Queer Spirit Fair + Vote for RCCC

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌦️ Weather - A few showers

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the umbrella make it into the suitcase? 💼🌂 

 🗓️ New West Events - Your Week in New West, Sorted

 🥖 📚️ Charity Spotlight - The Purpose Society

 🗞️ New West Local News - Queer Spirit Fair + Vote for RCCC

 🤖 How well do you know New West?

 😆 Meme of the Day

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For more than 40 years, Purpose Society has quietly supported vulnerable people across New Westminster and Burnaby, and the Lower Mainland. From youth programs and food hampers to housing support and childcare, the organization helps people through some of life’s hardest moments.

After four and a half years leading youth services, Eric Osmond has recently stepped into the role of executive director. He says the work is busy but meaningful. “We’re all trying to make the world a little bit better,” he shared.

Helping People Before Crisis Becomes Bigger

Purpose Society focuses on low-barrier, client-centered support. That means meeting people where they are without judgment.

Eric shared the story of one young person who grew up surrounded by addiction and family instability. Through ongoing support, counseling, food assistance, and mentorship, the youth finished high school and entered trades work.

Sometimes the first step is not finding a job. Sometimes it is making sure someone has food, clothes, support, or a safe place to sleep. That flexibility is what makes the organization so important in New Westminster.

Programs That Reach Across the Community

The organization’s impact extends far beyond a single service. Its programs include food hampers, youth hubs and clinics, housing services, peer support, mental health outreach, newcomer services, childcare centres, family and parenting supports, harm reduction outreach, shelters, an independent secondary school, and more.

The organization also works closely with school districts, government agencies, and health authorities to support people throughout the community.

Much of that work relies on volunteers. Eric says the organization’s youth hub and food hamper program would struggle to operate without the support of its volunteers.

A Community Built on Compassion

Eric believes many people in New Westminster want to help. The challenge, he says, is ensuring residents know support is available when they need it.

He hopes more people recognize that hardship can affect anyone.

“I think we all just need to remember we are all human,” he said.

That message shapes the work of Purpose Society every day. Whether someone needs food, housing support, or simply a welcoming place to start, the organization works to ensure people feel seen, supported, and connected to their community.

How Residents Can Help

Purpose Society continues to grow through volunteers, partnerships, and community support.

Residents can contribute in many ways, including volunteering with food delivery programs, supporting youth activities, or helping share information about available services with those who may need them.

From assisting families through difficult times to giving young people hope and stability for the future, the organization continues to play an important role in the New Westminster community.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 📍40 Begbie Street, New Westminster, BC

Phone: 📞 (604) 526-2522

 Website: 🌐https://www.purposesociety.org

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support the Purpose Society and leave them a Google Review

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🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Saturday May 16, 2026

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🛍️ New West Craft at River Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

📚️ Storytime and Craft at Kinder Books – 1:00 PM

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🎲 Game Day (Phantom Alley x Spud Shack) – 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth Ages 13 - 18 – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

✨ City Hall Illumination - National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

🎸 Live Music Saturday at the Legion Branch 2 – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

🎭️ Beks Battallion: The Laff Control Project – 7:00 PM

👻 The Ghosts of New Westminster – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🏊️ Youth Swim at təməsew̓txʷ – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ The Birds and the Bees at Bernie Legge Theatre – 8:00 PM

🎶 Saturday Night Live Music at The Terminal Pub – 9:00 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Saturdays at Kelly & Carlos O’Bryan’s – 9:00 PM to 12:30 AM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

Sunday May 17, 2026

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🖌️ Order and Chaos, Art Workshop – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎭️ The Birds and the Bees at Bernie Legge Theatre – 2:00 PM

✨ City Hall Illumination - Blue and Green - Shine a Light on NF – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Lounge Duet at The Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Funday Bingo at RCCC - – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🍻 Frankie G’s All Day & Night Happy Hour

Sunday May 17, 2026

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🖌️ Order and Chaos, Art Workshop – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎭️ The Birds and the Bees at Bernie Legge Theatre – 2:00 PM

✨ City Hall Illumination - Blue and Green - Shine a Light on NF – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Lounge Duet at The Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Funday Bingo at RCCC - – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🍻 Frankie G’s All Day & Night Happy Hour

Monday May 18, 2026

🔍️ New West Museum Quest – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🧩 Steel & Oak Puzzle Mondays – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎹 Group Piano Adults at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🍻 Frankie G’s All Day & Night Happy Hour

🌈 Queer Spirit Fair Brings Joy, Creativity, and Connection to New West

A vibrant afternoon of creativity, connection, and community spirit is coming to New Westminster as the Queer Spirit Fair returns to Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces on May 23.

The event brings together local makers, healers, readers, and artists for six hours of art, conversation, self expression, and celebration. Visitors can browse handmade creations, enjoy tarot or tea leaf readings, connect with energy healers, join creative activities, and simply spend time in a welcoming space built around queer joy and community.

Organizers describe the fair as a chance to celebrate queer culture openly and unapologetically — creating a space filled with warmth, creativity, laughter, and meaningful connection.

Throughout the day, guests can explore vendor tables, participate in games and art activities, enjoy snacks and hot drinks, and connect with others in a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere.

The Queer Spirit Fair takes place Saturday, May 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, located at 735 8th Avenue in New Westminster. Admission is pay what you can starting at $2, with proceeds supporting Rainbow Refugee.

The event is open to everyone looking to experience an afternoon centered around creativity, inclusion, and community connection.

Drop by and discover something inspiring

🥌 Cheer On New West Curlers Heading for a Big Opportunity

Two Royal City Curling Club teams are hoping to represent New Westminster at the upcoming GSOC Invitational in Victoria, and the community can help make it happen with a quick online vote.

Local teams Team Blandford and Team Wakefield are currently competing for a chance to earn their spot at the event this October, and every vote helps boost their chances.

The Royal City Curling Club is encouraging residents, supporters, and local sports fans to rally behind the teams and show some hometown pride.

Voting takes less than a minute, but the impact could help send New Westminster athletes to one of the season’s exciting curling events.

For the local curling community, it is another chance to showcase New West talent on a bigger stage while bringing the community together in support of local athletes.

👉 Vote now to cheer on New West teams

🔔 Weekend challenge time

The Tin Man is hiding somewhere new, and the prize is still up for grabs. 👀

🎁 This week’s prize (May 14-May 20):
$50 Gift Certificate from Sichuan Yummy Food.

Visit Facebook and Instagram and drop your guess.

👉️ Your play guide is here.

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉

Big congratulations to this week’s How Well Do You Know New West? winner:

Mary Gagnon

🏆 You’ve won a $250 Design Consultation from M Designs Interior Decorating.

To claim your prize, please email us at
[email protected]

⏳ You have 24 hours to claim your prize before we spin the wheel for a new winner.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the umbrella make it into the suitcase? 💼🌂 

🤝Trust issues. ❌ 

Meme of the Day

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