Drishti Magazine

08/29/2026

600 Graduates Ready To Power BC’s Workforce And Economy – Western Community College celebrates Class of 2026 as more than 1,000 gather in Surrey

Western Community College (WCC) celebrated 600 graduates at its 2026 Convocation on August 21, with more than 1,000 overall in attendance which included friends, community leaders and dignitaries gathering at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey.

As a private post-secondary educational institution, Western Community College is focused on a fundamental principle: education drives economic development. By connecting industry and workforce needs directly to curriculum development, WCC prepares graduates with practical, relevant skills for the jobs and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

“Our responsibility is to ensure education remains relevant to the changing needs of industry and the economy,” said Gurpal Dhaliwal, President of Western Community College. “These 600 graduates leave WCC with more than a credential. They leave with the skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute immediately to their professions, their communities and British Columbia’s economy.”

More information here: https://drishtimagazine.com/600-graduates-ready-to-power-bcs-workforce-and-economy-western-community-college-celebrates-class-of-2026-as-more-than-1000-gather-in-surrey/

Western Community College (WCC) celebrated 600 graduates at its 2026 Convocation on August 21, with more than 1,000 overall in attendance which included friends, community leaders and dignitaries gathering at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey.

08/27/2026

𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵

In 2025–26, Fraser Health teams participated in more projects and secured more external funding than ever before.

Last fiscal year, Fraser Health researchers, clinicians and teams supported 466 active research projects, 138 active clinical trials and 170 Fraser Health-authored publications and secured $9.7 million in new external research funding.

Among the highlights, Courtney Wedemire, PhD, dietitian at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre and Dr. Jason Chan, a neurologist at Surrey Memorial Hospital, both received Michael Smith Health Research BC awards aimed at advancing research that improves patient care.

Dr. Kevin Afra, medical director of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention and Control, received the Sherrold Haddad Excellence in Medicine Award, supported by Surrey Hospitals Foundation. Dr. Afra was recognized for his research and leadership in helping to build a successful clinical trials program at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
More information here: https://drishtimagazine.com/setting-records-and-advancing-care-through-research/

In 2025–26, Fraser Health teams participated in more projects and secured more external funding than ever before.

08/27/2026

How to protect your knees while playing pickleball

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular ways to stay active. But its quick pivots, sudden stops and hard court surfaces can place added stress on your knees over time. At first, knee discomfort may be easy to ignore.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
Stiffness, swelling or reduced range of motion can all be early signs of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Addressing these symptoms early can help you stay independent, active and engaged, both on and off the court.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆
- Maintain flexibility: Regular stretching, before and after a game, as well as part of your daily routine, can help maintain mobility and reduce tension around the knee.
- Build strength: Strengthening the surrounding muscles in your legs and core through regular exercise like hiking can provide better support for your joints during quick movements.
- Wear the right footwear: Supportive court shoes can help absorb impact and reduce stress on your knees.
- Don’t overdo it: Pacing your play and taking breaks can help prevent strain from worsening.
- Prioritize recovery: Cooling down, hydration and rest all play important roles in keeping your knees healthy over time.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
Read here: https://drishtimagazine.com/how-to-protect-your-knees-while-playing-pickleball/

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular ways to stay active. But its quick pivots, sudden stops and hard court surfaces can place added stress on your knees over time. At first, knee discomfort may be easy to ignore.

08/27/2026

Living Kidney Donation Awareness Week in Surrey

Reetinder Kaur and Dr. Jagbir Gill (transplant nephrologist) will host a photo exhibit and storytelling event on Sep 15 in Surrey during the Living Kidney Donation Awareness Week proclaimed by the City of Surrey.

Venue: Room No 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive

Time: 4:30pm to 6:15pm

Language: Punjabi and English

Speakers: Dr. Jagbir Gill (kidney transplant physician), Manni Samra (living kidney donor), Narinder Badh (living kidney donor) and Deep Rai (living donor kidney transplant recipient)

Cost: Free; refreshments served

Who can join? Community members and patients

08/27/2026

SABA 2026 Health & Wellness Seminar

Rethinking Pain Care: Understanding & Managing Pain, is taking place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Grand Empire Banquet Hall in Surrey.

