You Gotta Have Friends

September 2003

Y.G.H.F. Launch at Beluga Bar & Grill, November 8, 2005
Introduction to the community, entertainment by Joe Given and winners of the friendship photo contest

Staff is hired (Pat and Janice).
The official opening of the office in McBurney Lane is September 23, 2006
The opening is attended by Mary Polak, MLA Langley, Grant Ward, Township of Langley, Gayle Martin, City of Langley and our benefactor, Mary Martini and her sister

Pat and Janice initiate gatherings in the community to encourage people to interact and develop new friendships. Several were held at Ethical Addictions in the fall
Special Christmas gathering was held at McBurney Coffee and Tea House
Conversation Cafes continued into the spring of 2007

Held at Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley
Social planners and program developers presented workshops sharing models of community building

Y.G.H.F. participated in community events such as Jazz Festival, Langley Days Parade, Community Living Day, Langley’s International Festival and Arts Alive
Community Conversation Cafes continued monthly
We initiated our first annual summer Picnic in the Park which was open to all citizens of Langley
We encouraged the community to host Neighbourhood Block Parties in an effort to get to know their neighbours and put together “block party packages” of ideas
Local artist, Sandra Reams, led a workshop on making friendship booklets

“Happy Dance,” co-sponsored by Y.G.H.F. and Krazy Bob’s Music Emporium. This was the first of many community dances we have put on over the past three years
Sharon United Church hosted a dinner for us with a 1970’s theme. We had a lovely roast beef dinner and live music by Kenny Buston and dancing

April Fools Dance at St. Joseph’s Church Hall
Benefit Concert for Y.G.H.F. at Sharon United Church with Joel Kroeker and Joe Givens
Conference at Coast Hotel and Convention Centre