Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/171618
Uncovering Still Creek Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable. Its mission is to bring communities and nature together for their mutual benefit. Through the "Uncover Still Creek" program, Evergreen will work with the City to rehabilitate this local Burnaby creek. The specific intent is to provide vital habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species, and thereby improve urban biodiversity, as well as mitigate high stormwater flows and improve water quality. Overall, the program aims to connect citizens with their watershed, encouraging community engagement through education and outreach events. Vancouver Foundation's environment committee recommended a grant of $15,000 for the project. Sassy gets a new roof The Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society provides a safe home for rescued, abused and unwanted donkeys in British Columbia. Located near Chase in B.C.'s interior, the facility is home to 24 donkeys. One of these is "Sassy" (both by name and temperament). "Sassy's quite a character," says Shirley Mainprize, who runs the Donkey Refuge with her husband Harold. And although she arrived with a host of health problems, "she is now a very happy and healthy donkey enjoying her home at the Refuge." Donkeys have recently become popular as pets or work animals (partly due to the movie Shrek).Typically, they live for 50 years in warm climates. However, the temperate climate of B.C. causes health problems for donkeys and can lead to abandonment. Turtle Valley provides a safe and permanent home for these abandoned animals. Vancouver Foundation provided a grant of $13,000 to add a covered overhang roof to one of the barns. This small improvement will provide a weather-protected area for the resident donkeys and increase their comfort during bad weather. The project also includes a water system to allow the donkeys to have clean water on demand. Sassy (second from left) expresses her feelings at being photographed. p4-5_GAAG.indd 5 6/6/12 10:51:15 AM