I want to thank all the businesses that participated in this year’s giveaways.

Kali Desautels Book

Kali Desautels book, How Not To Blog: Finding Myself, One Post at A Time is one part memoir, one part opinion essays, and two parts the meandering thoughts of a woman who is trying to find her way. She writes about depression, anxiety, parenting, marriage and more. Included in this prize is also a $50 gift certificate to Indigo.

Winner: Vivian T.

Goodbrand Fitness

Goodbrand Fitness is a woman founded gym that offers classes for women. Gabby has created a safe space for women to work out in regardless of what their fitness levels are.  They offer a variety of classes that include zumba, yoga, bootcamp and more! They are located at 28-3033 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC. The prize is a 10-class pass and a pair of signature resistance bands.

Winner: Moira

Firehall Arts Centre

The Firehall first opened its doors on February 25th of 1982, with a performance by Axis Theatre, who managed the theatre at that time. The Firehall Theatre Society was incorporated in 1983 and in 1985, then established itself as one of the first theatre companies to involve Indigenous and culturally diverse artists within its practice. The building was built in 1906 and acted as one of Vancouver’s first fire stations until the mid-1970s. Located in the historic heart of the city, the Firehall strives to produce and present work that highlights and supports Canada’s multiculturalism. As the first company focusing on Canadian work with this intent, the Firehall broke through social barriers and helped playwrights, actors, dancers, performers and producers of various cultural backgrounds present work to audiences across the country. I had the pleasure of talking with the artistic producer, Donna Spencer, last year about their 2022/23 season. The Firehall Arts Centre is located at 280 E. Cordova, Vancouver, BC. The winner will receive two tickets to the presentation of their choice from the Firehall Arts Centre 2023/24 season.

Winner: Chastin 

Jack59

Jack59 prides themselves in creating natural hair care products that are sustainably made and ethically sourced. When Vanessa Marshall started Jack59, she set out to make shampoo and conditioner bars for everyone. That’s why Jack59 bars are paraben-free, sulfate-free and vegan. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Winner: Leah B. 

Full Moon Yearbook

The Full Moon Yearbook a year of ritual and healing under the full moon combines lore and seasonal lunar wisdom from Indigenous, Celtic, and East Asian cultures in a colorful and beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of the full moon. Over thirteen chapters, we learn the stories, seasonal moods, rituals, Tarot cards, and yoga postures that match the energy of each full moon throughout the calendar year. The moon holds its own special magic, and there has been mythology and meaning to the moon in every culture in every era throughout the world. A common prayer in Irish folklore when one first noticed the moon was ‘God Bless the Moon and God Bless me, I see the moon and the moon sees me.’ Something about the moon makes us feel as if we are in relationship with it, as if it looks back at us, following our gaze through the car window even as we zip along the highway. There’s comfort in knowing that when a loved one is really far away, even on the other side of the world, we are looking at the same moon. Julie Peters wrote this beautiful book, as well as Want and Secrets of the Eternal Moon Phase Goddesses. The winner will receive a copy of the Full Moon Yearbook.

Winner: Nina Z.

Blasted Church Wine

Blasted Church Winery is located at 378 Parsons Rd, Okanagan Falls, BC. The Holy Moly: The Petit Verdot was hand harvested from the Lloyd Vineyard on October 15th at its optimal balance of sugar, acidity, and tannic ripeness. The fruit was destemmed, but not crushed, and transferred to tank for a five-day cold soak before the fermentation kicked off. The fermentation was managed according to its specific needs, with pumpovers ranging from 1 to 2 times daily depending upon the status and stage of the ferment. After 21 days on skins, the free run wine was drained from the tank directly to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The oak was all French, of which 50% was new, and 50% was third-fill. The wine was in barrel for 14 months before being racked to tank for blending and back to barrel for an additional 8 months of aging before bottling. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. It would be best paired with Roast beef or wild game. The Cabernet Sauvignon would best be paired with Ribeye steaks, braised mushrooms. The winner will receive a bottle of each.

Winner: Malynda B.

Bareskin Therapy

Bareskin Therapy is located at 15545 89b avenue, Surrey, BC. The winner will receive their choice of an abdominal sculpting or non-invasive butt lift. Pre-treatment, clients should drink a minimum of 2L of water. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided 24 hours prior to treatment and food should be avoided  2 hours prior. Lotions and creams should not be worn on areas that will receive the treatments. Best to wear loose fitting clothing. Slight bruising may occur after appointment but will subside 24 to 72 hours after.

Winner: Ashleigh T.

The Improv Centre

One winner will receive two tickets to Back to the Holidays or any other great holiday shows happening at the Improv Centre. Blackout dates include December 24th and 31st and specialty shows. Back to the Holidays is a homage to Back to the Future and A Christmas Carol. It explores the past, present and future through the lens of an eccentric scientist who is tasked with helping the hero discover the true meaning of the holidays and save the town from ruin. The Improv Centre is located at 1502 Duranleau St. in Vancouver, BC. Granville Island has free parking after 6pm.

Winner: Mark M.

The Design Room

Amanda has created a space where everyone can come to feel their best, on the inside & out! They have created a fun, feminine space that is comfortable and welcoming for all of our guests. The integrity of your hair is of upmost importance to them, which is why they use high end natural products, from start to finish, always leaving you with a beautiful style to walk out the door with. The Design Room is located at 5671 176a St. Surrey, BC. The winner will receive a $150 gift basket.

Winner: Tara J.