A reprint from AFABC

The Adoptive Families Association of BC is a registered nonprofit organization that has supported adoptive families for over 35 years.  Our mission is to promote and support adoption with a greater vision of finding a permanent loving family for every child.  AFABC’s province wide services ensure that adoptive families are educated and supported before, during, and long after their children come home.  We also serve children and youth across the province by facilitating permanency planning and child specific recruitment programs aimed at finding forever homes for the over 1,200 children in BC’s foster care system that are waiting to be adopted. 

2013 marks AFABC’s 5th year participating in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and 5K Race. This high profile marathon has become the city of Vancouver’s third largest annual event. With over 6,500 participants, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge provides a great chance for us to raise awareness about the hundreds of children and youth in BC who are waiting to be adopted.  You can show your support by pledging AFABC’s team today. We are happy to announce that over 30 participants have joined Team Adopt this year to help raise critical funding for programs and services that support adoptive families, children, and youth across the province. Among our team mates are a fabulous group of Vancouver Island families who have put together a family 5K walk in support of AFABC.  Members of Vancouver Island communities will be meeting at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo on June 22^nd, at 1:30 to celebrate and support the adoption community. 

The rest of Team Adopt will be participating in the Scotiabank Vancouver’s Half Marathon and 5K Race on Sunday June 23^rd in Stanley Park. You can help make a difference in the lives of children and youth across the province. Please support the Adoptive Families Association in this exciting event.

Family Matters- Pledge Team Adopt Today www.tinyurl.com/Team-Adopt-2013

Thank you so much for your support!

Chloe Good
Development Coordinator
Adoptive Families Association of BC
604-320-7330 ext 123

www.bcadoption.com

Support Adoption this June is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

ALS Cycle of Hope Riders

VICTORIA – A new crop of riders are set to pedal 700 kilometers for seven days starting in Kamloops August 8^th and finishing in Keremeos August 14th for the 2^nd Annual ALS Cycle of Hope. This year’s Awareness Journey will be more demanding physically but will also feature riders who have been directly affected by ALS through family and friends.

“I’m so excited to build on what we accomplished last year by growing the size of the team and the scope of this year’s event”, said Cindy Lister the inspiration behind the Cycle of Hope. “Last year was about riding for my Dad and starting this journey. This year it’s about spreading the awareness further with each of these riders sharing their stories and those of every community we ride through.”

In addition to the Awareness Journey, this year the public can join one of two community rides in Kelowna on August 11^th; a 30 or a 70-kilometer loop or join a virtual ride on-line (www.cycleofhope.ca) where riders can track their mileage and raise support for ALS in their own community. 

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin launched the event at the Trek store by taking part in the “Bridge of Hope”. Supporters joined hands as the cyclists were ushered through the bridge to wish them well and send them on their way. “I was here last year for the initial launch of the ALS Cycle of Hope and was honoured to be a part of this journey. With a bigger team and bigger event, I hope that we can continue to raise the funds and awareness for ALS throughout Victoria and all communities in British Columbia.”

Several advocates and families affected by ALS were in attendance to share their experiences and to speak about the disease. “Third-party fundraising events coordinated by volunteers to benefit the cause are very important to raising awareness and funds for people living with ALS,” said Wendy Toyer, Executive Director of the ALS Society of BC. “Cindy’s passion for the Cycle of Hope is inspirational. Her volunteerism, energy and leadership are exemplary.”

The riders are holding several fundraising events and opportunities prior to their departure including an on-line auction with a signed jersey from every member of the San Jose Sharks, Pink tickets and a side of beef from Island Farms. Auction items are available for viewing at www.gobid.com. Other fundraising opportunities include dropping off your bottles and cans to the following Bottle Depots: 4261 Glanford Avenue, 3961 Quadra Street and 655 Queens Avenue during the month of June.

