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Why Knit Fit Started

Let us introduce you to the founder and creator of the non-profit organization Knit Fit; Laura Mah.

Laura showing her Goofy Side

Laura showing her Goofy Side

She’s a spunky, down to earth and friendly girl who wants to do some good for this world. Laura began this organization in 2003 when she was only 11 at her Elementary School Chief Maquinna. Her inspiration to start up Knit Fit came mostly from her cousin Caroline MacGillivray, and her mom, Liza Mah. Caroline showed Laura the importance of giving back to the community through her own organization, Beauty Night. As Laura saw the expressions on the people’s faces after receiving gifts and services, she felt like it was her turn to make a difference. Liza works in a Dental Clinic in the Downtown Eastside and would always tell Laura how she wished she could do more for her clients. Both Caroline and Liza got Laura thinking about what she could do to give back to her community.   Laura talked with her teacher Ms. Lougheed about how she wanted to help the Downtown Eastside, but didn’t know how. Ms. Lougheed suggested that she should use her new skills (knitting), and teach it to others who could help alongside the Downtown Eastside.

The main reason Knit Fit was created was to give back to the Downtown Eastside. The people who live there are so close to us and are too often ignored. Since Knit Fit has been created, a difference has been made in the lives of the people who live in this community. Each winter, Knit Fit helps people be warmer.

SCARVES!

SCARVES!

When asked what you enjoy most about Knit Fit, Laura responded “The expression on the people’s face when they see the scarves, teaching kids how to knit, and the importance of giving back.”

Beauty Night Programming – Week of Sept 28

Beauty Night Programming Sept 28 2009 – Oct 4 2009

Caroline and Dawn

Caroline and Dawn

We have another week full of great activities.

  • Tonight, September 28, we have our regular Beauty Night makeover session at the Lifeskills Centre. We are in need of hairdressers, if you are a hairdresser and have been wanting to come out, tonight is the perfect night!
    We are also having a volunteer orientation session tonight at 5:30 for those who are interested. If you’ve always wanted to know more about Beauty Night, and to see how you can help, we would love for you to come see what we’re about. The orientation will also be at the Life Skills Centre (412 E Cordova).
    Children’s Programming will also be occuring so that the mommies can fully relax while being pampered. Spread the word!
  • Tuesday, September 29 – Stroller Disco! This is a super fun way for moms to get fit while bonding with their child.
  • Wednesday, September 30 - Closed Board Meeting
  • Thursday, October 1 - Womyn’s Gym Training
  • Sunday, October 4 – Stocking Cutting Session – we are in need of people to help sew, cut stockings and knit scarves and more. If you’re interested in coming out, please email info@beautynight.org. If you click on this button, it will add the event into your google calendar for you!

We are still in need of fabric and wool for our stockign drive. If you are not able to help in that way, perhaps consider donating some funds to help our programming. Or your valuable time!

We love to hear feedback, what you would like to see featured on the blog, ideas you have for programs…even if you would like to suggest areas we could improve on, we always love to hear from you!

Happy Monday everyone!

New Vancouver Volunteer Comment

Thank you Caroline, for inviting me to volunteer with Beauty Night last night, “because dignity is beautiful”.

Those young men who also volunteered, cutting hair and giving neck massages to the downtrodden – wow what bella generous Spirits.

One young man (24 years old) who has worked on the DTES for 4 years now on the front lines, said that he previously thought like the majority, “the homeless were all assholes”, until he began his service and now his heart and eyes were open wide. … Read more

I woke a few hours ago with tears in my eyes. I’m so ashamed to be living here in affluent Vancouver where the Hearts of so many, Canadian, wo/men and children are on the street. :(

You are truly a miracle Caroline, w/ your 9 years of selfless service to the world family. I’m honour to serve and be an active participant in Beauty Night.

Dave Dickson Talks, Volunteers Listen

Our first Girl Talk Session produced by Leila Pejman and Caroline MacGillivray was a huge success. Dave Dickson, Beauty Night Board Member and former Sex Trade Liasson for the Vancouver Police Department held the audience captive. His talk about the survival sex work, addiction, and addiction prompted questions from volunteers.

Dave Dickson talks to Beauty Night Volunteers about Survival Sex Workers Photo by Aaron Chung 2009

Dave Dickson talks to Beauty Night Volunteers about Survival Sex Workers Photo by Aaron Chung 2009

Dave Dickson explains that survival sex workers in Vancouver as young as 10 years old have been seen in Vancouver. Photo by Aaron Chung

Dave Dickson explains that survival sex workers in Vancouver as young as 10 years old have been seen in Vancouver. Photo by Aaron Chung

 

Volunteers listen intently as Dave describes the cyle of addiction, violence and survival sex work. Photo by Aaron Chung 2009

Volunteers listen intently as Dave describes the cyle of addiction, violence and survival sex work. Photo by Aaron Chung 2009

Audience feed back has been incredibly positive. Our next talk will be held this Thursday, June 25th, 2009.

Girl Talk

Starting on June 11th, Beauty Night Society will be launching Girl Talk. Hosted by Caroline MacGillivray (founder and president of Beauty Night Society), host of Sexy in Vancity Radio on 101.9FM, Girl Talk feature a guest every Thursday for an educational and exciting chat in front of an audience. Our first Girl Talk focuses on survival sex work in Vancouver’s DTES. Joining Caroline MacGillivray is Dave Dickson. Dickson was the sex trade liasson for the VPD and a Beauty Night Board Member. What is survival sex? How do women and men get into sex work? How does addiction play into the lives of many women who reside in Vancouver’s DTES? Who are the men who purchase sex from survival sex workers? Why? All this and more on Thursday, June 11th. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 6:30pm. Q & A to follow.

Date: Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Time: Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 6:30pm
Place: PHS Life Skills Centre 412 E Cordova
By donation (free for volunteers)
www.beautynight.org/blog