(YWCA METRO VANCOUVER) — Rock’n the Park, presented by Beedie, was a fabulous evening of live music, delicious food and entertainment galore. The event was held at Malkin Bowl in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on Friday, September 10 for friends, family and partners of Cindy and Ryan Beedie.
In not-so-typical Vancouver weather fashion, it was a sunny afternoon and an evening with clear skies – a perfect day to raise funds in support of the YWCA Metro Vancouver’s new proposed housing community and child care centre in Burnaby, envisioned by Cindy Beedie.
Rock’n the Park guests were welcomed to the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish people by Musqueam Elder Larry Grant. The concert lineup featured the musical talents of Billy Idol, Metric, Sir Sly, 54-40 and Bitterly Divine. The surprise headliner, The Killers, wowed guests with an incredible performance.
Under the orange and green balloon arches, attendees enjoyed eats from a smorgasbord of food trucks including Mom’s Grilled Cheese and Earnest Ice Cream. An LED robot on stilts wandered the grounds posing for pictures or stopping to have a dance-off. For many, Rock’n the Park marked the first large scale event since the COVID-19 pandemic began. People were ready to party, and to contribute to the YWCA.
In lieu of purchasing a ticket, the Beedies asked guests to donate to the housing and child care project being proposed at 4803 Canada Way.
This new YWCA housing community will provide single mother-led families with safe and affordable homes. The 56 units will be adjacent to a dynamic 37-space child care centre for toddlers and preschoolers, and is perfectly situated near BCIT, transit, parks and schools. Women will be able to access affordable, on-site child care while they pursue education and employment. YWCA staff will help build a safe community and connect families with wrap-around support including educational bursaries, legal advocacy and employment pathways.
More than $333,500 was raised in support of the project, which includes two remarkable $50,000 donations.
YWCA Metro Vancouver extends our heartfelt thanks to Cindy and Ryan Beedie for their continued support of women and children.
To donate to this housing community, contact Brenda Ulmer at bulmer@ywcavan.org | 604 290 5896 or Bobbi Sarai at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
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