For more details and to donate to the team and ALS Canada, visit www.cycleofhope.ca

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For more information please contact:  Cindy Lister, (250) 812-0082
Trish Fougner
Foggygirl Consulting
www.foggygirl.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
(250) 507-7817 cell

Proud to be a part of the 25th Annual Victoria International Track Classic July 5th

www.trackclassic.com

2nd Annual ALS Cycle of Hope Launches is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

The racing at all levels was exciting… even the Tim Horton’s timbits challenge saw the kids doing a whole lap of the course and still sprinting to the finish.

The level of intensity and endurance was spectacular to watch from all the competitors. It was impressive to watch the high school races as you could easily see some up and coming serious cycle racers.

The Women’s and Men’s finals lived up to all expectations with dozens of lead changes, solo riders challenging teams. We witnessed leaders taking off leaving large gaps only to find time and again the riders bunched up, planning their strategy for the next push.

The Weather and incredibly scenic venue of downtown Victoria B.C. and the inner harbour made for a wonderful show for the thousands of spectators present. This is indeed a spectacular event for Victoria and if you’ve never witnessed this level of cycling racing before, plan for next year. You’ll love it.

Our Thanks and Congratulations go to the Series & fellow Race Sponsors, Organizers and Volunteers.

		2013 Russ Hays / Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Here’s the official wrap-up from the Race organizers:

Robert W. Cameron Law Cycling Series

Anderson Comes Home to a Win; Dyck takes Women’s Title

June 2, 2013 – VICTORIA, BC – The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix criterium is a smoother ride than what Canada’s #1-ranked women’s cyclocross rider Mical Dyck is used to, but that didn’t stop the Pro City Racer from taking a tough finishing sprint win from Trek Red Truck Racing, p/b Mosaic Homes’ Megan Rathwell.

“I was pretty tired after all the punchy stuff, particularly after yesterday,” Dyck said, describing the uphill last leg of the 900-metre crit course and yesterday’s Westhills Road Cycling Classic which crowned Rathwell BC Road Cycling Champion.

The 45-lap women’s elite race saw Trek Red Truck’s Rathwell second and Russ Hay’s Accent Inns’ Nik Vogler third, all finishing in 54 minutes, 26 seconds.

As the lone Pro City Racer rider, Dyck credits the five-woman Trek team with keeping the pace going throughout. “They have pretty interesting tactics,” she said.

On the men’s side, it was an all-out brawl at the end with Victoria’s pro rider Ryan Anderson taking the final sprint and the RH/AI Bastion Square criterium win.

“It was nice coming back to Victoria to win,” says Anderson, a Spidertech pro rider and graduate of the Victoria Academy of Cycling. Riding as an independent, Anderson lacked back-up, but said that he wasn’t worried about being the lone ranger.

“I’m pretty confident about my form,” he said after the 75-lap race. “I just needed to make sure that the group stayed together.”

And stay together the field did, keeping a finishing pack of 30 (of 55 starting) riders together for virtually the whole race. Trek Red Truck team-mates Jesse Reams and Bailey McKnight finished second and third respectively with a pack time of one hour, 22 minutes and 30 seconds.

The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix capped off a remarkable three days of the Robert W. Cameron Law Cycling Series which also included the Rumble Time Trial and Westhills Cycling Classic /BC Road Cycling Provincial Championships. The weekend field included more than 225 adult riders, middle and high school students as well as 150+ Tim Hortons Timbit Challengers – kids aged 3 to 10.

The Robert W. Cameron Law Cycling Series Omnium female winner is Megan Rathwell (with Mical Dyck second and Nik Vogler third) while the male winner is Ryan Anderson with Trek Red Truck’s Bailey McKnight second and Raleigh UK’s Rob Britton third.

