Imperial Parking Canada Corporation (“Impark”) announced today it is offering a one-day, 4 hour event during which anyone in Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna or Prince George who has an unpaid Impark parking violation notice can have it waived by making a toy donation to The Salvation Army.  On Thursday, November 24th, Impark will be accepting new, unused and unwrapped toys, and in exchange, the donor’s unpaid parking violation notice will be waived. A single toy donated will waive a single unpaid violation notice. Those with multiple unpaid violations will need to bring an equal number of toys to match the number of Impark parking violation notices they would like waived.

Donors must bring a copy of their violation notice(s), statement(s) or their license plate number in order to ensure proper credit of their account.

Impark will be accepting toy donations between 7am and 11am at following location in Vancouver:

The Salvation Army Belkin House,
555 Homer Street, Vancouver, B.C. (Between Dunsmuir & Pender)

All toys and gifts donated will be used in The Salvation Army’s Christmas Relief Efforts. In addition to typical toys, the Salvation Army has identified a particular need for Puzzles, books, DVD’s and CD’s as well as Gift Cards (movies, make-up, iTunes, etc.).

By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

One kind action leads to another.  That’s the message The World Kindness Concert is trying to promote, by uniting people through the powerful medium of music. The non-profit organization has been holding the Concert for the past 11 years, and has been attracting more audience with each year. In fact, this is the first time that the Concert will be held at The Centre For Performing Arts (777 Homer Street). This year, the Concert will be on Friday, November 4th.

The World Kindness Concert focuses on eliminating all things negative such as bullying, cruelty and abuse to humans, animals, and the environment, violence and suicide. We have all heard about or been exposed to negativity, hate, and bullying at some point or another, so it is so refreshing to hear about a group that is genuinely trying to promote kindness and kind acts, to make everyone’s day that much better. Proceeds from the Concert will be donated to anti-bullying programs and initiatives.

Aside from the message of kindness, love, and compassion, it’s impossible to over-look the top entertainment lineup that the World Kindness Concert has in store for audience. Some of the artists and performers include Dirty Radio, ABRA Cadabra, Shari Ulrich, The Vancouver Children’s Choir, Warren Dean Flandez (Finalist on ‘Cover Me Canada’), and so much more. Come enjoy a positive and energetic entertainment event that is sure to have you up on your feet and singing (and possibly even dancing!) along to the music. You will feel good too, knowing that you are participating in such a worthwhile cause that is so important to maintaining a happy and healthy world.

Click here to purchase tickets online to The World Kindness Concert.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, QUEENS boutique (12 E. Cordova) in Gastown is set to launch their “Queens Get The Money” charity drive starting October 17th and running until October 31st.  With proceeds from boutique sales, nails services as well as welcoming any and all donations, Queens aims to raise $3,500 for breast cancer research within the two-week event.

“When I first heard my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I didn’t believe it.  I couldn’t believe it could happen to someone so close to me.  It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life” says Queens founder Rose Raflores.   “Up until the moment I lost my Mom, I knew very little about Breast Cancer.  This charity drive is more than just about raising money, awareness and finding a cure, it’s about helping mend the broken hearts affected by this disease.  I truly hope that the spirit of hope, resilience and faith in a future without Breast Cancer is something we can help perpetuate.”

Website: Crown the Queens
Facebook Event:  Queens Get the Money For Breast Cancer Charity Drive

This October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Essie Nailpolish, is proud to to speak out to “Raise Awareness”. In partnership with FLARE Magazine, Essie introduces the Limited Edition “Raise Awareness” nailpolish, a delightful candy pink created to inspire hope and support for cancer patients. During the month of October, a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of Raise Awareness will be donated to Look Good Feel Better, whose mission is to make a significant difference in the lives of women affected by cancer by improving their self-image through complimentary cosmetic workshops in an environment encouraging a sense of confidence, community and determination.

The limited edition Raise Awareness shade will be available at salons and drugstores across Canada, until quantities last, with a retail price of $9.99.

