Year End Volunteer Party- Saturday April 30, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Our Annual Year End Party will be taking place on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 7:00 – 930 p.m. at Varsity Ridge Bowling Lanes, in Vancouver. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
Come and enjoy a fun night of bowling with VASS.
Click here for directions:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Join us for a fun-filled evening which will celebrate YOU: For all the exceptional volunteer commitments you have made towards VASS. To RSVP, please email info@vass.ca so we have a sense of how many people will be attending. Hope to see you all on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Varsity Ridge Lanes
2120 W. 15th Avenue, Vancouver
Purpose: TO CELEBRATE the AMAZING VASS VOLUNTEERS of 2011!
Anne Bethune: Call to Action for the 4th Vass Challenge Cup
Dear VASS Member
This is a call to ACTION!! We need ALL VASS members rally and support our only major annual event – the VASS Challenge Cup on Thurs Mar 10th!
Last year 5 people raised the majority of the funds. Can you imagine EVERYBODY got into ACTION (10 minutes only to forward an email to your family/friends requesting sponsorship)? YOU can make a difference!
We would love to have EVERY VASS MEMBER INVOLVED by attending the event and sending an email to friends requesting sponsorship!
If you are unable to attend the event then we suggest that you ask your friends/family to support your passion for VASS by donating to the event under the Donate Now button at www.vasscup.ca.
The process is easy……..DO THIS NOW ~>
1) Go to www.vasscup.ca and register
2) Send an email to your friends/family by clicking on “Manage your profile” ~> ”Send emails” OR send an email to friends in your words and have them go to www.vasscup.ca ~> “Sponsor a Racer/Volunteer” or “DONATE NOW”
See you on March 10th! Thank you for being part of our amazing VASS community!
Anne Bethune
VASS, President
VASS Challenge Cup 2011 Update
Dear VASS Supporter / Friend / Volunteer / Student
You are receiving this email as you are on our database for having participated in the VASS Cup in the past, having shown an interest in participating, or having volunteered for VASS this year / in past years. If you don’t wish to receive these updates through to March, please reply “unsubscribe” to this email.
The VASS Cup is gaining momentum again, and looks set to be a great day on the slopes of Grouse Mountain on 10th March this year – just six short weeks away!!
We have refined the format so that there will be the familiar “race” again this year (3 able bodied racers teamed with a disabled racer) down a simple course on the Cut – two runs, and the prizes going to those who match their two times most closely……..some race…….the emphasis one FUN, and laughs, and getting to know each other! For those who don’t want to “race” you can enjoy the sledge hockey, or zip trek, or just cheer your friends along…
There’s a banquet lunch, silent auction and other prizes to end the day too!
It’s VASS’ major fund-raiser for the year, and thanks to the help of Grouse Mountain, and our sponsors, almost all the funds raised go to VASS from the day. It’s the only way we can continue to run our programs, buy adaptive equipment, and train volunteers.
So if you’re thinking of coming out, and haven’t yet signed up – please do so now!! Go to http://www.vasscup.ca and sign up as a Racer or Volunteer and send out your emails to your friends’ family and other who might sponsor you, or have an interest in joining us. All are welcome who want to support VASS.
Remember – the day costs us per head to orchestrate, and we are therefore asking everyone who signs up to raise $150 in pledges…..not so difficult if you send out to friends etc. you’ll be surprised how many happy to chip in for a good cause.
If you can’t make it and want to make a donation anyway, please go to Donate. Tax receipts issued for anything over $25.
More later – see you there!!
Free Skills Improvement
SKIMP stands for Skills Improvement. In recognition of the hard work and passion that our volunteers put into their activities at VASS, we offer opportunities throughout the season for our volunteers to improve their skills in many different areas, from improving their own skiing, to working with adaptive equipment, to getting a better understanding of disabilities. These are also opportunities to interact with fellow volunteers from across VASS in both learning and social settings.
The SKIMP sessions are on Grouse, and we ask that people meet outside the VASS hut for a 7:00 p.m. start. They can get their tickets at Guest Services and go up as early as they like. The session goes from 7-9 p.m.