Full results will be posted at www.victoria-cycling.com

Sharon White, Media Director

250 595-2337, sharon.white@telus.net

2013 Russ Hays / Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

A Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns team member riding in last years Grand Prix

This weekend Victoria BC hosts the Robert Cameron Law Cycling series featuring the Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix

The 2013 Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series returns as the kickoff event for the Victoria International Cycling Festival. This year’s  racing events follow the same race format as 2012 with a time trial on Dallas Road, a gruelling Road Race in Metchosin, and a fast and furious Circuit race in downtown Victoria around the historical Bastion Square. Kids ages 5-10 also get to take part by riding with some of Canada’s top cyclists in the Tim Horton’s Timbits Challenge.

The Victoria International Cycling Festival is Canada’s biggest cycling event that celebrates, supports, and grows the awareness of cycling not only in Victoria but all across Canada.

This Sunday June 2, 2013 is The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix and Accent Inns is so proud to be a sponsor. Come out and support the elite riders put everything on the line and be just inches from the action. Make lots of noise and shout out to your teammates.

If you’ve haven’t attend a road cycling event before you should, and the weather looks to be sunny and warm, a great time for all to spend a Sunday.

Located in Downtown Victoria, the Bastion Square Grand Prix Grand Prix has been a staple in B.C.’s cycling history for over 20 years. Past winners have included    Olympians — and Victorians — Gillian Carlton, Roland Green,  Andreas Hestler, Alison Sydor and Brian Walton.  Racing on a short, fully  enclosed 900 metre loop through Victoria’s historic Bastion Square, this European-style event features thrills and spills. Check out the infamous “Crash Corner” at Yates and Wharf Streets, witness the “prime” and finish line sprints at Fort and Langley Streets, or enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of java at the many “course-side” outdoor cafes along the route. Thousands of spectators line the route each year to watch riders reach speeds of 65 km/hr, side to side, wheel to wheel.

Start/Finish: Fort St. and Langley Street, Bastion Square, Victoria, BC

The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Bastion Square Grand Prix is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Announcing the winners of the Family Support Institute (FSI) first annual Celebration of Families Awards

New Westminster, BC, May  2013 – The mission statement of the Family Support Institute is: To strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability”.

FSI is about Families. Our Celebration of Families awards are our way to celebrate families and thank and recognize those people and organizations across British Columbia that “strengthen and support ALL families, not just families with a member with a disability”.

On April 20, 2013, during our Annual FSI Training Weekend at Naramata we presented Celebration of Families awards in the four categories of: FSI RP/RFM volunteer, non-FSI volunteer, Corporation and

Organization.

FSI RESOURCE PARENT /RESOURCE FAMILY MEMBER CATEGORY

Marie WEBB

The recipient of our first Celebration of Families award is Marie Webb of Dawson Creek. As a longtime FSI Resource Parent, Marie has been an exceptional help to others in her community since even before the beginning days of FSI. She went to the first FSI Training Weekend in 1987 at Bowen Island. When Marie first heard about FSI and the development of Resource Parents she happily became involved as she was already doing that kind of role in her community. The Parent Support group that was formed with her help years ago is still going strong. The 30 member group share their struggles and victories and collectively find ways to help each other.

Like many parents with a child with a disability, Marie would have had struggles of her own to meet the needs for her son Shawn but yet, she still managed to find time to help other families.  Marie is still an active member and promoter of FSI. She is generous, supportive and kind and her compassion resonates wherever she is. She is quoted as saying that FSI was her lifeline as she raised a child with a disability, but we are sure that for many of the families that Marie has supported over the years she was their lifeline.

Date: 13/05/2013 Page: 2

NON-FSI VOLUNTEER CATEGORY

Nancy HOYANO

The Celebrations of Families award for non-FSI volunteer goes to Nancy Hoyano. Nancy has been a long time advocate for inclusive education and for bettering the lives of people with disabilities. She has been a friend to the Family Support Institute for many years. Nancy has always been readily available to support FSI parents and staff with workshop delivery and development, inclusive education, post-secondary education and transition supports and now mentors Resource Parents to take over as facilitators.

Nancy has been an instructor at Langara College in their Education Assistant Program since 2000. She has volunteered on many committees and the BCACL (now INCLUSION BC) board of directors.

