Supporting our Communities

Accent Inns InnAid community Expo 2009
Accent Inns InnAid community Expo 2009

One of the key values for us at Accent Inns is supporting our communities. We do this by hosting or sponsoring events, volunteering and participating at others. This is all done under our InnAid program banner. This column is our opportunity to tell everyone about the great charities and non-profit associations that we are so proud of and are thrilled to be working with.

 
 

What Father’s Day means to us Dads

Friday, June 17th, 2011
Victoria hotel employee John Espley and his Daughter

Being a father is a wonderful Experience

This weekend is Father’s day. Last year I presented a blog post about the top 10 things a father and daughter could do together.  This year I thought I’d offer some insights, my observations on what effect being a father has on a fella and in my opinion, the most important thing  Fathers can do for their children.

First off let me give away a secret, dispel a myth, breakdown the facade that us men put forth (sorry guys).  You may see us as macho men, big strong guys that can build anything or tear anything down, the creators of life’s inventions, the leaders of men, captains of industry, masters of our domains and the heads of the household (ok I was pushing it on that last one…). In truth we are at our very best , pushed to achieve, most vulnerable and most satisfied when we are known as “Dad”.  Now I know some of you may scoff at this notion, believe that I exaggerate but alas I have real proof. ...read more on the effects of fathers day

 

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FISH FOR FREE THIS FATHERS’ DAY WEEKEND IN BC

Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Terry Farmer victoria hotel founder with his Grandchildren

Accent Inn founder Terry Farmer enjoys fishing with his Grandchildren

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC , one of Accent Inns Fish for the Future partners, has an awesome event for this Fathers day weekend.

Have fun, win great prizes and fish for free at a local Family Fishing event in BC this Fathers’ Day Weekend, June 17-19. The Family Fishing Society of BC and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC are inviting everyone to come out rain or shine and enjoy a day at the lake with a free fishing licence as part of our plan to get more British Columbians hooked on fishing.

BC’s Family Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to attend an organized community event, or create your own family fishing adventure at one the province’s thousands of lakes with a free three-day licence, compliments of the BC Government. It is also a perfect opportunity to become a Fishing Buddy and pledge to introduce at least one friend to fishing this year. ..read more about fishing free on fathers day weekend

 

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World Partnership Walk supported by Burnaby team members

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Burnaby Hotel supports world partnership walk

Accent Inns Burnaby team supports World Partnership Walk

The World Partnership walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to raising funds and raising awareness to fight global poverty.

Organized by Volunteers across 10 Canadian cities, in 2010 nearly 40,000 Canadians came together to raise approximately $6 Million.

100% of funds raised are used by Aga Khan Foundation Canada to help alleviate poverty and build sustainable solutions in the poorest regions of the world.  These funds support meaningful projects identified and implemented by local communities – projects that revitalize rural economies, ensure clean water and sanitation, strengthen community-based organizations and educate new generations of girls and women. ...Read more about the Accent Inn Burnaby Hotel's efforts

 

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Wild About Whales

Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Wild about Whales Derby for the Boys & Girls Clubs

Check out the Wild about Whales Derby!

The Boys & Girls club are Wild About Whales

June 18th, 2011      1:30 – 4:30 PM      Esquimalt Gorge Park

For years, Boys & Girls Club’s major fundraising event was Monopoly Madness, a unique gala style function that doubled up as a large, and usually highly competitive, Monopoly Tournament for upwards of 200 guests. This year they are putting the Monopoly game on the shelf for a while to indulge in some equally unique outdoor games. But don’t worry, the competitive spirit of their fundraisers lives on. This June, Boys & Girls Club is inviting Victoria to reach into their pockets, not for houses and hotels, but for little rubber whales! ....Learn more about the Wild about Whales derby

 

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Burnaby Hotel Team BBQ’s for Charity

Friday, May 6th, 2011
Burnaby hotel

Accent Inn Burnaby team BBQ's for World partnership Walk

Join the Accent Inn Burnaby team members as they host a fundraising BBQ in an effort to help alleviate global poverty.

All funds raised will go to support the World partnership Walk as a fundraiser for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

When:  Saturday May 21 from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Where: The Accent Inn Burnaby, 3777 Henning Drive

For directions to our Burnaby hotel click here.

 

Feel free to also donate here online and help the Accent Inn team raise funds directed towards improving the lives and livelihoods of families and communities in Africa and Asia through health, education and rural development programs.

The World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness to fight global poverty. Organized by volunteers in ten cities across Canada, in 2010 nearly 40,000 Canadians came together to raise more than $6 million. 100% of funds raised by you are used by Aga Khan Foundation Canada to help alleviate poverty and build sustainable solutions in the poorest regions of the world. These funds support meaningful projects identified and implemented by local communities – projects that revitalize rural economies, ensure clean water and sanitation, strengthen community-based organizations and educate new generations of girls and women. ( learn more about the world partnership walk....)