Dates available:
Friday, January 21
Wednesday, February 2
Thursday, February 17
Tuesday, March 1
Monday, March 14
Wednesday, March 30
You can register to any of those dates on line – SIGN UP
VASS fund-raiser event: 4th VASS CHALLENGE CUP at Grouse Mountain on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Come out and join us for a memorable day on the slopes of Grouse Mountain. Ski or snowboard in a fun “race” teamed with a disabled athlete – or just enjoy the mountain activities including zip-trek and sledge hockey before a gourmet wrap up banquet.
Please follow the simple links to sign up for the event as a racer or volunteer. Or click on the following links to make a donation to a registered racer or volunteer. VASS needs your support to help make this annual event a huge success. Every donation and pledge is appreciated 100 times over!
About The Challenge Cup
Teams of 3 skiers/boarders will be matched with an athlete with a disability for a fun race. Your day will include:
- An all day lift pass to ski/snowboard
- Access to zip-trek and/or Eye of the Wind
- A fun race and sledge hockey
- Morning refreshments and banquet lunch
- Award, auction and prizes
Registration is limited and will sell out fast!
- If you are an individual racer, we will assign you to a team.
- If you already have a team of 3, please enter your team name in your VASS Cup profile, when you register.
- Your sponsorship pledges will cover your entry fees, lift passes, lunch and prizes.
- There is a cost to VASS for every participant. Please take this into account when raising your pledges, $150 minimun is our expectation.
- We also need volunteers on the day to assist with coordinating the event and helping the disabled athletes.
- Volunteers can raise sponsorship pledges (same as racers) to cover costs of the day and help VASS.
- There is a cost to VASS for every participant. Please take this into account when raising your pledges, $150 minimun is our expectation.
VASS fund-raiser event – Cruise Lottery
Thank you all for your support at the Cruise Lottery on November 24, 2010. Congratulations to the winner – Lee Mounsey
By buying the tickets you helped VASS raise $1705!
We will organize another Cruise Lottery on March 3, 2011 at our 4th Annual VASS Challenge Cup so please check back.
Thanks again to all of you,
North Shore Ski and Board – Annual Buy Night
On Wednesday, November 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Receive all 2011 ski and board gear at 20% off Regular price - SEE industry_buynight_flyer
New date for the Volunteer Info Night – Wednesday, December 1, 2010
VASS students depend on VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS to provide their weekly lessons. If you have not yet reviewed this year’s VASS PROGRAMS don’t hesitate! We invite you to see how we are working towards making the mountain more accessible to students by providing a wider variety of options on the mountains.
On Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. an information night is scheduled at Café Barcelona – 1049 Granville St, between Nelson and Helmcken, Vancouver.
You will learn more about VASS and how to become a qualified instructor.
If you can not make the information night, you can still become a volunteer – our new web site will provide you with a lot of information at http://www.vass.ca/volunteer
The first thing is to obtain your Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia (DSABC) membership for insurance purpose and to obtain some preferred rates and discounts on lessons and lift tickets at participating mountains throughout the province – Sign up HERE.
When you have obtained your DSABC membership then you can sign up to become a VASS ski / snowboarding instructor – sign up HERE.
Two CSIA / CASI courses are scheduled for the season 2010/2011: The first course runs on Sunday, December the 12th and the second course on Saturday, December the 18th.
Two CADS Level I courses are scheduled for the season 2010/2011: The first course runs on January the 7th, 8th, and 9th and the second course on January 14th, 15th, and 16th.
VASS always needs talented volunteers off the mountain slops to help in various areas of fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, website, equipment, coordination of social events, etc…Please email info@vass.ca to express your interest.
It is a busy time for everyone, but your commitment now will ensure that we have adequate Volunteer Instructors for our 2011 students.
To All VASS Students with Interests in Racing
The VASS Racing Team – known as The Blue Streaks – are looking for new members!
- -all disabilities welcome!