We wish to thank her for her years of service and her continued commitment to family support and the Family Support Institute.

CORPORATION CATEGORY

ACCENT INNS

Our Celebration of Families award in the Corporation Category is presented to the Accent Inns. In 1986 Terry Farmer opened a modest motor inn in Victoria which has grown to be Accent Inns – an award-winning, family-owned chain of five hotels in BC. Terry ran his hotels under the stance that every business has a responsibility to its community – something that his daughter Mandy Farmer has continued since she took over management of the chain. She has developed InnAid – a program that gets Accent Inn staff out into their communities to make differences in other people’s lives and supports the creation of a sustainable world. InnAid initiatives range from food and clothing drives to education and awareness programs. In the past two years, Accent Inns has supported over 430 organizations in BC.

Even while running a hotel chain, Terry Farmer took time to speak at Supported Employment meetings in BC. He still talks passionately about the benefits of hiring people with developmental disabilities.

FSI wishes to honor Accents Inns for their high support of family and their strong commitment to community.

Date: 13/05/2013 Page: 3

ORGANIZATION CATEGORY

VELA Microboard Association

Vela Microboard Association dedicates itself to honouring the rights of, and eliminating the barriers for, people with disabilities. This includes the right to freedom, equality, control over their own lives, and to be fully included as valued citizens in the relationships and the opportunities of community life.

The first Vela Microboard was formed in 1990 and since that time staff at Vela have assisted with the development of over 700 Microboards in B.C. For the past 4 years, Vela has also been a resource for individuals and families interested in Individualized Funding.  A Vela Microboard is formed when a small (micro) group of committed family and friends join together with a person with challenges to create a non-profit society (board). Together this small group of people address the person’s planning and support needs in an empowering and customized fashion and is created for the sole support of one individual.

Since their formation over 20 years ago, Vela has been a leader in community living and their staff have consistently demonstrated their commitment to families. They understand that one size doesn’t fit all and leave it to families to dictate the degree of help and support they want.

This quote from one family says what many families feel about Vela. “Our family has been connected with Vela for over 17 years. Vela has been there for us from the conception of our daughter’s Microboard, continuing to the present time.

With Vela’s support and the education they provide, we have been able to ensure that our daughter leads a wonderful inclusive life in community, surrounded by friends and family and the supports tailored to her needs. ”

FSI is pleased to award Vela Microboard Association a Celebration of Families Award as the work they do truly strengthens and supports families.

For more information please contact:

Angela Clancy
Executive Director

Family Support Institute

Phone: (604)540-8374 Cell: (778)822-8374    E-mail: aclancy@fsibc.com

Family Support Institute Honors Accent Inns is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Donna Price & Kim Jones

What do you get when you cross Moliere’s Don Juan, scandalous comedy at the Gateway Theatre, excellent appies and libations in a wonderful atmosphere overlooking Minoru Park on a sunny (and dry!) evening? A great evening out and courtesy of the Accent Inns to boot!

Accent Inns recently hosted an evening of wonderful food and fabulous theatre at a private reception at the Gateway Theatre (Richmond BC) – a thank you to our customers and supporters. 

Attendees mingled and munched on Mini Crab cakes, Popcorn Shrimp, Chicken Skewers, Salmon Canapé and Brushetta Crostini’s excellently prepared by the Boathouse Restaurant.

Sherry Elasoff & Chris Browne

Susanne Haines and Sherry Elasoff (General Manager and Communication Specialist) of the Gateway Theatre respectively spoke to all guests and gave words of Welcome.

Accent Inn General Manager Christopher Browne, Regional Sales Managers Kim Jones and Donna Price were on hand and made 3 draws for 3 lucky winners: Jessica Bush from the Canadian Sport Institute, Sandi Moffatt, A Breast in a Boat and Sylvia Zheng, Odgers Berndtson.

