Volume 51 | September 2026 | | "Together We Care" September 2026 Newsletter | | |
Sights, Smiles, and Scenic Views - Our Aquabus & Granville Island Adventure in August 2026
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Caring Together: September News & Events
Welcome to the September 2026 edition of Together We Care!
This month, we are excited to share our upcoming October workshops and wellness activities, including creative DIY programs such as the Woven Bamboo Lantern, Drawstring Bag, Decoupage on Clay Pot, and Slider Card workshops, along with a practical Healthy Cooking Class led by Chef Willie Chan. We also bring you important Caregiver Hub updates, including information on workplace leave options and caregiver rights in B.C. In our Caregivers' Sharing section, read a heartfelt reflection from our summer co-op student on the impact of caregiving and the value of caregiver support programs. Be sure to explore our featured community resources and partner organizations, offering information on the importance of Vitamin D, bereavement resouces guide, wildfire health guidance, and 'Age in place safely and independently'.
We hope this issue provides inspiration, practical resources, and meaningful connections to support you on your caregiving journey.
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Balancing Work and Caregiving: Know Your Leave Options & Rights in B.C.
Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities can be challenging. Navigating medical appointments, unexpected health changes, and daily care needs alongside job duties requires clear options and support.
In British Columbia, several workplace leaves and protections are available to assist employed caregivers:
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Family Responsibility Leave: Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per employment year to attend to the care, health, or education of a child, or the health and care of an immediate family member.
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Critical Illness or Injury Leave: Up to 36 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a child under 19, or up to 16 weeks for an adult family member whose life is at risk due to a serious illness or injury.
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Compassionate Care Leave: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care or support to a family member facing a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death (requires a medical certificate).
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Family Status & Workplace Accommodations: Family status is protected under the B.C. Human Rights Code. Depending on individual circumstances, employees may request accommodations such as flexible start/finish times, adjusted work hours, modified duties, or alternative work arrangements.
Note: This information is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements and eligibility depend on specific employment circumstances.
Source: Government of British Columbia
| | September/October 2026 Activities | | |
Notes and updates:
Enjoy a range of free services and activities dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of unpaid caregivers for seniors aged 55+ living at home in Richmond (conditions apply).
*Please call 604-279-7099, email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org or fill in an online form.
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(English/Mandarin) on Oct 5 at 2:00pm
Weaving warmth, mindfulness, and gentle light into your everyday space.
Amid the changing leaves and crisp autumn air of October, taking a moment to slow down allows us to ground ourselves and honor our personal journeys. In this reflective crafting session, natural bamboo strips are woven together to form a delicate lantern that cradles a gentle glow. As your hands work through the intricate patterns, the repetitive motion becomes a peaceful practice of patience and presence, offering a quiet space to unwind.
Guided by Olivia Li, you will explore geometric layering and structural balance while discovering how simple, natural elements can bring warmth and tranquility into your routine. You will take home a hand-woven bamboo lantern—a tangible reminder of your resilience and the steady light you cultivate within.
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(English/Mandarin) on Oct 13 at 2:00pm
Caregiving and daily responsibilities require immense inner strength, making self-reflection and personal expression essential for emotional renewal. This session invites you to engage in the restorative art of fabric crafting by creating a personalized drawstring bag. Beyond its practical use, each stitch represents a moment set aside to focus on your own creative rhythm and well-being.
Under the guidance of Shirley Yang, you will learn essential fabric assembly, lining placement, and smooth drawstring threading techniques. The process offers a welcoming environment to practice fine motor coordination and quiet concentration. You will complete the session with a versatile, beautifully finished fabric pouch designed to carry your everyday essentials or personal keepsakes.
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Decoupage on Clay Pot
(English/Mandarin) on Oct 19 at 2:45pm
Transforming earthy terra cotta into a vibrant reflection of growth and care.
Clay pots are symbols of growth, nurturing, and quiet resilience—qualities deeply rooted in autumn and everyday caregiving. In this artful workshop, simple terracotta surfaces serve as a canvas for decoupage, layering intricate paper patterns, botanical prints, and colors onto a natural, earthy base.
