It’s called a “Therapeutic Community” and it works. Inspired and modelled on the San Patrignano community in Italy, the Baldy Hughes centre is a highly-effective, year-long addiction treatment facility located outside Prince George. It was brought to life by former West Vancouver businessman and founding member Kevin England and a team of philanthropic citizens who are part of the BC New Hope Recovery Society. Their mandate, treat addiction while emphasizing a return to positive citizenship. “Being part of something greater than themselves and being held accountable – often for the first time in their lives – is a transformational experience for these men, many who were thought to be beyond hope” says England. Last month, a Gratitude Celebration Gala was held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver featuring Juno-award winning singer Chantal Kreviazuk. With passion and grace, Kreviazuk helped the society raise money for the ongoing support of this facility which is offered free of charge to qualifying men in need of support. For more information please visit www.baldyhughes.ca
01 – Kevin England and his children welcome singer Chatal Kreviazuk to their table prior to her performance. From left: Tiffany England, dad Kevin England, Chatal Kreviazuk, Chantelle England and Lucas England.
02 – Enjoying the show are Elpie Jackson, left, RBC manager Hanif Mamdami and Christine Quigg.
03 – Baldy Hughes gala organizers Maria Zumpano, left, Samantha Sayer and Shelby Lloyd-Smith deserve a big round of applause for all their hard work.
04 – Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba and son Cole are among the VIPs in attendance at Baldy Hughes.
05 – West Vancouver lawyer Nicole Garton-Jones shares a table with Park Royal Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdami.
06 – Making the trip from the North Shore are Dante Godinho, left, lawyer Rory Godinho and Cameron Langlois.
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By Catherine Barr – July 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 1, 2012
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It was a get gorgeous gala last week as the Pretty Please spring cosmetics and fragrance event was held at The Bay, Park Royal in West Vancouver. With designer names like Prada, Chanel, Dior and Gucci, everyone got a chance to feel pampered and glamorous. Makeovers, product displays, samples and demonstrations helped round out the evening which was held in support of the Look Good, Feel Better charity which is Canada’s only national cancer charity helping women feel better about their appearances as they go through treatment. Also, Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba held a special charity event in honour of Purple Day and the fight against epilepsy. As an official “Purple Day Ambassador” and mother, the reality tv star raised money at the launch of her newest single “Hero” – a song she wrote in honour of her son Chase and his battle with the disease. Chase also accompanied her on stage.
It’s no secret that reality TV has taken prime time television by storm. But whether it’s American Idol, Dancing with the Stars or Survivor, few of us know what really goes on behind the scenes. Enter Shannon Nering. This beautiful and talented West Vancouver woman knows all the gossip having got her start in the industry a few years ago as a docu-reality producer and director. With an amazing list of credits to her name, including the much anticipated Real Housewives of Vancouver (due out in February 2012), she’s decided to tell all . . . sort of. Recently, Shannon held a glamorous party in honour of her new book entitled “Reality Jane”. Based on her sometimes wild television experiences, she nonetheless denies that “Jane” is her alter ego. Instead, Shannon prefers to describe the book as a kind of “chick-lit” novel based on a fun character who was designed solely for the entertainment of her readers. And now, with the title “author” added to her list of credentials, she’s hoping audiences buy-in to this new adventure too.