By Hayley Woodin
December 2015
Whether it's caroling for a cause or finally having the chance to confirm that you're as funny as you think you are, programming for The Vancouver Board of Trade's Company of Young Professionals is ramping up for some serious seasonal fun this December.
Back by popular demand, the headline acts of this year's CYP Holiday Social will be some of the city's ugliest sweaters and funniest comics. During a complimentary reception at Vancouver's Comedy Mix, Members will also have the chance to test out both their speaking and comedy skills as openers for the night's comics. All guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item and their funniest joke.
While the Dec. 8 social is bound to bring tears to your eyes (be it the jokes or the scratchy sweaters), not all of CYP's upcoming programming is a laughing matter. Members will have two opportunities this month to give back and relax with casual networking for a greater purpose.
On Dec. 3, that's the chance to "carol for a cause" as CYP Members participate in Vancouver's first annual Yule Duel. Located in Gastown, #yuleduel2015 will feature amateur, professional and karaoke choirs from across the city ready to raise their voices and money for May's Place. As the only hospice in the Downtown Eastside, May's Place provides valuable services to individuals with addictions and mental health challenges.
Those who would rather save the singing for the shower are welcome to cheer on CYP's Yule Duellers, or help the team meet their $1,000 fundraising goal.
For all event information and to learn more about CYP, visit boardoftrade.com/cyp. Members looking to cross an item off their bucket list by playing a comic for a night can put their name forward when registering for the CYP Holiday Social on Dec. 8.
Hayley Woodin is a freelance journalist, and the media specialist at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She sits on the CYP advisory committee, and chairs the program's events committee.