Guided by Flora Chen, you will explore sealing methods, layout composition, and paper manipulation techniques to turn a rustic pot into a decorative piece. This creative practice invites relaxation, encouraging you to reflect on personal growth while honing your artistic precision. You will leave with a custom-decorated clay pot, ready to cradle a plant or adorn your living space.
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DIY Slider Card
(English/Cantonese) on Oct 21 at 10:30am
Art has a unique way of bridging feelings and conveying emotions when words alone might fall short. In this interactive paper-crafting workshop, you will design a unique slider card featuring hidden reveals and moving mechanics that bring your greetings to life with every gentle slide.
Led by Florence Chan, you will master precision cutting, folding mechanisms, tracks, and spatial layering to create a smooth, functional card structure. The focused process offers an enjoyable balance of creative problem-solving and detail-oriented craft. You will leave the workshop with a handmade slider card ready to bring a touch of joy and connection to someone special.
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Healthy Cooking Class
(English) on Oct 20 at 2:00pm
Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at our Healthy Cooking Class, hosted by the renowned Chef Willie Chan. Discover the art of cooking quick, healthy, and delicious meals that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.
This interactive workshop is designed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge to create wholesome dishes effortlessly. From vibrant salads to savory stir-fries and mouthwatering desserts, Chef Willie will guide you through each steps, sharing expert tips and techniques along the way. Immerse yourself in a fun and educational environment where you'll learn valuable culinary secrets while savoring the incredible flavors of your creations. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your cooking skills and embark on a flavorful journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Reserve your spot today.
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A Warm Farewell: Reflections from Our Summer Student
As the summer season comes to a close, we bid a fond farewell to our incredible co-op student, who has been a wonderful support to our Family and Friend Caregiver Program over the past few months. Before moving on to her next chapter, she shared a heartfelt reflection on her time with us, the valuable insights she gained about the essential role caregivers play, and what this experience meant to her. Read her full story and personal reflection below!
As a co-op student at Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, I have learned that caregivers play an important and often demanding role in supporting others. Many caregivers spend a great deal of their time and energy caring for family members, friends, or loved ones, which can make it difficult for them to prioritize their own well-being. Prior to joining the Seniors Team, I mainly thought about how to support seniors and did not fully consider the unique needs of caregivers. Through this experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges caregivers face and the importance of ensuring they receive support as well. The Family and Friend Caregiver Program provides a safe and welcoming space for caregivers. Our program aims to help reduce isolation among seniors by connecting them with their community while also offering relaxing and rejuvenating activities for unpaid caregivers who support loved ones aged 55 and older. I work with Programmer Rosana, who plans field trips such as FlyOver Canada, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Lavenderland, and Granville Island, including a round-trip ferry ride. In addition, activities such as watercolour classes, painting, and flower arranging are organized specifically for caregivers. These programs give caregivers an opportunity to take a break, relax, and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Through this experience, I learned that caregiver programs are about much more than offering enjoyable activities. They provide emotional support, reduce stress, and help caregivers feel less isolated. I now understand how important it is for caregivers to have opportunities to rest, enjoy themselves, and build a sense of community. Supporting caregivers is an essential part of helping seniors thrive and maintain their quality of life.
by Flora Wong - Summer student
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Would you like to share your stories or tips? You cannot imagine how much you could inspire or help another in the community! You are welcome to call us at 604-279-7099, or email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org.
| | Materials from Recent Workshops | |
Find more caregiving materials and resources shared on our website.
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This monthly e-newsletter is issued for our caregivers as an update of the Hub's services and community resources, as well as to share caregiving experience and insights, all for the purpose of supporting caregivers in their journey of healthy living and caregiving.
Read Past Newsletters:
2026
January . February . March . April . May . June . Jul . August
2025
September. October. November. December
| | Jocelyn Wong, Executive Director | Rebecca Swaim, Chair | | Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives | 604-279-7020 | info@rcrg.org | | | | |
