Community News Briefs

Social entrepreneur guest speaker at Spirit Luncheon

Social entrepreneur Mark Brand will speak at the United Way’s annual Spirit Luncheon today at the Kamloops Convention Centre. Brand, 37, runs eight businesses and is known for his work with Vancouver’s downtown East Side.

He will speak on building better communities, the impact of an unconventional solution, food security and social values in business.

Brand has spoken at numerous conferences and universities in North America.

The luncheon runs from 12 noon to 1:15 p.m. at 1250 Rogers Way.

Test your bike smarts at 8^th annual Bike Rodeo

Kids of all ages are being invited to the 8^th annual Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Interior Savings Centre Lower Parking lot.

Participants can find out how they can have fun and stay safe while riding their bikes. RCMP bike patrol and auxiliaries will be on hand to take kids through a pre-ride check, as well as review the rules of the road, proper hand signals, amore more.

Helmet safety tips, including assistance with proper fitting, will also be offered. There will be face-painting and prizes, as well. To register call 250-828-3500.

Applications for Youth, Children and Families committee

The City is looking for a volunteer from the Aboriginal community to serve a two-year term on the Youth, Children and Families committee.

The committee is an advisory group to the Social Planning Council to ensure that children, youth, parents and providers are involved in decisions made within the city and community that affect them.

It meets a minimum of four times a year. Applications are due June 27 at 4 p.m. More information can be found at http://www.kamloops.ca/volunteer.

Clean Air Day coming up Wednesday, June 4

Join the ECOSmart Team and the CAP Team on Wednesday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate Clean Air Day.

On the 400 block of Victoria Street, in conjunction with the Downtown Farmer’s Market, a variety of activities, information booths and games for all ages will be offered throughout the day.

At Clean Air Day, you can:

• Check out a transit bus, and learn how to attach a bicycle to the bike rack;
• Discover alternative transportation options;
• Get inside an electric car;
• Learn how to compost;
• Get up close to one of the garbage/recycling trucks and talk to a collector;
• Have fun with kids games and face-painting;
• Learn about Xeriscaping, water conservation and many more ways to be environmentally conscious; and
• Join Mayor Milobar at 1 pm for the planting of a tree.

There will be multiple giveaways and prizes and an opportunity to win a push reel lawn mower.

Clean Air Day is a national event held each year on the first Wednesday of June during Environment Week.  For more information on Clean Air Day please visit http://www.kamloops.ca/environment/cleanairday.shtml.