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.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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
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!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Calling for a day of action on Burma
When: May 17 Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PST
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Street side)
***Humanitarian Intervention is urgently needed in Burma***
Please come out and joint us...
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Street side)
***Humanitarian Intervention is urgently needed in Burma***
Please come out and joint us...
Monday, May 12, 2008
COME ONE COME ALL
Food Fair To Raise Funds for Cyclone Nargis Victims of Myanmar (Burma)
COME ONE COME ALL
Organized by The Myanmar Community
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Place: Manawmaya Buddhist Monastery
13260-108th Ave (at 132nd Street): Surrey, B.C
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Please bring your family, friends and anyone who will be interested. Your support is greatly appreciated. Free Parking available next door on 108th Ave: (Commercial parking lot)
COME ONE COME ALL
Organized by The Myanmar Community
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Place: Manawmaya Buddhist Monastery
13260-108th Ave (at 132nd Street): Surrey, B.C
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Please bring your family, friends and anyone who will be interested. Your support is greatly appreciated. Free Parking available next door on 108th Ave: (Commercial parking lot)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Don't forget Burma!!
In commemoration of the 6-month anniversary of the Saffron Revolution, we are planning two events in Vancouver, on Saturday, March 29, 2008, in collaboration with the Canadian Campaign for Free Burma, based in Toronto. http://www.canadiancampaignforfreeburma.org/
Event (1) Donate blood in honour of the Saffron Revolution
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to the new "Malaria Policy" effective April 2007 wherein "any person who has had malaria is not eligible to donate blood - ever". Out of 24 people confirmed to donate, 20 had the misfortune of being infected with malaria at some point in time prior to their arrival in Canada. Therefore, we thought it be best to cancel the group donation. However if any of you who are eligible still wish to donate, please feel free to do so.
Please do try to show up for the screening in the evening which is still going ahead. We look forward to seeing you.
Event (2) "In the Shadow of the Pagodas" The Other Burma - a film by Irene Marty.
A screening with kind permission from producer, Irene Marty, and with the generous support from the Institute of Humanities, Simon Fraser University
Where: Simon Fraser University (Harbour Centre) Main Floor
515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Room 1800 Terasen Cinema (across from the large Fletcher Challenge Theatre)
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2008
start time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)
duration: 75 minutes
Note: Free Event (limited seating)
Please RSVP to email: freeburma@live.ca
Please, don't forget Burma!
Event (1) Donate blood in honour of the Saffron Revolution
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to the new "Malaria Policy" effective April 2007 wherein "any person who has had malaria is not eligible to donate blood - ever". Out of 24 people confirmed to donate, 20 had the misfortune of being infected with malaria at some point in time prior to their arrival in Canada. Therefore, we thought it be best to cancel the group donation. However if any of you who are eligible still wish to donate, please feel free to do so.
Please do try to show up for the screening in the evening which is still going ahead. We look forward to seeing you.
Event (2) "In the Shadow of the Pagodas" The Other Burma - a film by Irene Marty.
A screening with kind permission from producer, Irene Marty, and with the generous support from the Institute of Humanities, Simon Fraser University
Where: Simon Fraser University (Harbour Centre) Main Floor
515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Room 1800 Terasen Cinema (across from the large Fletcher Challenge Theatre)
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2008
start time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)
duration: 75 minutes
Note: Free Event (limited seating)
Please RSVP to email: freeburma@live.ca
Please, don't forget Burma!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
International Women's Day Event
The International Women's Day event & book launch 'Caught between two hells' @ VPL on March 8, 2008 (Saturday) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
You are cordially invited to attend the International Women's Day event and book launch of the Burmese Women's Union Report 'Caught between two Hells', which will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. PST, at the Peter Kaye Room, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch.
The Report is based on 149 in-depth interviews conducted with migrant women and girl workers in Chaing Mai, Mae Sot , Ranong (Thailand) and Rulli (China), and highlights the atrocious day-to-day working conditions and human right abuses encountered by them. The Report is a 'voice' for these women. We will be holding presentations by the author of the Report in addition to first-hand experiences given by a presenter from Immigrant Services Society, and story readings centered around this report. We will also be honouring the Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi at this event.
If you are unfamiliar with Burma, now known as Myanmar, you might have heard about the 'Saffron Revolution' that captured the world's attention in Sept 2007. Burma is still ruled by the brutal military regime, and has been for the last 46 years. As we look at the world today, there is so much atrocity and human right abuses taking place, in Iran, Darfur, Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China just to name a few countries. But, if we just took action, one foot step at a time, one conscience at a time, setting aside egos and boundaries, I believe we will make a change.
