"Together We Care" July 2026 Newsletter | | Field Trip to Van Dusen Garden June 2026 | | |
Summer Inspiration & Support: What’s Inside This Issue
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of "Together We Care"! This month, we are thrilled to showcase our upcoming August lineup, featuring creative, hands-on sessions like DIY Fridge Magnets, DIY Earrings, and Scratch Art, alongside a refreshing full-day field trip to Granville Island and Aquabus. In our Caregivers' Sharing section, we share an inspiring article on how creative self-expression through art and mindfulness can help you reduce stress and find moments of relief. Finally, we highlight our community partner support, introducing Luana, our Community Connector, who uses social prescribing to help you find meaningful ways to stay active, plus local resources like 55+ Fall programs; the Shopping Bus Service and Eight Canned Food to keep on hand. We hope this issue brings inspiration, practical support, and connection to your caregiving journey!
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What is a Community Connector ?
A Community Connector is a professional who works alongside older adults (60+) to explore their interests, strengths, and goals. They work to bridge the gap between health care and community life, making it easier to find meaningful ways to stay active, engaged, and supported.
Community Connectors use a Social Prescribing approach to support individuals who may be experiencing isolation, barriers, or other challenges that impact their well-being. Instead of focusing only on medical treatments, this approach helps people connect with local programs, activities, and support services that align with what matters most to them. Together, the participant and the Community Connector can create a "social prescription" which could include:
- Exercise and physical activity programs
- Sports clubs or fitness classes
- Walking groups or nature-based activities
- Arts and creative therapies (e.g., art therapy, music therapy)
- Social clubs or community groups
- Volunteering opportunities
- Educational classes or workshops (e.g., cooking classes, language courses)
- Gardening or horticulture projects
- Mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation sessions
- Peer support groups
- Access to financial advice or support services
- Housing support or assistance with housing issues
If you're interested and would like to know more, please call 604-279-7020 or email Luana, our Community Connector, at communityconnector@rcrg.org.
| | July/August 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/Cantonese) on Aug 6 at 10:30am
Bring a touch of fun and utility to your home in our DIY Fridge Magnet workshop. In this engaging, hands-on session, you will learn how to design, mold, and decorate custom miniature crafts to transform them into unique, functional magnets. This workshop focuses on basic assembly, paint application, and creative layouts, allowing you to showcase your personal flair on a small canvas.
Under the warm and encouraging guidance of Florence Chan, each participant will receive step-by-step instruction on how to securely handle and back their projects in a relaxed, friendly environment. It is a wonderful opportunity to exercise fine motor coordination, artistic expression, and focus. You will leave the class with a collection of charming, handcrafted magnets that are ready to display your notes at home or share as a delightful gift!
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(English/Mandarin) on Aug 11 at 2:00pm
Express your unique style and explore the art of jewelry design in our DIY Earrings Workshop. This hands-on creative session guides you through the process of making custom earrings from scratch. The workshop focuses on selecting complementary components, understanding spatial balance, and mastering specialized jewelry tools to securely loop, link, and wire your designs into professional-grade accessories.
Under the expert guidance of Ms. Shirley Yang, you will play with different materials, geometric shapes, and color balances to build pairs that match your personality. This class offers a fantastic environment to cultivate artistic precision, patience, and fine motor dexterity. You will head home with beautiful, handcrafted earrings that serve as a wonderful accent to your wardrobe or a unique, heartfelt gift for someone special!
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Scratch Art - Summer Firework
(English/Mandarin) on Aug 24 at 9:45am
Celebrate the magic of seasonal festivities in our Scratch Art - Summer Fireworks workshop. In this vibrant and engaging session, you will learn the unique subtractive technique of scratch art to design stunning, glowing firework displays. This workshop focuses on line precision, pressure control, and spatial etching, guiding you to carefully reveal the hidden multi-colored layers beneath a dark surface to simulate brilliant bursts of light.
Under the creative direction of Olivia Li, you will explore different line widths and burst patterns to create a dynamic, professional-looking composition. This activity offers a relaxing and deeply satisfying environment to practice focus, fine motor control, and artistic detail. You will leave with a striking, radiant piece of artwork that beautifully captures the energy of a summer night, perfect for decorating your space as a unique handmade gift!
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Introduction to Decoupage
(English/Mandarin) on Aug 31 at 9:30am
Discover the elegant and historical craft of paper decoration in our Introduction to Decoupage workshop. In this creative, hands-on session, you will learn the essential steps of decoupage—the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it. The workshop focuses on precision cutting, smooth application, layering compositions, and mastering sealing techniques to create a flawless, lacquer-like finish on your project.
Under the expert guidance of Flora Chen, you will explore different design arrangements using decorative napkins, papers, and patterns. This activity provides a peaceful, social environment to build fine motor control, patience, and a keen eye for design. You will leave the session with a uniquely embellished, professional-looking item that adds a touch of handmade charm to your home or serves as a beautiful personalized gift!
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Field Trip -
Explore Granville Island + Aquabus
Aug 17 from 10:00am - 2:30pm
Join us for an exciting full-day field trip to Granville Island, one of Vancouver's most vibrant and artistic destinations.
Experience the city’s beautiful waterfront as you cruise on the Aquabus ferry, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Take your time to explore the public market, unique shops, and local galleries. You’ll have plenty of options for lunch, with a wide variety of delicious choices available.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the charm, culture, and creativity that Granville Island has to offer.
Shuttle bus service is provided roundtrip from Richmond Caring Place.
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Finding moments to recharge is an important part of the caregiving journey. In this insightful article, Marjan Beikzadeh, Education and Learning Lead at FCBC, explores how creative expression—through art, music, movement, games, and mindfulness—can help caregivers reduce stress, process emotions, and support their own well-being. Discover simple, practical ways to incorporate creativity into your daily routine and find moments of balance amidst the demands of caregiving.
Click her for details
Source from Family Caregivers of British Columbia
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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 of 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
2025
July . August. September. October. November. December
| | Jocelyn Wong, Executive Director | Rebecca Swaim, Chair | | Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives | 604-279-7020 | info@rcrg.org | | | | |
