Hello Pin Enthusiasts!
Celebrate another milestone and add to your countdown pin collection with the 7 Days to Go event at the Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre at The Olympic Superstore. The happiness café will again feature a free limited edition Torch Relay aluminum bottle with any beverage purchase.
Timing is below. Please share with friends and family and bring them along! Hope to see you there!
I write this blog to help the pin collecting community and to provide awareness. I say this from experience having attended eight Olympic Games.
The Olympics are a phenomenal experience that for some people only comes around once in a lifetime. I believe that Olympic collecting and the Olympic experience may very well become one of the best times of your life.
If you are reading this blog you are most likely a pin collector and many of you may be new to the hobby. Pin collecting is fun and exceptionally rewarding. Believe when I say, some of you will make lifelong friendships as a result of a few pieces of metal.
Please familiarize yourselves with the Pin Etiquette heading on my home page, which can be found in the Pinology section of the website. There is a code of ethics that all pin collectors, new or experienced, should try to follow. I truly believe 99.9% of the Olympic collecting community are wonderful and honourable people who have nothing but the best intentions and a true passion for the hobby.
Some of you in the Vancouver area have contacted me to ask about “certain people” who have been promising Olympic pins and access to semi or restricted areas, amongst other things. Some Vancouverites have been promised “SPECIAL FAVOURS” if they are able to help these “people” out now.
Do you remember Popeye, be it the comic book, cartoon show or the movie? Remember a character by the name of Wimpey and his famous saying “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”? Do you ever remember him fulfilling his Tuesday promises, however well intended those promises may have been?
Ask yourself one simple question. If these “people” are so well connected, then why do they need your help, to begin with?
I know that it is exceptionally tempting and flattering (especially for the pin trading novice and beginner) to have someone with so much Olympic experience to be focusing their attention on you. Trust me when I say this, you will be cast aside when a bigger fish comes along and the promises made, will evaporate. These “people” will simply state that “you didn’t live up to your end of the bargain” or that he or she will say that they (“people”) were mislead by YOU. They may say sorry but their “connections didn’t come through and they are just as mad as you are”.
If you have any doubts ask yourself a few questions or remember a few adages before committing your time, energy and possibly money. First: "why are these strangers promising me things that anyone would give their left nut for". Second: “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” ... and finally, “if it is too good to be true, it probably is”
Please don’t get caught up in the GREED.
Remember that this is first and foremost that pin trading is a hobby and the definition of a hobby “is an activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, often in one's spare time.”
Have a great time at your hobby and please read this blog in the spirit that it was written in, which is one of enlightenment.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact me.
Kindest regards
Pinhunter@yahoo.com
Where 2 Be for Free" - the Definitive Guide for low-cost 2010 Games fun!
Children enjoy the new interactive Olympic Samsung display at the historic CPR station in downtown Vancouver on Saturday. This is also home to the SkyTrain Waterfront and Seabus stations.
Are you excited about the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to Vancouver, but worried your budget won't allow you to participate in any events? You're not alone. That's why CityCaucus.com developed this one-of-a-kind page where you can research, comment and rate some of the coolest and most unique free events/venues that are being launched starting this month.
As more events/venues become known, we'll add them to our list - so check back here often. We also encourage you to let your friends, family and colleagues know about us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope you enjoy everything Metro Vancouver and the Games have to offer. See you there!
LATEST UPDATE for Jan 17, 2010: Exclusive new photos of the Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan pavilions under construction have now been posted below. We also posted a number of photos from our visit to Canada's Northern House today. Check it out!
Abbotsford Recreation Centre will transform into an Olympic Hub February 12-28, 2010. The Live Sites program was created to help residents share in the Spirit of 2010 as well as to help B.C. communities, in all regions of the Province, find a way to develop a lasting legacy from the 2010 Winter Games. Abbotsford residents will have a place to go to share the Olympic spirit. Olympic themed public skates, swims, and programs will welcome Abbotsford residents. There will also be a free night market and inflatable fun zone Thursdays & Fridays 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am – 9:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm – 9:00pm. The Russian figure skaters will be practicing as well. For our out-of-town visitors, Abbotsford is located about an hour or so drive east of Vancouver on the TransCanada Highway. Check here to get the latest information. Click here for directions on how to get there.
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Located on the corner of world famous Robson and Beatty Streets immediately west of BC Place, Alberta House and Alberta Plaza are a central location for Canadian and international guests to meet, gather, and learn about Alberta as a place to invest, work, live and visit. An architectural expression of Alberta’s identity, they combine function, sustainability and innovative design - offering a genuine Albertan experience in the heart of Vancouver with street level programming and multi-function space.
Alberta Plaza – open to the public, the plaza will highlight Alberta tourism and industry sectors during the day and showcase Alberta artists for national and international visitors in the evening. 60,000 Olympic guests, Vancouver locals and visiting Albertans will be enticed to stop and experience dynamic presentations, and Alberta’s new brand message: Freedom to Create, Spirit to Achieve. See more info here.
