Seva Events

Don't miss news of events in your area. Sign up today. Scroll down to see all the Seva events which are listed in chronological order working backwards in time. We hope you can join us!

Love in Action 2010 event in Toronto
In support of Planeterra Foundation's funding of a surgical eye camp in Tibet, Love in Action 2010 is holding a contest and event in Toronto. Love In Action Event @ Revival Nightclub March 17, 2010 8pm. Visit Love in Action 2010 for more details.

The World Community Film Festival
11 cities and towns across Canada
February to November 2010

Seva is pleased to be part of the 2010 World Community Film Festival which this year is featuring Infinite Vision, the the story of Dr V, the legendary eye surgeon from South India who made it his mission to restore sight to the blind and the founder of Aravind Eye Care System, now the world's largest and most productive eye hospital, treating over 1.2 million patients annually. Also being shown will be the three winning videos in Seva's Her Sight Is Worth It video contest. The Festival starts in Vancouver and then Courtenay and travels to 10 locations in Canada as follows:

Jan 30-31     Vancouver, BC     www.codev.org/filmfest
Venue: Langara College Hosts: CoDevelopment Canada
NOTE: On Sunday Jan 31 at 12:15 pm the Her Sight Is Worth It video contest winners and Infinite Vision will be shown in Theatre 4.

Feb 5-6     Courtenay, BC     http://www.worldcommunity.ca/film.htm
With special guests Dr. Salma KC Rai, ophthalmologist from Nepal and Heather Wardle, Seva's Development Director who will be introducing the Her Sight Is Worth It winners and Infinite Vision, Saturday Feb 6th at 12:05 pm. More info and tickets at the above website.

Feb 18-20    Nanaimo, BC     www.nanaimofilmfest.org
Global Film Festival Nanaimo
Venue: Vancouver Island University (Malaspina College)
Hosts: Nanaimo Global Film Festival Association
Contact: Al Stewart at marjorieandalstewart@shaw.ca

Feb 26-28     Grand Forks, BC
Traveling World Community Film Festival
Host: No Boundaries Film Club
Venue: Grand Forks Secondary School Auditorium
Contact: John Westaway at  jwestawa@telus.net     

Feb 26-28      Saltspring Island, BC     www.saltspringfilmfestival.com
Salt Spring Film Festival
Venue: Gulf Islands Secondary School
Contact: Diane Copeland Thomas at drcthomas@shaw.ca
                                              
March 12-14      Kelowna, BC     www.ocworldfilmfest.net
Traveling World Community Film Festival
Venue: Okanagan Kelowna Campus
Contact: Carol Kergan at keelyk@telus.net
                                        
Mar 18-27     Prince George, BC
Traveling World Community Film Festival
Contact: Jovanka Djordjevich at jovanka@netbistro.com

Sept 24-26     Terrace. BC     www.terracerotaract.ca            
Traveling World Community Film Festival
Venue: Skeena Jr. Secondary School - Drama Room
Hosts: Rotaract Club of Terrace Skeena Valley
Contact: Kelly Swain,  swain_k@hotmail.com

Oct 8-11    Yellowknife, NWT    
World Community Film Festival - Yellowknife
Hosts: Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP)
Contact: Kelly Swain at swain@hotmail.com

Oct 22-25     Antigonish, NS    www.antigonishfilmfest.org
Antigonish International Film Festival
Contact: Carole Roy at croy@stfx.ca
                                           
TBA     Mission. BC      www.missionfilmfestival.com
Mission World Community Film Festival
Venue: Clarke Theatre/Heritage Park Centre
Contact: Elena Edwards, oceananele@hotmail.com

Nov 5-6     Winnipeg, Manitoba     globaljusticefilmfestival.ca
Global Justice Film Festival
Venue: University of Winnipeg
Contact: Janice Hamilton at mcic@mts.net                                    

A Solution in Sight
Presentation by Dr Martin Spencer and screening of Infinite Vision
Feb 4 2010 at 7 pm in Courtenay, BC

Dr. Spencer, award-winning ophthalmologist and Seva board member, will give a special presentation on Seva's work and will also introduce the advance screening of Infinite Vision, the remarkable story of Dr. V, the visionary who created Aravind Eye Care System in 1976 in Madurai, south India. Despite crippling obstacles, Dr. Venkataswamy restored the sight of over 100,000 people with his own hands. Thirty years ago, he started an 11-bed eye clinic in an old temple-city, and with Seva’s help, turned Aravind Eye Care System into the largest and most productive eye care facility
in the world. Presented with the World Community Film Festival, BCCIC and hosted
by the North Island College Global Nursing Program.By donation to the Global Nursing Program. Venue: Komoux Hall, Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay.