There is an RSVP to the event in order to give us an opportunity to keep count of who's attending and to keep the event special. We understand that your weekend time is precious, but if you could spare a few hours of your time, we promise you an interesting afternoon. If you cannot attend we would most appreciate and respectfully request that you forward this invite to other organizations, friends and colleagues that you could invite, as you deem appropriate.
In Burmese, we send a heartfelt 'Kyay-zu-tin-bar-dae' (meaning many thanks.)
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday March 8th at the VPL and to join us in celebrating International Women's Day.
RSVP to: freeburma@live.ca
Peace and good will to you.
Sincerely,
Action Committee for Free Burma
You are cordially invited to attend the International Women's Day event and book launch of the Burmese Women's Union Report 'Caught between two Hells', which will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. PST, at the Peter Kaye Room, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch.
The Report is based on 149 in-depth interviews conducted with migrant women and girl workers in Chaing Mai, Mae Sot , Ranong (Thailand) and Rulli (China), and highlights the atrocious day-to-day working conditions and human right abuses encountered by them. The Report is a 'voice' for these women. We will be holding presentations by the author of the Report in addition to first-hand experiences given by a presenter from Immigrant Services Society, and story readings centered around this report. We will also be honouring the Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi at this event.
If you are unfamiliar with Burma, now known as Myanmar, you might have heard about the 'Saffron Revolution' that captured the world's attention in Sept 2007. Burma is still ruled by the brutal military regime, and has been for the last 46 years. As we look at the world today, there is so much atrocity and human right abuses taking place, in Iran, Darfur, Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China just to name a few countries. But, if we just took action, one foot step at a time, one conscience at a time, setting aside egos and boundaries, I believe we will make a change.
There is an RSVP to the event in order to give us an opportunity to keep count of who's attending and to keep the event special. We understand that your weekend time is precious, but if you could spare a few hours of your time, we promise you an interesting afternoon. If you cannot attend we would most appreciate and respectfully request that you forward this invite to other organizations, friends and colleagues that you could invite, as you deem appropriate.
In Burmese, we send a heartfelt 'Kyay-zu-tin-bar-dae' (meaning many thanks.)
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday March 8th at the VPL and to join us in celebrating International Women's Day.
RSVP to: freeburma@live.ca
Peace and good will to you.
Sincerely,
Action Committee for Free Burma
Monday, December 17, 2007
Driving for a Free Burma
Kyaw Si Thu who is touring North America on a "Driving for Burma" campaign will arrive Vancouver, BC on Dec 22, 2007 (TBC) in his beautiful BMW (see blog http://drivingforburma.blogspot.com/). Plans are in place for a car parade on Monday, December 24th to drive along Vancouver's famous shopping strips, Robson, Davie and Granville Streets. We encourage you to join our car parade in a drive for "Free Burma" Campaign. Below are the details:
Date: Monday, December 24, 2007
Meeting time: 11:30 for 12:00 p.m. start
Meeting Place: IMPARK parking lot between Cambie and Beatty (on Georgia) - adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Route: Exit parking lot (left turn) on Cambie, cross George intersection and turn right on Robson Street; drive along Robson till Denman Street, and then turn left on Davie Street; drive along Davie and turn right on Howe Street; drive across Granville Bridge, and along Granville Street until 16th Avenue. Then, turn left into 16th Avenue and stop. End of tour. The Chinese Consulate is on Granville @16th Avenue.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome. We look forward to your support and participation. Please ensure that you have your "Free Burma" bumper sticks on your car.
Date: Monday, December 24, 2007
Meeting time: 11:30 for 12:00 p.m. start
Meeting Place: IMPARK parking lot between Cambie and Beatty (on Georgia) - adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Route: Exit parking lot (left turn) on Cambie, cross George intersection and turn right on Robson Street; drive along Robson till Denman Street, and then turn left on Davie Street; drive along Davie and turn right on Howe Street; drive across Granville Bridge, and along Granville Street until 16th Avenue. Then, turn left into 16th Avenue and stop. End of tour. The Chinese Consulate is on Granville @16th Avenue.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome. We look forward to your support and participation. Please ensure that you have your "Free Burma" bumper sticks on your car.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Christmas Potluck at Vancouver Unitarian Church
The Action Committee for Free Burma Campaign and Voices of Burma is co-hosting a Christmas Potluck lunch to celebrate solidarity and welcome the holiday season. There will be entertainment plus an open mic for those wishing to share their musical talent. Children's art from the Voices of Burma collection will be featured in a "lucky draw".
