I’m really pleased to learn that Caroline MacGillivray’s organization, Beauty Night, was chosen as this year’s Vancouver Twestival cause. What that means for Beauty Night is that all proceeds raised during the event will help to cover the cost of running their Life-Makeover programs over the next year. I’ve read that there’s a nice round number of 50 programs as the goal challenge!
On December 15, 2010, I helped this caring organization in celebrating 10 years in business. I spoke with Caroline as well as a couple of the organization’s volunteers. They’ve changed the lives and outlook of many Downtown Eastside women and youth by providing a trusting, nurturing environment allowing for onsite health and beauty services for less fortunate Vancouverites who need it the most.
A couple of weeks ago, I also visited their Downtown Eastside site at 412 East Cordova Street, watching the women receive manicures, pedicures, and massages. The amenities are shared with DAMS (Drugs, Alcohol, Meetings, Society), including a fitness room (for evening yoga classes), a kitchen, and several small rooms for activities.
Twestival® (or Twitter Festival) is an event organized and held on the same night in over 200 cities around the world. This year that date falls on Thursday, March 24. Using the power of social media for the greater good, local communities are connected offline to socialize and spread the word via tweets. Since its inception in 2009, over $1.2 million has been raised for 137 nonprofit organizations. The events are 100% volunteer-run and organized, with 100% of all tickets sold donated to the selected cause or charity. These causes or charities are selected by a committee that looks for the impact that the cause has had on their community.
Prominent Vancouver blogger Rebecca Bollwitt will be organizing Vancouver Twestival for the fourth time. I attended last year to find the CBC Audience Lounge packed with Vancouver’s social media scene. Last year, over $9,000 was raised to benefit Concern Worldwide. I have no doubt that we’ll get #YVRTwestival to trend at the top of that evening’s Canadian topics again!
Tickets for Twestival 2011 will go on sale shortly are now on sale. Donations are also greatly appreciated. @BeautyNight will post tweets updating event information in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