Friday December 4, 2009:
Reception and Seva's AGM

Join us for an evening reception and brief AGM with special guests Dr. Salma KC Rai and Dr. Chundak Tenzing, both ophthalmologists from Nepal. Centre for Peace, 1825 West 16th Avenue (near Burrard) in Vancouver. 7 pm on. Free. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to the Seva office so that we can calculate food and drink.

Saturday and Sunday, November 28 & 29, 2009:
Seva table at InterNation Market in Vancouver

Come and do your Christmas shopping at the annual InterNation market at Vancouver's Van Dusen Gardens. Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 10-4.

 

Saturday November 28, 2009:
Seva table at Fiesta in Campbell River

Seva volunteer, Sue Roper, will be staffing a Seva sales and information table from 10 am to 4 pm at Fiesta at Timberlane Secondary School in Campbell River. Come and do your holiday shopping.

Saturday November 21, 2009:
Seva table at Fiesta in Courtenay

Seva volunteer, Sue Roper, will be staffing a Seva sales and information table from 10 am to 4 pm at Fiesta at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. She'll have Seva 2010 calendars, half-priced Paperblank journals, Seva cards and more. Come and do your holiday shopping.

Thursday to Sunday, November 19-22, 2009:
Seva table at Christmas at Hycroft

Seva is delighted to be having a room at the annual Christmas at Hycroft, so please come and visit us and do your holiday shopping. Choose from a selection of Seva products including our new calendar, greeting cards, ball caps, t-shirt, as well as the lovely Paperblank journals. For details visit http://www.christmasathycroft.ca/event_info.html

Saturday November 14, 2009:
Visions of Nepal: An Edmonton Fundraiser for Seva Canada

Join award-winning photographer, Dr. Larry Louie, and Nepalese tapestry artist, Raju Tuladhar, for a fundraising event in Edmonton for Seva Canada. Louie Photography Gallery, 10634 - 124 Street, Edmonton, www.larrylouie.com. Gallery open to the public from 11 am to 4 pm and Dr. Louie will be there from 1-3. Evening reception by invitation only due to space constraints.

CHAI EVENT CANCELED BECAUSE OF RENOVATIONS!
Wednesday November 11, 2009:
Monthly Feast for the Eyes Benefit at Chai

The second Wednesday of every month is Seva night at the Chai Gallery, 3243 West Broadway in Vancouver, between Trutch and Blenheim (above East is East), Chai Gallery features great food, a wonderful atmosphere and some of Vancouver's best world musicians.

The Seva benefit evening at Chai is popular, so call Chai directly at 604-734-5881 to reserve your table. Doors open at 7 pm and the cost for the evening is $25 at the door, plus a donation to Seva (suggested $10 or more).

Thursday October 22, 2009 at 6:30 pm on
Nepal Night at Cafe Kathmandu in Vancouver

Join special guest Dr. Salma KC Rai, a Seva-trained ophthalmologist from Nepal, at a celebration of Seva's work in Nepal. Cafe Kathmandu, 2779 Commercial Drive near 12th Avenue. By donation. Food and drink will be served. Cash bar. Limited space. Please RSVP to the Seva office by calling 604-713-6622 or emailing admin@seva.ca.

 

Friday October 16, 2009:
Crystal Bowl and Planet Gong Concert by David Hickey

Seva supporter David Hickey of Crystal Journey will be performing in Vancouver at the    Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave (at Oak Street) Seva information and sales table at the event. Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert 7:30 pm Cost $23 in advance and $25 at the door.  Tickets available on line at www.crystaljourney.ca. Show sponsored by Living Source. For more information, call Petra at 604-916-7388.

Wednesday October 14, 2009:
Monthly Feast for the Eyes Benefit at Chai

Event cancelled because of leak in the kitchen. The second Wednesday of every month is Seva night at the Chai Gallery, 3243 West Broadway in Vancouver, between Trutch and Blenheim (above East is East), Chai Gallery features great food, a wonderful atmosphere and some of Vancouver's best world musicians.

The Seva benefit evening at Chai is popular, so call Chai directly at 604-734-5881 to reserve your table. Doors open at 7 pm and the cost for the evening is $25 at the door, plus a donation to Seva (suggested $10 or more).

Thursday October 8, 2009:
Seva's Eye Opener Benefit at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver

October 8th is World Sight Day!