Please bring your favourite dish to share, meet old friends and make new ones. Come one, come all to enjoy the festive season.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2007
Time: 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Place: Vancouver Unitarian Church, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak), Vancouver, BC.
Please bring your favourite dish to share, meet old friends and make new ones. Come one, come all to enjoy the festive season.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2007
Time: 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Place: Vancouver Unitarian Church, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak), Vancouver, BC.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
A Very Special Thank you!!
Last Saturday, Nov 24, 2007, a Burmese Food Fair took place to raise funds for the monks in Burma, for their alms, medicine and basic necessities. Even though it was short notice, we had an overwhelming turnout, and raised a total of C$ 3,357.00. A bank draft for the amount of same, made payable to "MoeMaKa, was sent via registered mail today. MoeMaKa Radio and Multimedia will in turn ensure that the funds get to the monks in Burma, and will also be posting news about this donation on their website.
We could not have done this without the support of friends from the the Burmese-Canadian Community, which include various ethnic nationalities. Thank you to all who cooked, cleaned, set up, advertised, encouraged, and attended to suppor the fundraising. Thank you as well to all musicians and entertainers, and a special thank you to singer Tiffany and our little dancer, Thazin.
Below is a summary of the funds received:
From food sale: C$ 2,415.00 (this inclueds not only profit but also cost, as most of the sellers donated the entire amount)
Sale from Raffle tickets: C$ 362.00 (The first prize winner Ms. Aye Lwin Moe donated her winnings of C$150.00 toward the fundraising).
Sayadaw U Sanda .................. C$ 100.00
Ms. Julie Woo ................. C$ 150.00
Ko Kyaw Kyaw & Family .............C$ 100.00
Ko Kyaw Hoe & Family ............. C$ 100.00
Ma Theingi, Ko YaZar & family .... C$ 100.00
Ms. Thazin.........................C$ 30.00
We could not have done this without the support of friends from the the Burmese-Canadian Community, which include various ethnic nationalities. Thank you to all who cooked, cleaned, set up, advertised, encouraged, and attended to suppor the fundraising. Thank you as well to all musicians and entertainers, and a special thank you to singer Tiffany and our little dancer, Thazin.
Below is a summary of the funds received:
From food sale: C$ 2,415.00 (this inclueds not only profit but also cost, as most of the sellers donated the entire amount)
Sale from Raffle tickets: C$ 362.00 (The first prize winner Ms. Aye Lwin Moe donated her winnings of C$150.00 toward the fundraising).
Sayadaw U Sanda .................. C$ 100.00
Ms. Julie Woo ................. C$ 150.00
Ko Kyaw Kyaw & Family .............C$ 100.00
Ko Kyaw Hoe & Family ............. C$ 100.00
Ma Theingi, Ko YaZar & family .... C$ 100.00
Ms. Thazin.........................C$ 30.00
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
List of Canadian Companies doing business in Burma
List of Canadian companies that work hand in glove
with Burmese military regime
**The above list is provided by Canadian Campaign for free Burma
with Burmese military regime
| 1 | Ivanhoe Mines Limited Waterfront Centre Suite # 900 200 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3L6 Robert M. Friedland |
| 2 | Tai Foong International Limited 2900 Markham Road Scarborough, ON M1X 1E6 David Lam |
| 3 | CHC Helicopter Corporation Hangar No. 1 John’s Airport St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5V5 Craig L. Dobbin |
| 4 | Taiga Consultants Limited # 4, 1944-9th Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB, T2G 0V2 |
| 5 | TG World Energy Coporation 2000, 736 6th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB, T2P 3T7 |
| 6 | Trimark Athletic Supplies 8688 Woodbine Avenue Markham, ON, L3R 8B9 |
| 7 | Saan Stores Limited 1370 Sony Place Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3C3 Bob Whitney |
| 8 | Midland Foods (Winnipeg) Inc. 900 Nairn Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R2L 0X8 |
| 9 | East Asia Gold Corp 40 King Street West, Suite # 2100 Toronto, ON, M5H 3C2 John B. Hite |
| 10 | GAP Adventures 19 Charlotte Street Toronto, ON, M5V 2H5 Frank Schuran Director of Product |
| 11 | Teleglobe 1555 rue Carrie-Derick Montreal, Quebec H3C 6W2 |
| 12 | Midland Seafoods Inc. 138 St. Helen Avenue Toronto, ON, M6H 4A1 |
| 13 | Export Packers Company Limited 107 Walker Drive Brampton, ON, L6T 5K5 |
| 14 | TransCanada PipeLines Limited 450 - 1 Street SWCalgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5H1 |
**The above list is provided by Canadian Campaign for free Burma