Donna Price & Sylvia Zheng

Accent Inn Vancouver Airport and the Gateway theatre have had a wonderful relationship since 2008 – so much so that Accent Inns is one of the 3 finalists in the Business and Arts category for the 5^th Annual  Richmond Arts Awards as they have been the Accommodation Sponsor for the Gateway Theatre for many years.

Oh what a night…………

Accent Inns and the Arts is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

 
Cardio Training
Golfers need to undergo long periods of physical activity. Cardio training will help to increase endurance levels by improving heart rates and increase blood and oxygen levels throughout the body. Examples of cardio training exercises that are beneficial to golfers are swimming and cycling.
Weight Training
Golfers need some form of weight training to improve strength, power and overall fitness levels. Weight training increases muscle size, strength and endurance. This increased muscle size will improve swing speed and distance. Examples of weight training that will help golfers are dumbbell squats, biceps arm curls, triceps extension, incline bench press and good old fashion push-ups.
Flexibility Training
A good golfer needs to be relax and flexible, not rigid or stiff. The main objective here is to help the muscles gain permanent flexibility. Lack of flexibility creates tension in your lower back and will decrease the ball’s speed and distance.
Pilates is a fitness program that specializes in increasing precise muscle control. Pilate exercises are low-impact and help to tone and strengthen the back muscles.  The stronger your back muscles, the more control you will have throughout your torso, thus making you a more consistent golfer.
Endurance Training:
Endurance helps you maintain your peak performance during a five hour game of golf. Endurance also includes your focus and concentration. If you are tired, it’s easy to lose focus and miss an easy shot.  Yoga classes will help improve your balance, coordination and concentration. Improve your balance and you will create a consistent and powerful swing.

Golfers are at risk for a variety of injuries, so get a head start on your game this year and start training.

Guest Post written by: Carmen Scott on behalf of Diversified Health Clinic, a rehabilitation clinic in Victoria.

Check out Accent Inn’s BC Golf Packages or Contact your travel agent or speak with Ross at BCGolfGuide for some group golf trip planning options.

Top 3 Things To Prepare For The Golf Season is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

The Accent Inn Victoria, Open for Business

April 13, 2013

Victoria B.C.

 Fire Takes Restaurant But Not Hotel Spirit

This past Thursday night, April 11^th, a suspicious fire did irreparable damage to the ABC country restaurant located at the Accent Inn Victoria, 3233 Maple St. Fire is certainly something feared by everyone but even more so when it comes to a large complex like an apartment or hotel. When the call came into the Accent Inn front desk, the staff immediately followed the procedures they had been taught. Calls went out to their management and staff and evacuation procedures quickly began with police and fireman joining to assist. The restaurant being closed, luckily was empty with no staff present there.

People and pets had the opportunity to stay warm in waiting BC Transit Busses. After rooms had been cleared and head-counts taken the hotel staff proceeded to secure rooms at other local hotels for all guests, some of whom were still in their pajamas.

The Saanich fire department did an excellent job containing the fire to the restaurant alone and thanks to concrete firewalls the hotel was left relatively undamaged. In the light of day on the Friday, police and fire investigators began doing their work in regards to the criminal investigation surrounding the possible setting of the fire. Working with the hotel staff, Police and Fire officials had hotel guests collecting any belongings or vehicles left behind by early afternoon. By late afternoon the Accent Inn began welcoming back those guests who had been evacuated and who wished to continue their stay.

“I’ve been receiving many calls and we’ve had guests coming back all thanking our staff for their quick and caring actions, some even bringing gifts. I also want to thank my other hotel colleagues for assisting our guests on such short notice. “  Chris Knight, General Manager.

As of Saturday April 13^th the shell of the ABC restaurant is being torn down as the fire department searches for hotspots and takes care of any safety concerns. Over at the hotel it is a completely different story. The Accent Inn staff are busy preparing for business as usual, cleaning rooms, working with guests and even taking reservations. They are open for business!