 

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Charity in Changing Times 2011

Monday, March 28th, 2011

CharitySeriesLogoBanner

Follow the tour on twitter at #charitytour and @AccentInns

We are pleased to announce a series of events that will be taking place at Accent Inns locations across BC this April, 2011. Charity in Changing Times, Social Media & Online Communications is a no-charge event for charitable organizations. This is the second year for the series, and its really gaining momentum. The focus is to assist charitable organizations to thrive using a combination of traditional and new media. Accent Inns ‘Inn Aid’ recognizes the economic and volunteer challenges facing charitable organization and has gathered a panel of experts to share their knowledge of marketing in changing times.

In every city you will enjoy a continental breakfast followed by a day of interactive education with a panel of experts, facilitated by John Espley of Accent Inns. Take a peek at what we’ll cover:

  • Online marketing/community-building case studies (what has worked, what hasn’t and why)
  • Search engine optimization
  • Online etiquette
  • Time management
  • How traditional and new media fit together

To request a registration form for any of our events, please contact Kate Coulombe: kcoulombe@accentinns.com ... more details on Charity in Changing Times 2011

 

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Eco night at the Salmon Kings game

Thursday, March 17th, 2011
Victoria Salmon Kings logo

Victoria Salmon Kings

The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced that they have partnered with the Pacific Salmon Foundation to present the third annual “Eco Night” this Saturday, March 19th versus the Utah Grizzlies. Together with the Foundation, the Salmon Kings will make an effort to promote ecological awareness and restoration of Pacific salmon in British Columbia. Advanced tickets are now available for just $18, with $3 from each purchase donated back to the Foundation. Fans can also receive a great ticket discount just by being eco-friendly and recycling! Anyone who brings a recyclable item by the Select Your Tickets Box Office this Saturday will receive a voucher for a discounted ticket for Eco Night worth $7 off an adult ticket or $4 off any student, senior or child ticket. The Bottle Depot will be on site this Saturday night beginning at 6:00 p.m. collecting all recyclable items. Additionally, all Chuck-a-Puck proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Foundation. The Chuck-a-Puck promotion will give fans the chance to hit as many as three prize targets on the ice: a getaway fishing package for two to the Queen Charlotte Islands courtesy of West Coast Resorts valued at over $5,000, a Rocky Mountaineer trip to Whistler, and a prize package that includes a low-flow toilet and rain barrel. more on the Salmon King's Eco night

 

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34% of youth in Canada get fewer than two hours of exercise

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Glenn Harkness training for the worlds coolest marathon

Glenn Harkness training with the kids

On Top of the World for Kids

Did you know that 34% of youth in Canada get fewer than two hours of exercise per week? That is one reason why our children are on course to be amongst the least healthy in Canada’s history. At the Boys & Girls Clubs they are doing their best to counter this trend.  Four times a week children at the Harbourside Boys & Girls Club put on their running shoes and hit the roads. They are taking up the challenge to complete a marathon in just over ten weeks and raise funds for out of school programs that promote active living.

The challenge was laid down by Glenn Harkness, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton, who will be running the world’s coolest marathon at the North Pole to raise awareness of this serious epidemic facing Canada’s youth. On April 7, 2011, Glenn will cover 42 gruelling kilometres at sub-zero temperatures in one of the most remote places in the world. The kids from Harbourside-Esquimalt Boys & Girls Club will be with him every step of the way! (read more about Glenn's run and childhood obesity)

 

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Pacific Salmon Foundation has great support in Victoria

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Pacific Salmon Foundation

Pacific Salmon Foundation

On Saturday I (John Espley) had the privilege of attending the Pacific Salmon Foundations annual gala dinner in Victoria B.C. They hold 10 of these dinners around the province which are not only fundraisers for the organization but also a chance for supporters  from all walks to get together and network. What a huge gathering! Saturday’s dinner, held at the University of Victoria’s Cadboro Commons Conference center, was fabulous and the Victoria dinner committee had outdone themselves on providing a fantastic selection of live and silent auction items.  Thanks to Mike Meneer (VP PSF) for speaking about our joint “Fish for the Future program”. Brain Alexander from Westcoast Resorts did a great job as MC (lots of laughs) with Ward Bond from Island Outfitters really pulling the heart strings as he thanked the volunteers. It was also great to see several old and new friends, there to support the foundation like Larry from Island Fisherman Magazine and the Outdoor Expo.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation is working very hard to protect and preserve our Salmon stocks and the following article demonstrates a good example why and why PSF needs the public’s support. (read more about Chum Salmon..)

 

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First Time Salmon Art Show and Charity Auction

Monday, February 21st, 2011
man holding salmon in a stream regarding restoring fish habitat

Maintaining and restoring fish habitat helps our environment

The Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Sandbar Restaurant on Granville Island are getting together to raise money and support salmon restoration and regeneration with a charitable “Salmon Art Show” on Wednesday, March 2.

The show will provide an opportunity to purchase striking images of salmon in their natural B.C. habitat. For anyone who has purchased a fishing licence in the last twenty years, the romantic images of silver fish, dynamic in their natural environment and pursuing their prey, will be very familiar. These images have appeared for the last 23 years on the Salmon Conservation Stamp that every angler must buy in order to keep salmon caught in B.C.’s tidal waters. More on the Salmon art show

 

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