Abilities Community Services

Jordan Birthday
2022-09-29

Susan Birthday
2022-09-22

Labour Day
2022-09-05

Todd Birthday
2022-08-25

BC Day
2022-08-01

Canada Day
2022-07-01

National Aboriginal Day
2022-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)

National Ice Cream Soda Day
2022-06-20
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY
As with most inventions, ice cream soda was created unintentionally by the coming together of ice cream and soda. It is believed that Robert Green was trying to prepare chilled soda at a Philadelphia fair but had run out of ice shavings. He came up with the idea of adding ice cream to the soda to cool it. Thus, the ice cream soda was born.
Now, there are many different stories about the invention of ice cream soda. Even though Robert Green loudly claimed to be the inventor of the ice cream soda — and even had it inscribed on his tombstone — another legend goes that it was Fred Sanders who invented the delicious summer drink. Sanders ran a confection shop and added ice cream to soda when he could not find sweet cream.
More people continued to claim credit for the invention of the ice cream soda, especially because it was marketed so well and hugely popular. George Guy and Philip Mohr are two well-known claimants to the title of inventor of ice cream soda.

International Picnic Day
2022-06-17
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY
For many across the world, picnics are a relaxing change of pace from their daily lives. However, the picnic as we know it today didn’t exist until the French Revolution, as public parks finally became available en masse.
Although the French are credited with the creation of modern picnics, globalization and individual cultures are responsible for their grand popularity. In 2018, 55% of young Americans said having a picnic was their favorite warm-weather activity.
And as the concept of picnics has spread, a myriad of different traditions have arisen in a plethora of different places. There are very few, if any, cultures around the world that do not engage in picnicking in their own way.
Picnics are a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy what your city has to offer you. And after a hike or walk, you’ll be antsy for a nice break and a yummy meal.

Jacquie Birthday
2022-06-06

Scavenger Hunt Day
2022-05-24
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SCAVENGER HUNT DAY
Though no one knows the true origin of the first scavenger hunts, which evolved from folk games, Elsa Maxwell has been credited with the creation and popularization of the scavenger hunt in the 1930’s. Elsa Maxwell, an American author, gossip columnist, actress, songwriter, screenwriter, and radio personality who was dubbed “hostess with the mostest”, had an affinity for throwing luxurious and entertaining parties for celebrities, political figures, and New York’s elite. She often organized scavenger hunts for the guests, that involved roaming around town, seeking objects from a list. Players were not allowed to buy the objects, but rather, beg, barter, or work for them. Sometimes, the scavenger hunts included riddles, or ‘clues’, on each item, increasing the game’s difficulty. The team with the most items, or the first to complete the list, won.
It’s a popular game today, especially for children, around holidays like Easter, Christmas, Halloween, or birthday parties. Adults could set up an elaborate maze of clues and items for their children to find, that would keep their children busy for hours. At some Universities, fraternities or sororities may even include a scavenger hunt as a series of challenges for their potential new members, or ‘pledges’. The games are a great way to encourage healthy competition, discover new places, promote exercise, and stoke the imagination of all parties involved. Scavenger games could entertain adults and children alike. The games are entertaining to whoever can open their minds, and tap into their childlike sense of play and wonder.

Victoria Day
2022-05-23

National BBQ Day
2022-05-16
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BARBECUE DAY
Barbecues are one of America’s favorite pastimes. Since the activity is highly common in the U.S., it is no surprise that a special day has been dedicated to celebrating the barbecuing tradition.
Although the concept of barbecuing did not originate in America, the activity has become an essential part of American culture today. The history of barbecuing in the U.S. goes back to colonial times where any celebration was incomplete without a cookout. After the Revolutionary War was won and the first bridge was built over the Missouri River, barbecue celebrations erupted all over the nation. Even the American presidents are famous for hosting massive barbecues during times of success and on days of special observances. In fact, George Washington’s diary is said to have referenced a barbecue event that lasted for three days — that’s how deeply rooted barbecuing is in the country’s history!
We’ll BBQ Hot Dogs

Brendon Birthday
2022-05-15

Glenn Birthday
2022-05-12

Mothers Day
2022-05-08

Cinco de Mayo
2022-05-05
TRADITIONS FOR CINCO DE MAYO
In Mexico, the majority of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations occur in Puebla, where the battle had taken place. People dress up either as French and Mexican soldiers or in colorful outfits to participate in large parades. Patriotic clothing is sold by vendors for people to wear and stalls selling Mexican food are also found everywhere. Although tacos and margaritas are consumed the most on this holiday, as well as mole poblano, which is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. The battle is also sometimes reenacted for locals and tourists to witness the Mexicans’ grand victory against the French troops.
Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States. Costume parties are hosted for friends and family, with the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green) used in decorations. Mexican folk music is played and danced to. The celebrations are also taken to the streets with large parades and special promotions on Mexican food.

Mothers Day Crafts
2022-05-03

Tak Birthday
2022-05-01

Easter Monday
2022-04-18

Marjorie Birthday
2022-04-18

Easter
2022-04-17

Good Friday
2022-04-15

Andrew Birthday
2022-04-13

Sarah Birthday
2022-04-13

World Down Syndrome Day
2022-03-21

St. Patrick's Day
2022-03-17

Today Is International Women's Day
2022-03-08

Pink Shirt Day
2022-02-23
Now a movement celebrated across the globe, Pink Shirt Day has humble beginnings. Inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia, CKNW Kids’ Fund, working with partners Boys & Girls Clubs and 980 CKNW, was inspired to raise funds to support anti-bullying programs. Here is a snippet of an article detailing the original incident:

“David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. ‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’ So Mr. Shepherd and some other headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled. The bullies were never heard from again.”— GLOBE & MAIL

After David and Travis’ act of kindness in 2007, CKNW was inspired to help other youth affected by bullying, with many staff members wearing pink shirts and collecting funds to support Boys and Girls Clubs. Since then, the idea has only grown each year, with worldwide support and participation. Countries across the globe are now organizing anti-bullying fundraisers of their own, including Japan, New Zealand, China, Panama, and numerous others. In fact, last year alone, people in almost 180 countries shared their support of Pink Shirt Day through social media posts and donations.
Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February every year; join us next Pink Shirt Day on February 23rd, 2022 in our mission to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives.

Family Day
2022-02-21