- - training Thursday nights and Saturday 8am – 2pm.
- - all racers must be able to ski intermediate runs at an intermediate pace without stopping.
- - The team travels to 3-4 races within BC – Whistler and more
Come join the excitement of the world of alpine ski racing! Check out the race program web page at www.vass.ca/race-program and our blog at www.vassbluestreaks.blogspot.com or call Michael at 604-943-7612.
VASS fund-raiser event – Cruise Lottery on November 24, 2010
Tickets are still available!
Winner receives his/her choice of a 7-day Holland America cruise to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, New England, or a $2000 credit towards another cruise.
The odds of winning are pretty good (1 of 250), that this is being made available to members and their friends and family.
A ticket cost only $20!
The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Cafe Barcelona – 1049 Granville Street Vancouver, B.C, V6Z 1L4 - Buy it HERE to support our programs.
The winner will be contacted by phone or email, so you don’t need to be available on the draw date to win the cruise.
Here is a link for more information on the prize, http://www.cruiselottery.com/cms2/index.php?page=how-cmsms-works
Registration opens on October 1 for both students and volunteers.
VASS students depend on VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS to provide their weekly lessons. If you have not yet reviewed this year’s VASS PROGRAMS don’t hesitate! We invite you to see how we are working towards making the mountain more accessible to students by providing a wider variety of options on the mountains. Come and join us on October 1, 2010!
Just Singin’Round
On the first Tuesday of every month the Synergy Foundation presents Just Singin’ Round at the Rowing Club in Stanley Park.
What is Just Singin’Round?
It’s an evening of musical entertainment provided by local and visiting artists, which raises funds for various local charity organisations, such as VASS. For a donation of $25, each guest receives a meal prepared by Emile’s Catering while they sit back and enjoy music provided by founders Yvonne McSkimming, Mark James Fortin and Beverly Elliot, together with MC Denny Williams (of Theatre Sports fame) and a showing of guest artists – all in the beautiful setting of the Vancouver Rowing Club. (more…)
VASS Annual General Meeting
VASS will be holding our annual general meeting before the start of next winter’s season!
When: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; light refreshments at 5:45 pm
Location: Guinness Tower-Lower Level- 1055 W. Hastings St.
What: Election of nominees and selection of board members for 2010-2011; will discuss other business such as registration process, summer progress, volunteer recruitment and fundraising projects
Who: President Anne Bethune, Executive Director Malouf Blanchard and the entire VASS board of directors
Questions? Feel free to contact info@vass.ca
Interested in becoming a board member?
Contact Anne@vass.ca and she can advise on the expectations and commitments involved
Year End Volunteer Party – Sunday, April 11
Year End Volunteer Party- Sunday April 11, 2010 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Our Annual Year End Party will be taking place on Sunday April 11, 2010 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Restaurant, 2360 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
Click here for directions:
http://staugustinesvancouver.com/location.html
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon which will celebrate YOU: For all the exceptional volunteer commitments you have made towards VASS. To RSVP, please email info@vass.ca so we have a sense of how many people will be attending. Hope to see you all on Sunday, April 11, 2010
Date: Saturday March 28th
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location St. Augustine’s Restaurant
2360 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Purpose: TO CELEBRATE the AMAZING VASS VOLUNTEERS of 2010!
Torchbearer Invitation from Anne Bethune
Dear Friends
As many of you know I am a torch bearer in the Paralympic Torch Relay with thanks to Coca Cola!
My leg of the relay will be this coming Thursday, March 11th sometime between 3:00PM – 4:30 PM on/near Robson Street, downtown Vancouver. I will be given an exact time/location the day before and I will try to send out a follow-up email – it will also be posted on the VASS website – www.vass.ca.
For anybody who is coming out to support this (thank you!), we will be meeting afterwards at Cafe Barcelona (1049 Granville St @ Nelson) to celebrate ~ 6:00 PMish. Come meet my Mom!