This year’s Compassion into Action event will be held at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Wednesday September 28th between 8 am to 2 pm and is hosted by Nature’s Path, which is an organic foods company based out of Richmond, BC.  Bring a food bank donation to the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery and enjoy a tasty organic breakfast and live music!

This event in the last two years has raised over $300,000.00 in food and funds – that’s enough to feed 12,000 families in need!  Everyone is encouraged to stop by, enjoy a healthy organic breakfast and in exchange make a monetary or non-perishable food donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

EVENT UPDATE: Lots of food – different varieties of Nature’s Path cereal, organic milk, yogurt, organic donuts, Ethical bean coffee, etc. Photos from the event:

Donate $10 to $20 and get a re-useable tote bag. Donate $20+ and get a Compassion into Action T-Shirt.

Different types of cereal at the event. Works like a gumball machine - twist the knob and cereal comes out.

Play Plinko at the Vancity booth and win a cardboard piggy bank, basil seeds or a re-useable shopping bag.

Also ran into Ryan Kesler and Fin of the Vancouver Canucks. They were in downtown for a separate event - Raise a Reader.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, Tic Tac Canada is donating $25,000 to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and will be launching a limited edition Pink Grapefruit flavour. The Breast Cancer Society of Canada is a registered, national, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to funding Canadian breast cancer research into the detection, prevention, treatment and to ultimately find a cure for the disease that women fear most. All month long, the Tic Tac Canada Facebook Page will be posting up pink-related promotions, giveaways and prizes. They’ve even designed a new Tic Tac character to represent their support for the cure!

As for the limited edition Pink Grapefruit Tic Tacs, they come in a “100 mint” 49g container which is almost 3x the usual size of Tic Tac boxes.  They are pink, fruity but end with an unusual minty aftertaste.  Pink Grapefruit Tic Tacs will be available in October at grocery and convenient store retailers across Canada, including London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart and 7-11.  To enter to win your own Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac prize pack, be sure to “Like” the Tic Tac Canada Facebook Page.

CONTEST: Win a Tic Tac Prize Pack from Tic Tac Canada with Pink Grapefruit Tic Tacs, buttons, t-shirts and stickers!  Comment below this blog post with who you’d share your Pink Grapefruit Tic Tacs with and why, if you won the Tic Tac prize pack.  Be sure to provide your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner.  3 winners will be chosen on October 30th.  Open to Canadian mailing addresses only.   GOOD LUCK!

If you’re like me, as a kid, I grew up ordering the Pirate Packs on the White Spot menu.  It was a sad day, when I realized I had grown too old to order the pirate ship meal.  But now, no worries, because for one day a year, the “10 and Under” caveat is taken off the White Spot Pirate Pack and adults can order them too.  To celebrate the fourth annual Pirate Pak Day on Wednesday, August 17, $2 from the sale of each kids and adult Pirate Pak and contributions received in lieu of Pirate Paks will be donated to the Zajac Ranch. Zajac Ranch is a longtime B.C. charity dedicated to giving children with life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities an unforgettable summer camp experience.

Here are some quick Pirate Pack Facts:

• Exactly 775,592 Pirate Paks were sold last year.
• Since 1968, more than 22 million Pirate Paks have been sold.
• With the option of one per cent milk, juice and new sides like veggies and dip, grapes and steamed vegetables, there are more than 675 different Kids Pirate Pak combinations.
• The Pirate Pak boat is 100 percent recyclable.
• The most popular Pirate Pak item is the Pirate Pak Hamburger made with 100 per cent fresh Canadian beef and famous secret Triple “O” sauce.

Earlier this week, I was invited to preview the new Kiehl’s store opening on Robson Street on July 26, 2011.  Practically adjacent to their old location, the new Kiehl’s at 1021 Robson Street takes advantage of the construction happening in the Robson Galleria as a reason to revamp their look. The new Kiehl’s is about the same size as the previous location.  However, with less glass windows, and a standard rectangular space, it actually appears to be much more spacious because of its floor to ceiling shelving lined neatly with products.