The restaurant is gone the Hotel is relatively unscathed.

ABC restaurant will need to be rebuilt

A statement from Mandy Farmer, President and CEO, Accent Inns:

 To our guests – I want to thank (and profusely apologize for the extraordinary inconvenience) my guests who were so understanding throughout the whole ordeal last night, and of course both the police and fire departments who did an amazing job. I’m left with a feeling of total appreciation for you, my team and the emergency responders. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that not one person was injured and that it wasn’t worse.

A personal note:

It’s amazing how an ordeal can galvanize you.

Being woken up at midnight to find out your hotel is on fire is a living nightmare, but to actually arrive on scene groggy eyed and wearing pajamas to see a hole where your restaurant was, is literally a sucker punch to the stomach. I did shed tears at that moment.  Images flashed through my head: I remember my dad building this restaurant when I was just a pre-teen, having a staff meal there when I worked the front desk, breakfast with friends over the years, and soon strategizing business plans over coffee, even taking my elderly nana there for lunch, but most importantly, I met my husband there in one of those bright cheerful booths.

That initial blow soon passed when I saw my lobby full of evacuated guests and my team admirably scrambling to take care of them. My heart ached for all of our guests pulled from their beds to wait in the cold with unrequited hopes of making it back to their rooms that night.  But you know, in all of Accent Inns history (27 years), I don’t think there has ever been a moment that I have been so proud of my team.  Many got up in the night to come down and help, some even working through the whole night to make sure our guests were looked after.  My frontline staff stayed late, with nary of thought of when their shift ended or started. And all of them took such great care of our stranded guests. In particular, I want to recognize Linda, Malcolm, Alvaro, Joan and Dave who truly went above and beyond.

And then the outpouring of love, the emails, the phone calls, the tweets, the posts from the community of Victoria; wow, we most certainly live in a vibrant and supportive community. And so today, now that the smoke has cleared, all of us at Accent Inns feel surprisingly grateful for many reasons:

• The most important thing was that no one was even slightly injured
• Damage was very minimal to the hotel part (unfortunately, the restaurant is literally toast)
• Our guests were so supportive, positive and calm.  They were amazing!
• And as I’ve already mentioned, I have the most remarkable team in the world working for me.

Thank you, my team, thank you.

Sincerely,

Mandy Farmer

President & CEO

Click here to view the embedded video.

About Accent Inns

Not your typical, stuffy hotel chain. Yes, we have modern, clean rooms, but we’ll also tell you where to go (in a good way . We’ll give you the down low on where the locals hang – the hot spots for shopping, dining and hitting the town. Oh yeah, did we mention that we’re also a pint-sized, boastfully BC hotel chain with five locations; Victoria, Burnaby, Vancouver Airport (Richmond), Kelowna & Kamloops.

 Stay local. Stay real.

For more information contact:

John Espley

Business Development Manager (Public Relations)

jespley@accentinns.com

office: 250-360-1511

cell: 250-213-9605

Fire Takes Restaurant But Not Hotel Spirit is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Camosun golfers L-R: Brady Stead, Grant Maskiewich, Kevin Walz & Jared Hundza

The Camosun College Chargers men’s golf team earned their second consecutive Bear Mountain Collegiate tournament title this past weekend, finishing five-strokes ahead of the competition and starting the 2013 season off with a great win.

“It was a terrific weekend of golf at Bear Mountain,” comments Chargers Head Coach John Randle. “The courses were in fantastic shape and the players had a great time. I am proud of my guys for pulling out a victory so early in the golf season.”

The Chargers won the event with a low team total of 583 over the two-day event (March 23-24). The Grant MacEwan University Griffins (2012 ACAC Silver Medalists) took second place with 588 while Island rivals, the VIU Mariners (PACWEST 2012 Bronze Medalists ) captured third shooting 601.