Come and celebrate at Seva's Eye Opener Benefit at Vancouver's Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, to raise funds for eye care for women and girls.

Jane Mortifee and the R&B Express will have the place hopping. Special guest is Dr. Paul Courtright, world expert on the issue of gender inequity and blindness and Seva's partner in Africa. There will be savory and sweet treats, a silent auction, cash bar.

Tickets are $35 and  will go on sale in August, but call the office at 604-713-6622 for more information.

Our thanks to our sponsors, United Financial/Assante Wealth Management, for their generosity. And thanks also to A&B Partytime Rentals, Pacific Western Brewing, Tartine Bread & Pies, Mark Anthony Group Inc., Truffles Fine Foods, Nirvana Restaurant and Niki Flowers for their wonderful support so that more women and girls will see. Doors open at 7 pm.

Toronto event
Saturday September 26, 2009 near Toronto:
Gap Adventures and Planeterra Foundation's Hike to Raise Funds for an Eye Camp in Tibet

Each year the Planeterra Foundation, the charitable arm of the award-winning Canadian travel company, Gap Adventures, sponsors a Seva surgical eye camp in a remote area of Tibet and brings sight to hundreds of Tibetans blinded by cataract. You can see a video slideshow of last year's camp below and read more here.

On September 26th, Gap and Planeterra are hosting a hike at Rouge Valley, 20 minutes outside of downtown Toronto. Meet at the main parking lot. Sign-up fee is $25, with all proceeds going to Planeterra's campaign. Hike begins at 10 a.m.; registration open on site from 9 a.m.; online registration will be available at Planeterra. For more information about this event, please contact info@planeterra.org or visit the event page.

Video of the 2008 Planeterra-sponsored surgical eye camp in Tibet

Wednesday August 12, 2009 and the second Wednesday of every month!
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery in Vancouver

The second Wednesday of every month is Seva night at Chai!

Join us for the 6th Seva benefit evening at the Chai Gallery. Located at 3243 West Broadway, between Trutch and Blenheim (above East is East), Chai Gallery features great food, a wonderful atmosphere and some of Vancouver's best world musicians.

The Seva benefit evening at Chai is popular, so call Chai directly at 604-734-5881 to reserve your table. Doors open at 7 pm and the cost for the evening is $25 at the door, plus a donation to Seva (suggested $10 or more).The folks at Chai had talked about changing to a summer menu, but everyone loves the food so much, they're sticking to the same great hot buffet, salad bar and dessert buffet that we all know and love so much.

Chai Gallery’s owner, Mustafa Nahib, has says he owes his life to nonprofits like Seva. Mustafa and his family were forced to escape from Afghanistan when he was just five and he grew up in refugee camps in Pakistan and India. “I really admire the work Seva does, especially for children. If the eyes are the windows of the soul then Seva has opened many souls to the world, and the world to their souls,” says Mustafa.

So mark your calendar for the second Wednesday of each month and come and say hello.

Friday July 17, 2009:
An Evening with Rupert Sheldrake and Jill Purce

Seva Canada is very grateful to be the partial beneficiary of an evening with biologist Dr. Rupert Sheldrake and musician Jill Purce. Unitarian Church of Vancouver at Oak and 49th, 7 pm. Tickets $20 adults and $15 students and elders. Advance tickets available at Banyen Books, Highlife Music and Utopia. For more information visit http://resonance.mutualadmirationplanet.com/

 

Wednesday July 8, 2009:
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery

The 5th Seva benefit evening at the Chai Gallery was packed. Thank you to everyone who attended and who supported Seva. The evening raised $608.25 for Seva's sight programs ($501.25 at the door and $107 through Paperblank sales).

Thanks to our special guests, Dr. Salma KC Rai, from Nepal and Seva board members, Dr. Peter Nash and Linda Young. And, of course, our deepest thanks to Mustafa, Zamir and everyone at Chai for their ongoing support of Seva's work. Don't miss the next Seva evening at Chai event on August 12th.

Wednesday June 10, 2009:
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery

Seva's 4th benefit at Chai Gallery in Vancouver raised $547 for our sight programs, split as $505 from the door and $42 in Paperblank sales. Our deepest thanks to everyone at Chai and to all our supporters who joined us for a lovely evening a food and music.

Wednesday June 10, 2009:
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery

Seva's 4th benefit at Chai Gallery in Vancouver raised $547 for our sight programs, split as $505 from the door and $42 in Paperblank sales. Our deepest thanks to everyone at Chai and to all our supporters who joined us for a lovely evening a food and music.

Saturday May 16, 2009:
An Evening of Kirtan for Seva with Amir O'Loughlin
Accompanied by Nathen Aswell, Shawn Soucey & Chloe O'Loughlin
7:30 pm, Unity of Vancouver, 5840 Oak St (at 41st Ave)

Join us for a special night of music created especially for the Golden Eagle Circle! Universal Kirtan invokes the many wisdom streams of humanity through music, song and chant. Lyric sheets are provided. So come out and Sing with your Soul Family -- and enjoy a cup of chai afterwards!  Feel free to invite friends and family members to this fundraising event for Seva Canada and the restoration of eyesight. Master musician Amir O'Loughlin will lead the evening. Amir has been leading spiritual music and dance in Vancouver for almost 30 years. His teaching and work have always been trans-spiritual, emphasizing the one truth in the many faces of the Divine. In addition to his many years of being a Representative for the Sufi Order International, Amir is also known for having founded the Universal Gospel Choir and was its conductor for many years. In everyday life, Amir is a psychotherapist. Suggested Donation $10 - $20. Each $50 raised cures blindness for one individual. For more info: Contact David:(604) 689 - 8034, goldeneaglecircle@shaw.ca

 

Wednesday May 13, 2009:
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery

The third Seva benefit evening at the Chai Gallery raised $643 for Seva's blindness programs -- $510 through donations at the door and $133 through the sale of Paperblank journals. Seva wants to thank Mustafa Nahib, everyone at Chai, all the musicians and everyone who attended for making the night a great success. The funds raised will restore sight to over 12 blind people through cataract surgery. Thank you all.

 

Friday May 8, 2009:
Seva donor event and show on Gabriola Island

You're invited! Seva Canada would like to invite you to a special screening of a slide show by Seva Canada board member Susan Erdmann TIBET: SAVING SIGHT ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD with door prizes & light refreshments. Free admission. Everyone welcome. Agricultural Hall, 465 South Road, Gabriola Island. Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Speakers: Dr. Martin Spencer, ophthalmologist and Seva board member, Heather Wardle, Development Director, Seva Canada and Susan Erdmann, Seva board member. Bring your friends! Everyone is welcome. RSVP by calling 604-713-6622 or email admin@seva.ca.

 

Friday May 8, 2009:
Talia Designs Fashion Event with raffle for Seva
A fashion show was held from 6-9 pm at the Autumn Brook Art Gallery, 1545 West 4th Avenue (one block west of the entrance to Granville Island) in Vancouver and raised $600 for Seva's sight programs. Penny Lyons, Seva's Executive Director, was there to enjoy the fun along with over 100 attendees. Penny says that not only were the clothes beautiful, but every woman wearing them looked stunning. She said that from the moment the doors opened at 6 pm, people went crazy for the clothes and were buying them all evening. Our huge thanks to Michael and Nurit Perla for this great event and for your generosity to Seva. To learn more, visit www.talia-designer-clothes.com or contact nuritp@shaw.ca or call 604-734-2173.

 

Thursday May 7, 2009:
Seva donor event and show in Nanaimo

Seva Canada would like to thank everyone who attended the show in Nanaimo with Seva board members, Dr. Martin Spencer and Susan Erdmann. marty gave an powerful presentation on the history and impact of Seva's work, relating mfirst-hand experiences of operating and training in remote settings. Susan Erdmann gave her presentation "TIBET: SAVING SIGHT ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD" about the eye camps she witnessed in 2007. The event was held at the Malaspina Theatre, Building 310, Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina College). Thank you to Dirk Heydemann, a professional photographer and friend of Marty's, who took photos of the event and has created a slideshow. To see the photos visit http://www.heydemannphoto.com/index2.php?v=v1 click "Clients" from the bottom menu  enter "Seva" as the password.

 

Wednesday May 6, 2009:
Seva donor event and show in Victoria, BC

You're invited! Seva Canada would like to invite you to a special screening of a slide show by Seva Canada board member Susan Erdmann TIBET: SAVING SIGHT ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD with door prizes & light refreshments. Free admission. Everyone welcome. RSVP. Doors open 7 pm; show starts at 7:30 pm, Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre, 638 Fisgard Street (between Chinatown and Douglas) Speakers: Penny Lyons, Seva’s Executive Director and Susan Erdmann, Seva board member. Bring your friends! Everyone is welcome. RSVP by calling 604-713-6622 or email admin@seva.ca.

 

Tuesday April 28, 2009:
Fundraising Concert for Seva by blind musician Terry Kelly

On April 28, the award-winning Canadian musician, Terry Kelly, performed a fundraising concert for Seva at the Ottawa school of Seva's longtime supporter, Alistair Butt. Terry had been impressed with Alistair's "Eyeballs for Eyesight campaign" and offered to do a concert for Alistair, telling Alistair he could give the money to whatever charity he liked. Alistair picked Seva, which Terry fully supported. Both Alistair and Terry know first-hand about vision loss. When Alistair was younger, he had severe sight problems and had to wear a patch for 10 years. Terry Kelly is blind.

The event raised $1,231 for Seva Canada's sight restoration and blindness prevention programs in the developing world. $1000 was donated by Terry Kelly and Alistair raised $231 through the sale of chocolate eyeballs. Every child who attended contributed a toonie.

Terry Kelly's enthusiasm for life and sheer determination have gained him recognition as an accomplished athlete, award-winning singer, songwriter, entertainer, motivational speaker and a lover of life.

Terry was a double silver medalist at the 1979 Canadian Track Championships, a member of the Canadian Track Team that competed in the 1980 Paralympics, and distinguished himself as the third blind person in the world to run the mile in under five minutes.

This Newfoundland native has been making music since his childhood years. He has recorded six full-length recordings, was nominated for four Canadian Country Music Awards and a JUNO, and has received seven East Coast Music Awards.

Seva is deeply grateful to both Alistair and Terry for their generosity and compassion and for giving the gift of sight to people in the developing world.

Alistair's brother, Nicholas, manning the Seva info table and selling chocolate "Eyeballs for Eyesight" (Un Oeil pour Voir)

Wednesday April 8, 2009:
Seva Benefit at Chai Gallery

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Seva and made our second fundraising event a roaring success. There was a  full house and $779 was raised for Seva's sight programs -- $710 at the door and $69 through Paperblank book sales.

Thank you to Seva board members, Nancy Mortifee and Abdul Pirbhai, who came and helped out. It was wonderful for Seva board and staff to meet so many donors and to have a chance to visit.

Seva would like to extend our deepest thanks to Mustafa, Zamir and all the staff, cooks and musicians at Chai for their kindness and generosity in making this monthly fundraiser for Seva such a great, fun event. Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at the Chai Gallery, 3243 West Broadway, between Trutch and Blenheim (above East is East). Mark your calendars today for the next Seva benefit.

 

November 10, 2008:
Dr. Paul Courtright and Dr. Susan Lewallen Win the 2008 International Blindness Prevention Award

Dr. Paul Courtright and his wife Dr. Susan Lewallen, founders and the co-directors of KCCO have won the prestigious International Blindness Prevention Award for 2008 from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

The AAO is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, with more than 27,000 members worldwide. The International Blindness Prevention Award, established in 1992, honours “individuals who have made significant contributions to the prevention of blindness or restoration of sight”.  The award will be presented to Drs Courtright and Lewallen on November 10 at the Academy’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

Dr. Courtright, an epidemiologist, and Dr. Lewallen, an ophthalmologist, are both on faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Courtright is also on faculty in the Department of Health Care and Epidemiology. Dr. Courtright established and directed the British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic & International Ophthalmology, helping UBC to gain a reputation of expertise in international ophthalmology, continued by Dr. Ken Bassett, the current director in Vancouver.   

Currently Drs. Courtright and Lewallen live and work in Moshi, Tanzania, where they have established the highly successful Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO). KCCO, a unique institution in Africa, was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to reducing blindness in Africa.

On November 4, just prior to the presentation of the AAO award in Atlanta, KCCO will inaugurate its new three-story 25,700 square-foot training centre, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro. The centre focuses on training, research and programme development, aimed at decreasing blindness in eastern Africa, using local talent and skills.

The AAO is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, with more than 27,000 members worldwide. The International Blindness Prevention Award, established in 1992, honours “individuals who have made significant contributions to the prevention of blindness or restoration of sight”.  The award will be presented to Drs Courtright and Lewallen on November 10 at the Academy’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

 

November 4, 2008
Inauguration of New KCCO Building, Moshi, Tanzania

On November 4, 2008 KCCO will inaugurate its new three-story 25,700 square-foot training centre, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro. The centre focuses on training, research and programme development, aimed at decreasing blindness in eastern Africa, using local talent and skills.

In a note of congratulations, Dr Hannah Faal, past president of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness praised the “focused investment being made in capacity building of Tanzanians” as a “unique feature” of the work of KCCO.

