Hastings Community Days in 2014 Includes 12 Fund-Raising Groups

Live Racing Events Part of Community Benefits Program

VANCOUVER, March 18, 2014 /CNW/ - A total of 12 non-profit organizations from Hastings-Sunrise and across Vancouver have been selected to participate in the 2014 "Community Days at the Track" program held annually at Hastings Racecourse.

As part of the program a selection committee chooses designated organizations with the opportunity to raise funds on a live race day at Hastings Racecourse.  The package includes exclusive use of the Marquee Tent for fund-raising purposes, a food donation worth $1,500 and a direct donation of $5,000.

The selection committee consists of Hastings Racecourse representatives, community constituents/residents and a senior member of the City of Vancouver social planning department.

From 45 applications submitted for the 2014 dates, the 12 groups selected include:

Hastings Elementary Community School (Parents Advisory Committee) - Works to enrich the education and welfare of Hastings elementary students through school activities and fostering parent involvement.

Garibaldi Annex (PAC) - Creating a nurturing atmosphere where each child is encouraged to do their best academically, socially, aesthetically, physically and emotionally; to encourage strong home-school connections and to ensure a positive learning atmosphere.

North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association - Provides safe and professional therapeutic equine activities enriching the lives of physically, emotionally and developmentally challenged children and adults through social, recreational and national competitive riding programs.

Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society - Provides quality therapeutic riding programs for children and youths with disabilities in order to promote physical, social and psychological well-being.

Vancouver Friends for Life Society - Non-profit charitable society operating The Diamond Centre for Living, an innovative wellness centre for people living with serious illness such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.  Volunteers provide over 60 different types of complimentary therapies along with nutritious meals and social support services.

Westcoast Families Centres Society - Contributes to the healthy development of children by providing services to strengthen relationships between children and families and their communities.

The Kettle Friendship Society - Supporting people with mental illness to lead healthier lives offering 26 services including mental health drop-in, women's transition housing and income assistance.

Out on Screen - A unique anti-bullying education initiative that uses film and discussion to promote safe and diverse high school communities free from bullying and discrimination. Supports Vancouver Queer Film Festival through education and dialogue.

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society - Dedicated to finding adopted homes and alternative careers for Thoroughbred race horses no longer able to compete through re-training, rehabilitating and promoting responsible horse ownership at all levels.

Health and Home Care Society of BC - Independent, locally-based non-profit organization supporting communities with health care and social programs tailored to promoting and providing a future where seniors live independently in their own homes.

Hastings Community Little League - Supporting community baseball as a way of promoting physical activity, skills and team building as well as volunteerism and citizenship.

CircusWest Performing Arts Society - Empowering people to find their artistic voice and realize performance potential through developing circus arts and performance skills, fitness and confidence in a non-competitive environment.

It should be noted that while there are 12 organizations involved in this year's Community Benefits Program, the events will take place over 10 Community Days at the Track with the first four listed being selected as joint partnerships. Those organizations not selected for the 2014 program are encouraged to apply again for 2015. 

SOURCE: Hastings Racecourse

Darren MacDonald
[email protected]
604.216.5234

Chuck Keeling
[email protected]
778.874.4942