VTL members can look forward to seeing many new options in the VTL inventory very soon! When Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) employee and VTL member John Woods contacted us about making a tool donation, we were thrilled to discover he meant a donation of multiple industrial woodworking tools. In November, BACI closed the doors of its production woodwork shop social enterprise, BC Woodworks, which employed adults with varying levels of ability. The closure was very sad for BC Woodworks employees, many of whom face barriers to employment and social inclusion (and had found both at BC Woodworks). Thankfully, BACI had a partnership idea in the works that would allow the employees to continue their important work: BACI would donate their tools to the VTL and, in turn, we'll create opportunities for former BC Woodworks employees to use the tools once our new workshop space is established. With this partnership, the VTL received two industrial table saws, a drum sander, a floor-mounted bandsaw, a table-top spindle sander, and more! We're excited to invite the former employees in when we have an operational new location. Many thanks to our other recent donors: Terry Brown, Jo Skinner, Eric Sherbine, David Johnson, and George Bailey (not of It's A Wonderful Life fame).

Skills Auction and Fundraiser Recap 

Our skills auction in November was a great success! Members donated their valuable time for the auction, vowing to provide the successful bidders with specialized skills such as accounting services, disc jockey lessons, custom leatherwork, bicycle repair, food preservation, skating lessons, garden consultation, construction help, and much more! In turn, attendees participated in a rousing bidding exchange led by our auctioneer/General Manager, Lauren Warbeck. It was a wonderful example of our membership performing economic and educational exchange beyond conventional means. Better yet, the VTL raised about $700 to put toward the operations of our co-operative. 

 

VTL on the Radio 

CFRO 100.5FM Vancouver Co-op Radio has invited the VTL to be on the air! Listen for our segments on Saturday mornings in mid-February. We'll have some tool experts in to answer questions from members and the public. Stay tuned to our social media pages and website for more information on dates and the chance to submit some of your burning questions to our panel.