This Monday, February 12, is Family Day in British Columbia, and we are centering this celebration on chosen family.

Chosen family is a group of  people who love and sacrifice for each other, are not defined by romance, and have a bond strong than friendship. Family, that is not dictated by blood or marriage.

Many folks who live outside there traditional families understanding of normal – in relation to gender, sexuality, way of life, etc – rely on chosen family for connection, belonging, support, and acceptance.

We want to celebrate these relationships, so we have compiled a list of fun and affordable activities for you to do with your chosen families this long weekend!

Chosen-Family Day Activities

What :T-Shirt Upcycling
Where: Luplii Cafe, 7743 Champlain Crescent, Vancouver
When: February 10 at 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Cost: Free!
About: bring your old t-shirts in and transform them into something new and useful!

What: Hot Chocolate Festival @
Where: Various locations around the city
When: January 20 – February 14
Cost: $4.50 +
About: Tons of participants have created yummy hot chocolate combinations. Check out http://hotchocolatefest.com/ for a list of participants and flavours!

What: Vancouver Free Market
Where: Grandview Park, 1657 Charles Street, Vancouver
When: February 11 at 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: Free!
About: Participate in free market as best as you can! Offer a poem, a drawing, a dance, a song in exchange for other items. You are also able to bring items you no longer want to offer to a new home!

What: Strange Art Session #2
Where: Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, Vancouver
When: February 12th at 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $10 includes a beer, art materials, and instruction
About: Practice and play with ink and brush line drawing over a pint of Talisman Pale Ale or Jongleur Belgium Whit. First come, first serve with limited space, so plan to be early!

What: Essential Oil Workshop
Where: Cork It Wine Making, 1427 Crown St., North Vancouver
When: February 12th at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $15.00 includes instruction and three DIY activities
About: Learn the benefits of essential oils and create your own oil blends!
Register to secure your spot at: Eventbrite

What: “Anita” – Part of Vancouver International Film Festival, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
When: February 12th at 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: $11.00 – $13.00
About:“In October 1991 the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Clarence Thomas were rocked by the testimony of Anita Hill, who claimed he had sexually harassed her. Her evidence was compelling but the all-white, all-male panel who questioned her, wasn’t ready to listen. She was ignored, and Thomas was confirmed. But the impact of her courage continues to reverberate…”
Purchase your tickets here: Viff

What: Third Annual Family Day
Where: Commercial Drive at Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
When: February 12th 1:00pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free!
About: Activities include ice-skating, hot beverages, face painting, and craft making!

We hope you have a blast celebrating with your family this weekend!

Hugs,

The WAVAW Team