“Grant MacEwan University played great,” states Coach Randle. “They haven’t seen grass in five months and gave us an impressive run for our title!”Men’s Team 2-Day Totals:

The men’s individual title came down to a three-way tie between Camosun’s Jared Hundza, VIU’s Kristian Hrabowych and Kevin Piper from Grant MacEwan. Kristian Hrabowych collected the win in a playoff with a birdie on the first hole.

Rounding out Camosun’s winning two-day total was veteran Kevin Walz who completed the weekend with 148 and teammate Grant Maskiewich who finished with 150.

The women’s side of the draw saw three teams of two tee-off with Grant MacEwan’s duo of Megan Vermillion and Sydney Johnson-Parker taking first place with a weekend score of 315. Grant MacEwan’s Team No. 2 finished second with 346 while VIU placed third with 356.

“As usual, Bear Mountain was a great venue and we look forward to the 4th annual event next spring,” reports Coach Randle. “Special thanks to Tour Player Darren Griff who came to speak at our post-tournament dinner on Saturday.  He shared a lot of experiences and the student-athletes really appreciated it.”

Camosun College Chargers Win at Golf is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Karen at the Vancouver Island Outdoor Expo

OK, how does a little hotel chain like Accent Inns combine our love of the cycling community, our fun loving style, our search for adventure (well most of us…) and our key value of community support? It’s easy. A prime example was two recent events we supported; The Banff Mountain Film Festival’s Radical Reels Tour and the Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure Expo.

The Radical Reels film tour is a chance for experiencing extreme adventure right from your seat. The films are always filled with laughs and giggles and the ones that focus on cycling (mountain biking) are incredible and awe inspiring. Now add the support from our friends like Russ Hay’s bikes, Ocean River Sports, Robinson’s outdoor store, Capitol Iron and Straitline components (the prizes were superb!) and wrap it all up with donations and profits from the event going to the Garth Homer Center and there you have it! Watch for next years show March 2014 in Victoria.

Supporting the recent Vancouver Island Outdoor show certainly connected us with fellow adventure lovers and also allowed us to showcase our bike friendly hotels in B.C. (we call it “Bike Love”). We also had the chance to remind folks about our great cycling team, the Russ Hay’s Accent Inns team. The fun. Well anywhere our Vancouver Island Regional Sales Manager, Karen England, hangs out is fun by default. In fact every one of our Accent Inn sales managers are some of the most fun, charming and uplifting folks out there. Don’t take my word, go meet them. At the outdoor show we also had the chance to showcase some dear friends that are working very hard to support the community of families dealing with ALS. The ALS cycle for hope is now in it’s second year and growing strong. The founder of the event, Cindy Lister, was extremely kind and even talked about the outdoor show event on her blog, which we encourage you to visit and learn more about the cycle for hope and the work being done for families…

“Due to the ongoing support received from Accent Inns, ALS Cycle of Hope is looking forward to yet another successful and memorable inspiring ALS awareness journey! Thanks Accent Inns for helping us raise greater ALS awareness at the Outdoor Expo on March 22,23 and 24th– and for everything you do to help us make ALS Cycle of Hope a meaningful journey of hope for families living with ALS.”

That’s just a couple of the fun ongoing events that allow us to combine many of the things we like, we support and are just really cool.

Check out the:

•  ALS Cycle for hope upcoming Fashion show and fundraiser.
• The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
• The Boys & Girls Club of the Okanagan for their June 1st Race for kids
• Take a Kelowna Wine tour for the BC SPCA
• The Ride to Survive in Kelowna
• SOS children’s villages upcoming events in Vancouver
• Remember to Bike to Work during Bike to Work week in May.

and many, many more that we are thrilled to support.

Oh and make sure you follow the progress of our very cool, extremely talented bike team.

Hopefully you have an idea why Accent Inns is indeed one the very coolest places to work in B.C.

(ok we previously won the 5th Best Companies to work for in B.C. but I think we’re still #1 in the cool category)

John Espley, Mountain Man

Cycling, Fun, Adventure, Support is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog