Ripple Effect Society

On Saturday, May 8^th, 2010, a team of 8 Ripplemakers celebrated the Mother’s Day weekend by continuing a longstanding tradition: We volunteered at the Mother’s Day Tea at Little Mountain Place , which is home to over 100 seniors. After networking and introductions over a slice pizza and pop, we proceeded to transform the dining hall into a ‘Tea Room’. When all the preparations were done, we welcomed residents and their families, and waited their tables, serving tea and dessert. The room was decorated in a beautiful butterfly motif and the atmosphere was rendered even more elegant by a percussion band that played old standards. It was a wonderful event, and especially meaningful for those of us Ripplemakers who could not mark Mother’s Day with our moms. We are once again grateful to Julie and the amazing team of Little Mountain Place staff and volunteers who continue to share this event with us.

On April 13th, a small group of Ripple Effect volunteers spent the evening serving dinner to the homeless at First Baptist Church's shelter.  Our volunteers were kept on their toes as they dished out a wonderful, savoury chicken dinner - complete with cake and ice cream - to over 120 guests.  Some of the highlights of the evening for me were:

 

Tara – staying cool while serving from steaming pans of chicken

Melanie and Pauline – working together to quickly become the perfect salad and dressing team

 

Overall, it was a wonderful experience for everyone.  I look forward to working with you again at future Ripple Effect Society events.

Cheers,
Celia

Welcoming the World to Vancouver, Ripple Effect Style.

A few eager beaver Ripple Effect members met at Mango Cafe downtown Vancouver on the first day of the Olympics to assist people new to downtown with directions and other friendly advice that was needed.

The number of people requiring assistance were few, but the activities this Ripple Effect group participated in were numerous and fun!

The highlights:

* visiting the Olympic torch!
* seeing the huge crowd lining up outside Hudson Bay to purchase Olympic gear
* watching the first brave soles flying above on the zip line. 3hour waiting line up and that was one the first day!
* being accosted by a group of wonderful Vancouverites that were offering "Free hugs and chocolate"
* learning the 'riots' where nothing but hype.
* seeing people enjoying the novelty of walking on the road along Robson St.

Each Ripple Effect member was able to assist at least SOMEONE with either directions, advice or taking photos of groups etc.

It was a fun morning, and while the crowds had yet to descend on the streets of downtown Vancouver, people were starting to get the feel that the Olympics "had arrived".

Welcome badges adorned, this Ripple Effect group had a great start to the Olympics.

Michael
President