Eventbrite registration is now up and running. The QR code on the PDF is both clickable and scannable for easy registration.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-saba-health-wellness-seminar-tickets-1997401445492?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/26/2026

South Asian Dementia Forum Returns to Surrey

The Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon is partnering with the City of Surrey for a South Asian forum on brain health. Join this free event for an engaging discussion on the impact of dementia on the South Asian community, featuring insights from professionals in the field. Designed for seniors, families, health-care providers and community organizations.

Offered in Punjabi and English.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Saturday, September 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon (Punjabi), 1 p.m.-3:30 (English)
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: City Hall Centre Stage, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: alzbc.org/forum26
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁: First Link® Dementia Helpline 1-800-936-6033

Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on the impact of dementia on South Asian families, featuring insights from professionals in the field. This free event is offered in Punjabi and English.

08/26/2026

Sarah Baeumler Set to Headline The 2026 Vancouver Fall Home Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Four days of expert renovation insights and live culinary demos return to the Vancouver Convention Centre October 15-18.

This year, Sarah Baeumler, presented by MyHouse Design/Build Team, returns to the Main Stage to host a Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to ask their burning questions about everything from design and her approach to new builds, to the resort and her experience on television. Her presentations are scheduled for Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. and Friday, October 16 at 2 p.m.. Alongside Sarah, local industry leaders will offer expert guidance to help attendees bring their home visions to life.

Read more: https://drishtimagazine.com/sarah-baeumler-set-to-headline-the-2026-vancouver-fall-home-show-at-the-vancouver-convention-centre/

08/26/2026

Mike Hurley Kicks Off Re-Election Bid at Opening of Campaign Headquarters

The two-term mayor committed to “keep the momentum going” and continue to invest in key city initiatives while keeping taxes down and staying debt free

Mike Hurley officially opened his campaign office yesterday evening at a campaign kick-off party attended by over a hundred supporters and community members.
In a speech to supporters, Hurley promised to advance his work on affordable housing, public safety, and community amenities.

“We have made great progress over the past eight years in the areas that matter to Burnaby residents. We’ve stopped demovictions, prioritized new affordable housing and invested in community amenities, all while keeping taxes down and staying debt free,” said Burnaby mayoral candidate Mike Hurley. “Now, we need to keep the momentum going and continue building a Burnaby that works for everyone.”

Seeing long-time Burnaby residents displaced from their homes due to demovictions spurred Hurley to run for mayor the first time back in 2018. After being elected, he put an end to demovictions and introduced the strongest renter protections in North America. Over his time in office, the City of Burnaby has approved 25,000 new homes and established the Burnaby Housing Authority to build affordable rental homes in the city.

Read more: https://drishtimagazine.com/mike-hurley-kicks-off-re-election-bid-at-opening-of-campaign-headquarters/

08/26/2026

WCC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation Partner to Bring Free Wellness Massage to Surrey Memorial Hospital Staff

Healthcare professionals dedicate their days to caring for others, working long shifts in high-pressure environments while carrying the physical and emotional demands of their work. For the staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital, that commitment means showing up for patients and families every day, often with little time to pause and care for themselves.

Recognizing the importance of wellness for those who care for our community, Western Community College (WCC), through its EDGE Student Massage Therapy Clinic, is partnering with the Surrey Hospitals Foundation to bring free wellness massages directly to Surrey Memorial Hospital staff.

Beginning Friday, August 21, 2026, and continuing every Friday, WCC’s Registered Massage Therapy program students, under the supervision and guidance of Registered Massage Therapists, will provide complimentary massage sessions on-site at Surrey Memorial Hospital. The sessions will give hospital staff a chance to step away from their duties, relieve tension and prioritize their well-being without leaving the workplace.

Read more: https://drishtimagazine.com/wcc-and-surrey-hospitals-foundation-partner-to-bring-free-wellness-massage-to-surrey-memorial-hospital-staff/

08/14/2026

As wildfires continue to impact communities across BC, many people have been forced from their homes with little notice – including 12,000 people last weekend from Summerland.
In times like these, we are reminded of the importance of showing up for one another.
We are inspired by the collective efforts of Way British Columbia, local agencies, volunteers, and donors who are stepping up to support people affected by this devastating wildfire season.
Please consider supporting the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund. Working with their donors, United Way BC can mobilize quickly to efficiently disburse funds to a range of organizations that are helping local communities right now. This Wednesday, United Way BC allocated donations from this fund for Emergency Response grants to support communities affected by the 2026 wildfire season.
Every donation helps meet urgent needs today while supporting recovery in the months ahead.
Donate here: uwbc.ca/wildfires