Funding for construction of the $1.2 million centre came from organizations and individuals from around the globe.  Besides a new modern surgical operating theatre for treatment of eye conditions for the KCMC Eye Department, the training centre includes a large resource centre, lecture rooms, computer laboratory, and offices.

Originally envisioned to serve eastern Africa, the demand for training has grown so that doctors and other eye care professionals have come from countries across the continent, Ghana to Eritrea to Madagascar, as well as those closer to Tanzania. Some of the programmes assisted by KCCO have seen two and three-fold increases in eye care services being provided.

 

September 5, 2008:
A Shot in the Dark Night Golf Tournament

Seva’s Third Annual Shot in the Dark Night Golf Tournament raised over $14,000 for Seva’s sight programs.

It was held on September 5th at the Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy. Seva would like to thank our  sponsors: United Financial and Buntain Insurance Agencies Ltd., and wine sponsor, Sonora Ranch.

Thank you to Signature Vacations and Ms. Delia Osuna of the Hotel Playa Mazatlan for the donated trip. Our gratitude to all who played and to our volunteers: Peter Chew, Sacha Chin, Jody Diamond, Susan Erdmann, Mary Gavan, David Hardouin, Linda Harth, JoAn Maurer, Tom Voss and Pam Wong and to our silent auction donors: Acculogic Technologies Inc., Jack Andersen & Penny Paul, Charles Anderson & Lynn Buntain, Adelle Bernadette, Janice Clarfield, Arimo Evans, Golf Town, Green Thumb Theatre, Mooh Hood, Justin Stitches, Jon Kaplan, Janette Lindley and Danny Peart, Larry Louie and Joanna Wong, The Lounge Hair Studio, Meridian Pilates, The Paperblank Book Company, Promosapien, The Rocky Mountaineer, Signature Vacations, Donna Webb, Westcoast Mountain Campers Ltd. and Pamela Wong.

Gold		Silver		Wine Sponsor

 

September 3, 2008:
Nepal Slide Show and Trip Briefing

Join us on September 3rd for an information evening and slide show on Nepal by Wanda Vivequin. In March 2009 Seva Canada will be offering our supporters a chance to see the beautiful countryside and incredible people of Nepal. The trip will also provide opportunities to see first-hand the amazing work being done by Seva in Nepal and fundraise to set up two primary eye-care clinics in far-Western Nepal. Click here for the complete itinerary of the March 3-25, 2009 trip. The trip will be organized and guided by Wanda Vivequin, who has been visiting Nepal annually since 2000 and running cultural and trekking trips since 2001. This will be her 14th visit to Nepal and the 21st trip she has run in the country. To read Wanda's bio, click here. On September 3rd you'll have the chance to meet Wanda, see great images of Nepal and ask any questions you may have about the March 2009 trip. Space for the information evening is limited, so please call 604-713-6622 to reserve your spot. Price for the trip is $6,500 (includes $2000 tax receipt) and includes international airfare ex-Vancouver. Small group – max 14 bookings
To book contact Paula Williamson on paula@aussietravel.ca Toll free: 1.800.667.4329 or 780 429 5960. Please note this price does not include any possible increases to fuel surcharges and taxes.

 

July 18 to 30, 2008:
Blindsight: Award-winning Film at Vancity Theatre

Seva Canada will have a display table and door prize draw at the Vancouver premier of Blindsight at the Vancity Theatre on Seymour Street. Winner of audience awards in Berlin, Palm Springs and Los Angeles, Blindsight captured the gripping adventure of six blind Tibetan teenagers who set out to climb the 23,000 foot Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest. Seva's Executive Director, Penny Lyons, will be speaking at 7:00 p.m. before the show on Monday July 28th. The show dates are July 18, 21-23 and 25-30. Showtimes are: Fri 8:30, Mon 7:00, Tues 8:45, Weds 8:30, Fri (Jul 25) 8:45, Sat (Jul 26) 7:00, Sun (Jul 27) 8:45, Mon (Jul 28), 7:00, Tues (Jul 29) 8:45, Weds (Jul 30) 7:00. Click here to read more and to buy tickets. 

 

June 6, 2008:
Compassionate Eyes on Africa

The Board of Directors, staff and overseas partners of Seva Canada want to thank everyone who attended Seva’s “Compassionate Eyes on Africa” event on June 6. The event was a great success and would not have been possible without the help of volunteers and generous donors. “Compassionate Eyes on Africa” raised $16,986:

• $3,320 was raised for intraocular lenses (IOLs) for children (almost 37 lenses);
• $8,000 was donated by our wonderful MC and board member, Nancy Mortifee, and the Somerset Foundation for a pediatric eye camp in Tanzania; and
• $4,320 was raised through generous donations of prizes for our silent auction.