True to its apothecary roots from the mid 1800′s, the new look of Kiehl’s on Robson features exposed brick walls, marble countertops and sterile looking stainless steel shelves, drawers and cabinets.  To support Kiehl’s high standards of environmental responsibility, the brick walls and hardwood floor are both derived from reclaimed materials.  Bright lights and neon signage with retro logos gives the store a modern twist.  A shiny glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling (the original Kiehl’s in New York had multiple chandeliers).

The iconic Mr. Bones, a teaching skeleton which is a reminder of the brand’s commitment to science and education, stands casually in a white lab coat by a display of lotions (not potions!) in stacked cubic shelves.  At the back of the store, the walls are splashed with pop-art renditions of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer.  Apparently, Andy Warhol used to be an avid fan of Kiehl’s products.  The in-store renditions were done by the same artist who designed US President Obama’s iconic “Hope” campaign posters.

On the other walls, framed vintage photographs chronicle the long-standing history of Kiehl’s for the past 160 years.  Likewise with the vintage motorcycle on display; it was noticed by a previous owner of Kiehl’s that men often linger around the store while the women shopped for products.  The Kiehl’s owner at the time then put his own motorcycle collection on display for the men to look at while the women shopped.

To celebrate the relocation, on their July 26th opening day, Kiehl’s will be hosting their widely-known “Shop For a Cause” initiatives.  On that day, 100% of sales proceeds will be donated to Vancouver’s local Canucks for Kids Fund.  Vancouver Canucks alumni Dave Babych will also be on hand to ring the official “store-opening bell” and launch “Shop for the Cause”.

Here are three very good reasons why you should shop at Kiehl’s:

1. 160 years of history - they’ve had lots of time to get it right!  Kiehl’s was founded in New York’s East Village neighbourhood and has, over the years, specialized in a unique blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge that has been refined, adapted and perfected over the years.
2. A product line for everyone – the staff at Kiehl’s recognizes that skincare isn’t a “one size fits all” regime.  Through their attentive staff service, complimentary one-on-one consultations are often conducted in-store to help choose the best products suited for your skintype.  I would also like to note that it is completely possible that you may want to pick and choose your favourite products from different lines to create the best combination unique to you.  For example, I loved the facial lotion and toner from the new oil-free line at Kiehl’s (look for the same packaging as the “Ultra Facial” product line, but in blue plastic containers) but I preferred the micro-gritty feel of the deep pore daily cleanser from the “Rare Earth” line.  Nothing wrong with picking and choosing!  Kiehl’s also has a men’s line, packaged in manly indigo blues and bold red packaging.  For the Modern Mix Man, my recommendation is Kiehl’s “Facial Fuel” line.
3. Generous sampling program – supporting the “try before you buy” program, over 70% of Kiehl’s products are available in sample sizes.   There are also occasional giveaways on their Facebook Page.  Lastly, when you do buy, Kiehl’s also offers a 100% money back guarantee.

Stay tuned on Modern Mix Vancouver for upcoming reviews on Kiehl’s products.

In celebration of its 160th anniversary, Kiehl’s (1025 Robson Street) is holding a national “Shop for the Cause” event on June 23, 2011, at Kiehl’s boutiques across Canada and on Kiehls.ca. 100% of the sales during the “Shop for the Cause” will be donated to associations affiliated with the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps, a national collaboration of independently operating children’s oncology camping organizations committed to excellence; ensuring that every child affected by childhood cancer has the opportunity for a safe first-class pediatric oncology camping experience. Kiehl’s has proudly supported children’s oncology camps for the past seven years, including Camp Oochigeas, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.
.
Kiehl’s National “Shop for the Cause” on June 23rd, 2011 begins in-stores at 12 p.m. (in all time zones across the country) and runs for 160 minutes; on Kiehls.ca the event begins at 9 a.m. PST and runs for 160 minutes.