Thursday, July 24, 2008

Upcoming 8-8-08 events

August 8th: Candle light vigil outside of Vancouver Art Gallery (6:30pm to 8:30pm)
Burma’s struggle for Human Rights and Democracy: 20 years since 8-8-88.

Members of the Vancouver Burmese community and long-standing activists of pro-democracy in Burma will be gathering on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery to commemorate fallen comrades and to renew our commitment in the belief of democracy, justice and human rights.

August 10th: Exhibition and concert at the Oakridge Auditorium (1pm to 4pm)
Remembering the Events of 8-8-88 and the 20 years that followed.

A photo and slide exhibition will be present with guest speakers to remember and salute the 8-8-88 movement in Burma where a nation united to dream of democracy and self rule. The public is welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Campbell River Fundraising - June 17, 2008

On June 17, 2008, two Burmese women, San San Maw and Mitar, with the assistance of community members, held a fundraising (food fair) in Campbell River, BC, and raised over C$1500, of which $700 will be donated to the venerable Sayadaw U Sanda on July 13, 2008 to repair the Thirimingala Tawya monastery in Kyauk Ye Dwin, Mayangone Township, Yangon, which was destroyed by Cylone Nargis on May 2, 2008. The balance of the funds from the food fair will be donated to the cyclone victims when Mitar visits Burma in the next few months.

Good Bless the citizens of Campbell River, BC!!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Donation to Cyclone victims of Burma

Cash donation of $12,000 CAD was made to NLD HQ. The donation was made up of fund raised from Food Fair on May 18, 2008 and money donated by various other donors. The donation will be wisely distributed by the NDL HQ.

Donation to Laputtar refugees (Cyclone victims)

Cash donation of $2,500 CAD was made on May 31, 2008 to a visiting Sayadaw from Laputtar township. The donation was made up of fund raised from Food Fair on May 18, 2008 and money donated by various other donors. The donation will be wisely distributed by the Sayadaw.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

MYSTIC BALL

Devastation. Isolation. Hunger. Fear. This is the living reality of Burmese people following the massive cyclone Nargis in early May, compounded by severely limited access to aid due to the appalling lack of willingness on the part of the regime to open the country up to foreign relief. The outright refusal by Burma's isolationist junta to give visas to relief workers is unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts. The destruction has really been transformed into a military-made catastrophe.

WE can do something to help. Mark your calendars for a special screening of Mystic Ball, an uplifting documentary about one Canadian man's physical and spiritual quest as he learns the art of Chinlone, the traditional sport of Myanmar (Burma).

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Times: 7pm and 9:30pm screenings with reception in between.
Reception will include Burmese food and drinks.
Cost: $20 for film and reception or $10 for later film only

Purchase tickets in advance at or rush tickets for later film at 9:15pm.
Film Information Hotline: 604-683-FILM (3456); Email: viff@viff.org

Free Kick is the official media sponsor of this event. Free Kick is a free soccer magazine. Its mission is to serve the players, fans, parents and coaches who want information and support for 'the Beautiful Game.' It is published quarterly and distributed in Vancouver and Toronto. Please visit: http://www.freekickmag.com/

About the Film:
Mystic Ball follows Canadian filmmaker Greg Hamilton deep into the ancient and little-known culture of Myanmar and its traditional sport, Chinlone. Like the film, Chinlone is hard to define. It's a team sport without an opposing team. It is also part dance, part meditation. There is no competition, no winners and no losers. The game is back-breakingly difficult, yet is played by almost all Burmese, from young children to octogenarians.

The film tracks Greg's transformation from an outsider obsessed with learning Chinlone to accomplished teammate of the masters of the game. But sport is only one aspect of his journey. Through Chinlone, Greg discovers things he didn't even realize he was looking for: family, community and love.

Mystic Ball's stunning cinematography and inspiring story will give you a sense of the mystical, and encourage a closer look at your own journey.www.mysticball-themovie.com

*All proceeds will go to directly benefit the victims of the cyclone through the contacts director Greg Hamilton has made among the Chinlone community in Myanmar. Unfortunately, Greg has yet to hear from his friends in Myanmar. We will keep you informed of their well-being on the Free Kick magazine website at freekickmag.com

Please invite your friends and networks to join us on this very special evening!For more information, please contact Lindsay Marsh at waystosavetheworld@yahoo.ca

Victoria Concert

A Special Performance by the Victoria Consort
Little Bartok Orchestra
Mini Bartok Orchestra
Wee Bartok Orchestra

Come support a fundraising for the Nargis Cyclone Victims in Burma, while listening to beautiful music

Featured Soloists include Graduates and Friends of the Yasuko Eastman Music Studio:
Hollas Longton, Violin
Kevin O’Riordan, Violin
Allen Hsu, Violin & Erhu
Laine Longton—Cello & Piano
Alastair Crosby—Cello
Claire Butterfield—Piano, vocal, Guitar
Janine Hsu, Piano

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Music Wing, University of Victoria, BC

Refreshments will be served after the concert;
Entrance fee: Adult minimum $7
Your support will be greatly appreciated.

BURMA NIGHT FOR THE LADY

A commemorative dinner to celebrate the birthday of
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Please join us for a memorable evening of authentic Burmese Cuisine, cultural entertainment and dancing

Venue: Oakridge Centre Auditorium, 650 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

cash bar, free parking


For tickets, please call Deanna at 604-331-4454

Ticket price - Adult: $30, Couple: $50 Student: $20

For more information, email: freeburma@live.ca


The event is organized by the Vancouver Burma Round Table and volunteers of Action Committee for Free Burma.

All proceeds will be donated to Families of political prisoners in Burma.
Please support this good cause!!