The silent auction revenue more than covered all our expenses such as hall rental; 100% of the donations for the IOLs and the eye camp are being sent to the African programs. Thank you to Dr. Paul Courtright and Ms. Margaret Kessy from the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology.

Our thanks to the following volunteers: Holly Alyea, Micah Check, Peter Chew, Victoria Cottell, Gareth Duncan, Susan Erdmann, Mary Gavan, Mary-Frances Hill, Mooh Hood, Melanie Lawrence, Shellina Lakhdhir, Zahra Lakhdhir, Gary Lyons, Jo-An Maurer, Michel Maurer, Nancy Mortifee, Ian McLennan, Bodie MacNeill, Nabat Muljiani, Phairis Sajan, Salima Samnani, Eva Sham, Ian Wardle, Donna Webb, Serena Wong and Linda Young.

Huge thanks to the silent auction prize donors: Artsclub Theatre Company, Mara Baudais, Adelle Bernadette, Roger Burrows, Janice Clarfield, Mollie Colson, Paul Courtright, Susan Erdmann, Festival Cinemas, Luba Frastacky, Green Thumb Theatre, Mooh Hood, Tammy Hudgeon, Jon Kaplan, Melanie Lichtinger, Janette Lindley, Penny Lyons, Ian McLennan, JoAn and Michel Maurer, Naam Restaurant, Danny Peart, Kath Poole, Nina Repchuk, Vancity Theatre, Vancouver TheatreSports League, Heather Wardle, Donna Webb and Linda Young.

And special thanks to: Jo-Ann Turford at Tartine Bread and Pies, the False Creek Yacht Club, Nirvana, and Masabo. 

There was considerable media attention for Dr. Courtright and Ms. Kessy’s visit and the story of Mike Frastacky’s legacy. Please see “Seva in the News”.

 

April 19, 2008:
A Celebration of the Feminine Divine: A Fundraiser for Seva Canada

Huge thanks to Kambiz Fahim-Gilani, Amir O'Loughlin and all the performers who donated hours of their time for this benefit for Seva's sight programs. The hall at Trinity St. Mark's Church, 1805 Larch at West 2nd in Vancouver was full for this special evening to celebrate the Feminine Divine. The event took place on Saturday, April 19 2008 and raised $740.26 for Seva’s sight programs in Tibet, Nepal, India and Tanzania. Of that, $400 came through ticket sales and $340.26 through the sale of products and books at the Seva table. This fundraiser for Seva Canada was organized by Kambiz and friends (www.shivashakti.ca). Tickets were available in advance at Banyen Books for $20 and at the door for $25. To view the poster, click here.

The evening featured live music, storytelling, dance and art by Amir & Chloe O’Loughlin, Sandra Dawn, Navaro Franco, Zoey Wren, Theda Phoenix, Luannah Ethan, Kathie Scott, Aquarius, Jillian Deri, Linda Burke, Stefan Cihelka, Zarah Martz, Mojgan Abolhasani, Adelle Bernadette, Don Xaliman, Arunima Sharma, Little Woo and DJ Hanuman. This was the 3rd event organized by Kambiz and friends: The Celebration of Rumi event in December 2007 raised $3000 for Seva’s sight programs and the Yoga Dance Party raised $300. Thanks also to Banyen Books for supporting all three events: www.banyen.com.

 

All of March 2008
Karma Tuesdays at Bistrot Bistro

Karma Tuesdays! Bistrot Bistro, a wonderful French restaurant at 1961 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, Vancouver, has kindly chosen Seva Canada to be a beneficiary of their Karma Tuesdays program. Every Tuesday in March, 5% of their sales will be donated to Seva Canada. Seva is extremely grateful to Valerie and Laurent Devin, the owners of Bistrot Bistro, for their generosity and kindness. To make a reservation call 604-732-0004.

 

February 21, 2008:
Saving Sight on the Roof of the World -- G.A.P. Adventures, Vancouver

Tibet, the Roof of the World, has one of the highest rates of preventable blindness on earth. Thousands of Tibetans are blinded by cataracts and can’t see the beauty of their own land. Seva Canada has been working in Tibet since 1995. On Thursday Feb. 21st at 7:30 p.m., G.A.P. Adventures and Planeterra Foundation will be holding a Seva show at their Vancouver Concept Store located at 1965 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.