The magnitude of this once-in-a-lifetime experience is yet to come I am sure – but I am completely honoured to be carrying the torch on behalf of VASS and all the people I have been blessed to know and been inspired by over the years in my work/volunteer involvements. Among other good things, this flame represents the light within us to be the best that we can be regardless of our abilities.
I hope you will support the Paralympics by going to some events. Below is a link to a short video produced by the International Paralympics Committee - http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/videos/spirit-in-motion_303972g174122-oy.html.
I’m proud to be a part of the Paralympics movement!
GO CANADA GO!
Anne
VASS Challenge Cup updates
First off – not much snow up there……..yes we know. We reviewed the situation with Grouse today and unless we get a big dump between now and next week it is unlikely we can hold the race in the usual format. We have decided to go ahead however and will put together a number of activities on the mountain as a fallback should racing just not be possible – still plenty of fun to be had, and a great morning out on the hill.
These will likely be a choice of:
1/ Ziptrek and/or “Eye of the Wind” – Grouse has just opened their wind tower in the last few days and you can ride up and see the panoramic view from up there, plus do the big ziptrek lines on the back of the mountain, which has people raving! This activity one has limited “accessibility” however for some of our disability groups, and consider carefully before signing up / maybe only for some racers / participants
2/ Snowshoeing and/or beginner ziptrek – lots of fun and not so challenging on the ziptrek lines as the one above. Again some accessibility issues for some students but we can figure that out later.
3/ Free skiing with VASS volunteers. We’ll split into groups of similar abilities and do some runs together – learn some of the techniques we use to help people learn to ski, try out some of the equipment, or just have some fun by yourself. This one will include all the disabled skiers who do not, or cannot, make the other activities.
There will be a sledge hockey demo throughout the morning for everyone to try, and a “chuck-a-duck” competition by the ice rink run by Rotary to win prizes. Of course still a banquet lunch and raffle / silent auction etc, so lots of fun to be had.
PS – A number of participants signed up do not have any pledge amounts by their names. For those coming from corporate teams sponsored by our Gold sponsors, or covered by other team member entries and sponsorships – NO PROBLEM! – you will know who you are. But for the others, remember the day out costs us $150.00 per head at VASS, so we need you to raise at least that to keep us ahead, and any more funds our activities for the coming year.
The 3rd VASS Challenge Cup is in 2 weeks!
VASS Challenge Cup – March 4th, 2010.
Please attend our VASS Cup as a racer! http://www.vasscup.ca
We have made it easier than ever for you to sign up and forward our template email to your network to sponsor you online. We take care of the rest and you just show up for the fun!
If you are unable to attend then please scroll through the registered racers and choose one to sponsor – no donation is too big or too small!
Cruise Lottery at the VASS Challenge Cup on March 4, 2010
Cruise Lottery at the VASS Challenge Cup on March 4, 2010
Winner receives his/her choice of a 7-day Holland America cruise to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, New England, or a $2000 credit towards another cruise.
Here is a link for more information on the prize, http://www.cruiselottery.com/cms2/index.php?page=how-cmsms-works
There are 250 tickets to be sold for $20 each – The winning ticket will be drawn on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the VASS Challenge Cup awards Banquet – Buy it HERE
FREE Skills Improvement
SKIMP stands for Skills Improvement. In recognition of the hard work and passion that our volunteers put into their activities at VASS, we offer opportunities throughout the season for our volunteers to improve their skills in many different areas, from improving their own skiing, to working with adaptive equipment, to getting a better understanding of disabilities. These are also opportunities to interact with fellow volunteers from across VASS in both learning and social settings.
The SKIMP sessions are on Grouse, and we ask that people meet outside the VASS hut for a 7:00 p.m. start. They can get their tickets at Guest Services and go up as early as they like. The session goes from 7-9 p.m.
Dates available:
Tuesday, January 12
Thursday, January 28
Friday, February 5
Tuesday, February 9
Thursday, February 25
Tuesday, March 9
Thursday, March 25 (instead of Friday, March 26)
You can register to any of those dates on line – SIGN UP
