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- ⚓ Good news update: a kidney for mum!
⚓ Good news update: a kidney for mum!
Plus: the four school board candidates have their say
New West Anchor Staff
January 23, 2024
Welcome to Tuesday, New West.
A good news update after our previous reporting on a story about a woman who was looking for a kidney donor: a match was made! Poonam Hamal recently received her new kidney—make sure you scroll down to read the latest.
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LOCAL NEWS
A kidney for mum
The photo included in the Facebook update to the page “Kidney for Mum.”
In 2022, New West Anchor interviewed Poonam Hamal, a Surrey mother whose face was on posters throughout Tipperary Park. At the time, her family was searching desperately to find her a kidney donor.
In a positive update to the story, the family says she recently received a kidney, and that they were able to participate in a kidney exchange of sorts—saving someone else’s life.
“Mum was recently able to receive her gift of life with a new kidney in 2023! Katie Fillion, her gracious donor, reached out to us after seeing our posts. Our sister, Shiwangi was able to do a paired exchange by donating her kidney, creating a chain of donations that helped [fulfill] multiple kidney transplants at one time. We are very grateful for Katie and Shiwangi, who are both doing well,” a post on their Facebook page explains.
Hamal is still being monitored to ensure her kidney is functioning, but the family is optimistic and is sharing its thanks with the community.
📣 Neighbourhood bulletin
🚓 Hit-and-run. Police in New West are looking for dash cam footage after a driver left a collision that happened at 6th Ave. and McBride Blvd. The collision happened on Sunday between 11:45am and 12:45pm.
✍️ Write On contest. The contest is back for 2024. If you’d like to submit your work, make sure to read up on all the details on the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s Instagram page.
🐝 New West Farmers’ Market. This popular community staple will be returning soon—and that means vendor applications are open!
🌈 New West Pride drop-in. This event is happening on Friday, Jan. 26 at Moodswing. The event begins at 6pm.
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🗞 In other news
Strike. Due to job action by CUPE 4500—a group of about 180 employees at Coast Mountain Bus Company—no bus and SeaBus service is again expected for Tuesday. TransLink is urging people to stay up to date through their website to see if your route is impacted, as there are some exceptions.
Increase. Local health officials say there’s been an increase in carbon monoxide poisonings. Vancouver Coastal Health is asking people to invest in carbon monoxide detectors or to ensure they are fully functioning if they have one already. (Global BC)
No health concerns. If you happened to smell a strong odour on Sunday, it was likely coming from the Parkland Refinery in Burnaby. According to the City of Burnaby’s fire chief, there were no health concerns related to the incident. (CTV Vancouver)
Limit. There will now be a limit on the number of student visas issued by Canada, though it is temporary and is expected to last for about two years. The reduction is expected to be about 35%, when comparing with last year’s numbers. (CTV)
Deep freeze. A woman who recently rediscovered a portion of her wedding cake after more than 50 years is planning to host a taste testing with her family. The woman, who lives in Salmon Arm, says it appears to look OK. (CBC Vancouver)
LOCAL NEWS
The four candidates for school board recently answered questions provided to them by the New West Record. Take a look at their answers on The Record’s website to see why they believe they’d make a good fit for the vacancy.
A reminder that you can vote in advance on Jan. 24 and Jan. 31. General voting day is Feb. 3.
Have you been following the New West Schools by-election? |
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🤝 Now hiring
Strategic plan facilitator. New West Chamber. This is a contract position and the budget for the work is $7,000.
Typist. City of New Westminster. Wage/salary: starts at $27.30/hour.
Baker. Pamola Bakery. Wage/salary: $18/hour.
Pizza cook. Panago Pizza. Wage/salary: $27.50/hour.
Family support worker. Fraserside. Wage/salary: $27.29/hour.
ECE assistant. Mongio Early Learning Centre. Wage/salary: $21/hour.
Financial services representative. Vancity. Wage/salary: $23.97/hour.
Hiring in New West? Reply to this email and let us know.
🍴 Where to eat and drink
Kozak Ukrainian Bakery. We all know how great their borscht is, but did you know they make a yummy chicken noodle soup that will warm your soul? Mama’s Chicken Soup is also served with “Galushky” dumplings.
Piva Modern Italian. Like Kozak, they have a number of goods that will warm you up, including seasonal soups. One of those is a butternut squash soup—perfect for winter.
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🗓️ Things to do
Lunar New Year workshop. Kinder Books will be hosting this workshop on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 1pm. Kids aged 5 and older are welcome to take part. Registration is first come, first served.
International Guitar Night. Four talented guitarists will take the Massey Theatre stage on Thursday, Jan. 25. Be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone.
That’s it!
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