(L to R) Door prize winners show off gift baskets valued at $150 each from Absolute Spa Group, presented by Wendy Lisogar-Cocchi, president of Absolute Spa Group and Peter Legge, chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade

The Spirit of Giving Luncheon aboard ms Ryndam
Over 200 people joined The Spirit of Vancouver and Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland on Friday, May 16, aboard Holland America Line’s ms Ryndam. The Spirit of Giving Luncheon, sponsored by Holland America Line and BCAA, gave attendees the chance to tour the ms Ryndam’s 10 passenger decks, three-story grand atrium, and view some of the $2 million-worth of art and artefacts in the Ryndam’s collection. More...

Rick Hansen, winner of the Mike Horsey Free Spirit Award

2003 Spirit of Vancouver Award winners
The Vancouver Board of Trade honoured the winners and finalists of the annual Spirit of Vancouver Awards at a special luncheon on May 6 at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. More than 50 individuals, companies and community organizations were nominated in five special categories, and two special awards were presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our great city. More... 

2003 Spirit of Vancouver Awards
NEW DATE - MAY 6, 2003.  The Vancouver Board of Trade will honour the winners of the annual Spirit of Vancouver Award at a special luncheon this year on May 6 at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. More than 50 individuals, companies and community organizations were nominated in four special categories. Details / Finalists

Vancouver Bell Walk participants make the trek along Spanish Banks

Walkers from coast to coast raise $1.5 million in 2nd annual Bell Walk for Kids
On May 4, from Victoria to St. John’s, Canadian walkers came out to help protect kids against abuse by participating in the second annual Bell Walk for Kids. Vancouver's five-kilometre Bell Walk route began at Spanish Banks beach and proceeded west along N.W. Marine Drive. Despite a slight drizzle, well over 500 people turned out for the event. More...

International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission releases report
The Commission’s verdict is clear: Vancouver "demonstrates a clear vision, both for the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and for post-Games legacy." The report noted many strengths and put to rest concerns regarding Vancouver’s transportation plan and the Sea-to-Sky Highway by stating that the Commission is "confident" that Vancouver can "meet the Olympic transport requirements." View media release

Absolute Spa "Absolute Best of the Century" contest winners
You told us why your administrative assistant is the "Absolute Best of the Century." And the winners are (chosen by Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, President of the Absolute Spa group):

• Big Ayurvedic Spa Day — Mercy Vito from Self-Help Resource Association of BC, nominated by Jamie Yard and Erlene Wolland
• Chocolate Spa Package #1 — Brooke Lees from The Vancouver Board of Trade, nominated by Sherrill Schlamann
• Chocolate Spa Package #2 — Satu from Ad-Pro Direct, nominated by Gary R. Bombay

Two additional prizes go out to the following outstanding nominees:

• Chocolate Indulgence Manicure with Chocolate Home Spa Gift Set — Sarah Sheppard from Croden Personnel, nominated by Irene Croden
• Chocolate Indulgence Manicure — Mrs. Mike Prosser, nominated by Mr. Mike Prosser