing support for new microboards has
been a challenge. Instead of being able to expand our staffing team, we were in the unfortunate position of
having to cut down on our hours due to funding reductions. As a result we came to you, the microboards,
for advice and assistance. Many of you have responded with great ideas, support and donations. On behalf
of Vela Microboard Association and the new microboards we have supported over the last six months, we
would like to thank those of you that have so generously supported us.
As you will see listed on our donations page, many people have provided us with direct donations. Thank
you! We have also received financial support through a number of partnership programs. Some of you
have designated Vela Microboard Association as your United Way direct deduction charity. Thank you.
Your donations help. Several of you identified Vela as your charity of choice through your workplace
planned giving program. Thank you. We appreciate your support. And to those of you that have joined us
in the PLAN/Vancity partnership - thank you! We are very grateful for your ongoing assistance. For
anyone that is not familiar with this program, please take the time to read the information provided in this
newsletter.
For those that might be looking for ways to support Vela, we would like to ask you to consider the ideas
outlined above. We also encourage you to become a member of Vela. For $25.00 you can become a nonvoting member and receive this newsletter for a year. For $35.00 you can become a voting member, as well
as receive the newsletter. Please take a look at the membership form on the last page of the newsletter.
Again, to all of you who have provided support - thank you so much!
EDITOR
Jeff Moulins
Communications
Committee
Additional
Contributors
Jeff Moulins, Co-chair
Brandy Wynn, Co-chair
Randy Wilson
Glyn Townson
Linda Perry
Melanie Marcotte
Holly McDonald
Elise Legge
Jenna Fowler
Shelley Nessman
Layout
Michael Jensen
12
VELA MICROBOARD ASSOCIATION OF BC
Supporting Microboards to Support Themselves
Vela Microboard Association of BC is a small, non-profit organization that does the big job of developing and supporting
Microboards for individuals and families throughout BC Vela relies on the generous donations of its supporters and sponsors
to continue this work. You can help Vela and its work by making a donation. For all donations of $10.00 or greater a tax
receipt will be issued. To those of you that have donated in the past, thank you so much for your support!
As many of you know Lori Emanuels, one of Vela’s Facilitators, recently lost her father. Frank King was a generous man in
spirit and deed. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. His family, in memory of Frank, requested that in lieu of
flowers, donations could be made to Vela. We would like to thank the King family for this thoughtful gesture and to thank
the following people for their donations in memory of Frank King:
Doris Linemayr
Ken and Anna Fox
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Miller
Mrs. Margaret D. King
K & K Enterprises Ltd.
Richard and Gail Hamilton & the Wednesday Golf Group
In the last few months we also saw the passing of a long time Microboard member. Giselle Brautigan was a dynamic woman with
a gentle spirit. She is greatly missed by family and friends. We would like thank her family and friends for also requesting in lieu of
flowers, donations in Giselle’s memory be made to Vela. We would also like to thank the following people for their donations:
Dennis O’Toole
Donna Diggins
We at Vela would also like to thank the following people for their generous donations of funds and in-kind assistance:
Ken and Bev Rempel
SKC Sui Engineering Ltd.
Cydney Wong
Dan Collins
Illa Burke
Alex Booth
Ken and Maria Glaze
Roger Jones
Doris and Klaus Linemayr
Colin Wessels
Through Telus Employees’ Planned Giving:
Elizabeth Hogg
Hazel Dawson
Thanks to each and everyone of you, with your support we are able to continue our work.
VELA MICROBOARD ASSOCIATION OF BC MEMBERSHIP FORM
Name/Organization: ________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
City:
Prov.
Telephone: ______________________________
Postal Code:
Fax: ______________________________
Yes, I wish to become a member of Vela Microboard Association:
q I enclose $25.00 for a non-voting Annual Family or Individual Membership.
q I enclose $35.00 for a voting Annual Family or Individual Membership.
q I enclose ____________, which is what I can afford.
q We enclose $100.00 for a Business, Organization, or Non-Profit Society Membership.
Mail to:
#100—17564 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 1G3