Join Penny Lyons, Seva’s executive director, to learn about the scope of global blindness and see an overview of Seva’s sight programs in Tibet, Nepal, India and Tanzania, with dozens of great images from the field. Susan Erdmann, Seva board member, spent 3 months in Tibet in 2007 and photographed remote eye camps. Come and see her stunning photographs of Tibet and hear her moving accounts of blind Tibetans who have had their lives changed by sight surgery. Space is very limited so please click here for G.A.P. Adventures website to register and to get more details.

Seva Canada is extremely grateful to the Planeterra Foundation, the charitable arm of G.A.P. Adventures, for their generous support of eye camps in Tibet.

 

February 9, 2008:
Jane Morifee and Friends Dance Party -- A Benefit for Seva Canada

Thank you to all who made the evening with Jane Mortifee and friends a huge success, raising $2140 for Seva's sight programs. Jane Mortifee and some of Vancouver's finest musicians got together for a night of fabulous dancing at the Rowing Club Harbour Room in Stanley Park. The dance floor was packed all night. Many thanks to Jane Mortifee, Nancy Mortifee, Peter Mortifee and all the musicians, volutneers and donors! 

 

December 14, 2007:
Celebrating Rumi -- A Fundraising Event for Seva Canada

 

November 30, 2007:
Seva Canada's AGM

Seva’s Annual General Meeting, open to all members, will be held at 7p.m. on Friday November 30 at the Centre for Peace, Fireside Room, 1825 West 16th Avenue, just west of Burrard Street in Vancouver. Please RSVP by calling 604-713-6622 or e-mail admin@seva.ca. Seva’s Annual Report will be available online in early November.

 

November 8, 2007:
The Compassionate Eye: A Celebration of Seva's Sight Programs in Tibet and Nepal

Nearly 200 people joined us on Thursday November 8th at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver for a special evening to celebrate Seva's blindness prevention and sight restoration projects in Tibet and Nepal. It was a chance for us to thank our incredible donors and for our supporters to see and hear about how their donations are transforming lives in the Himalayas. Seva Canada is extremely grateful to our special guests: Kunga Tashi, head of Seva's sight programs in Tibet; Board Member Susan Erdmann who gave a moving and powerful presention on 2 of the 25 eye camps held in Tibet this year; Tibetan artist, Kalsang Dawa, who spoke about how Seva restored the sight of his blind grandmother in Lhasa, and Tibetan singer, Tashi Gyal. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of many donors and volunteers, the event raised $4,279 for our sight programs.

Seva would like to thank the following people who donated prizes for the silent auction: Lucie Lalumiere; Mooh Hood, Bali Bali; Kolin Lymworth, Banyen Books; Linda Harth and Peter Nash; Andrew Church, Plum Traders Inc.; The Chan Centre and Nancy Mortifee; Annie Chen; Penny Lyons & Linda Young; Susan Erdmann; Michel Maurer; Isabelle St-Jean; Kalsang Dawa; Maiwa Handprints; Mustafa Nahib, owner of East is East and The Chai Gallery; and Nancy Sherpa, Everest Originals. Seva would also like to thank the following people who donated food, drink or party supplies for the evening: Dolma and Kal Tsering for the Tibetan tea and kapses, Abi Sharma of Café Kathmandu for the pakoras and chutneys; Jo-Ann Turford of Tartine for the sweets; Mustafa Nahib, owner of East is East and The Chai Gallery for the chai and 7 gift certificates for the silent auction; and Daniel Sebal, owner of A&B Partytime Rentals for the glasses etc.

Finally, Seva Canada gives heartfel thanks for the wonderful volunteers who helped make the evening a great success: Nancy Mortifee; Susan Erdmann; Sacha Chin; Karen Gosetti; Serena Wong; Isabelle St-Jean; Natasha St-Jean; Jennifer Hales; Diane Thomas; Jim Meadows; Tashi Gyal; Donna Webb; Eva Sham; Dolma and Kal Tsering; Karen Taylor; Andrea Taylor; Ian Wardle; Madu Honeyman; Steffan Omray; Doris Spika; Mary Frances Hill and Mika and Murray from Acculogic.

 

July 2007:
A Shot in the Dark Golf Tournament

Thank you to everyone who helped make our second annual “A Shot in the Dark” Night Golf Tournament a big success. The golf tournament raised $10,158 for Seva’s overseas sight programs. A huge thank you to board member, David Hardouin, and Seva volunteer, Tom Voss, for all their hard work and enthusiasm.