A group of friends have banded together to help a long-time local family in need.
When Kevin Damaskie, known for his local involvement in everything from journalism to politics, music and activism over the last several decades, was first diagnosed with esophageal cancer, friends from his many facets of life wanted to find a way to help him and his family of four. (Damaskie was one of Pique’s original founders and a former reporter with the publication.)
So they banded together to host CancerPalooza 2020 via livestream to kick off the launch of a GoFundMe to support Damaskie, his wife, and two sons as he battles the disease.
“We go back a long way,” says Stephen Vogler, who is helping to organize the evening of online entertainment. “We’ve been good friends, we’ve skied together, they lived in their RV in our parking lot for a while. He helped me add a room to the cabin [years back] … He’s always been a really supportive friend.”
The event will take place on Facebook Live on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Vogler and local DJ Ace Mackay-Smith will host the evening with Pemberton favourites Dakota Pearl playing a (pre-recorded, COVID-friendly) show throughout.
“We’ll tell a few anecdotes [and] I’ll play a song or two live there at The Point [Artist-Run Centre],” Vogler says. “We’re hoping a few other friends might get up and say a few words.”
To tune in, search CancerPalooza2020 on Facebook or contribute to the GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/help-kev-fuk-cancer.
Local talent on display at WFF’s Sea to Sky Shorts Showcase
The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) officially kicked off this week, but one must-see new event is the Sea to Sky Showcase.
The inaugural filmmaking competition selected 10 finalists to shoot a short film from the Sea to Sky region. The winner will receive $2,000 and be revealed at the WFF’s awards ceremony on Dec. 20.
However, you’ll get a chance to see all the films online on Thursday, Dec. 10. To screen them, buy tickets online at whistlerfilmfestival.com.
Pop-up shop returns
The Dream Big Vintage Pop Up Shop is returning to Whistler in time for holiday shopping.
While they kicked off on Dec. 1 with fully booked time slots for shopping at their temporary space at 109 Bear Paw Trail (next to Cranked Espresso Bar) in Rainbow, they will be open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 19.
Check out vintage and used clothing, artwork, illustrations, jewellery, plants, macramé, and second-hand books.
For more information, visit facebook.com/dreambigvintagecollective.