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Atlantic Canada's best will hit the world stage during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador along with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency present Atlantic Canada House in Vancouver from February 13 to 28, 2010.
For two weeks, Canada's east coast will come alive on one of Vancouver's most historic sites, Granville Island. A popular local venue, Granville Island is expecting over 35,000 visitors daily. It is easily accessible by water taxis, bus, bicycle, street tram and foot. It is highly recommended you leave your car at home as there will be limited parking available.
Once at Atlantic Canada House, guests will find an authentic and inspiring setting. It's here you'll be treated to East Coast culinary delights, discover the region's culture and spirit, and share in Atlantic Canadian hospitality.Within the pavilion space, you'll find the Granville Island Stage, the Revue Stage and the Backstage Lounge. Atlantic Canadian artists will be featured nightly, and daily performances on the Revue Stage will celebrate the region and welcome guests to the Atlantic Canadian way of life. The pavilion is located at the Arts Club Theatre.
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This winter during the 2010 Games, BC Hydro will be opening the doors to the BC Hydro Power Smart Village, another free attraction. Visitors are welcomed to celebrate the spirit of the Games in a theme of conservation and sustainability. Members of your entire family will enjoy a wide range of activities like dancing on a sustainable dance floor, creating an inspirational message on the digital expression wall or even taking a break from cheering on athletes to check out First Nation carvings or our "the future is now" home exhibit. You'll even have a chance to win Olympic tickets by taking part in one of their many events. The venue is about one-block from the LiveCity Downtown site and the Canada Pavilion in Vancouver. Click here for directions. Don't miss it!
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The Bell Ice Cube will be a 3,000 square-foot temporary building located at Robson & Beatty street in downtown Vancouver and will open to the public on February 11th. It will be open February 11th to 28th from 11am to 11pm and will feature entertainment, Olympic ticket giveaways and interactive product demonstrations. The unique high-tech design of Bell Ice Cube will provide visitors an opportunity to view ceremonies and competitions on multiple plasma screens in high definition Bell TV. During the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and during major sporting events, visitors will be able to watch the magic on a large projection screen.
Every day at 3 pm, there will be a live show called Ice Talk, where Olympians will be interviewed by five-time Olympian and Bell Champion Charmaine Crooks. Athletes will share their own Olympic stories and sign autographs for Games fans. Bell Ice Cube will also feature guest performances by internationally acclaimed vocal play group, Naturally 7. In addition to brilliant harmonies, every instrument sound is created by the human voice. From musical styles that range from pop to R&B, Naturally 7 has charmed fans around the world.
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Known as the Olympic Line, this will be a demonstration project between Granville Island "French Quarter" and the Olympic Village Canada Line station. A modern and "high-end" European streetcar will shuttle passengers by rail between the Canada Line and the “French Quarter” at Granville Island. It is free to ride, but they are expecting over 500,000 people will take the trip over the two month period when it will be in operation. The train is scheduled to start running on January 21st (open ceremonies take place at 9:30am at Cambie & 2nd Avenue, beside the Olympic Village Canada Line station) through March 21st, and it will run 18 hours per day. CityCaucus.com also took some great photos of the Olympic Line, and has this exclusive first look video. Here's the map to the Granville Island stop, and here is the map to the Olympic Village stop.
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For about the price of a cappuccino coffee, you can jump aboard the new Canada Line Skytrain and head from the downtown waterfront location to the Vancouver International Airport. Along the way, you will cross the mighty Fraser River and have the opportunity to stop at trendy Oakridge Mall and Cambie Village. When you arrive at the airport, take the kids to one of the most beautiful airport observatories found anywhere on the planet. A number of interactive displays are available for the kids, not to mention all the jumbo 747s that provide "live" entertainment. Click here for directions from the Waterfront station to the airport. Click here for directions from the Vancouver International Airport to downtown.
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Centrally located at Vancouver's LiveCity Downtown Celebration Site, the Canada Pavilion will demonstrate Canada's commitment to creative excellence, sustainable development and fostering diversity with informative and innovative content that is sure to make Canadian's proud. The 2010 Games will inspire Canada's young people to get active in sports and live a healthy lifestyle. The Pavilion will provide an opportunity to learn more about Olympic and Paralympic sports and help them to choose the activity that's right for them.
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Canada’s Northern House, now open at 602 W. Hastings Street & Seymour in Vancouver, is located in the heart of downtown. You can expect to be captivated with the simulated northern lights shining from the windows. The lights will draw people in to view and get information on Nunavut art, business, athletes, cultural performers and artists.Visitors to Northern House will be greeted at the entrance by an inuksuk built by former Nunavut Commissioner Peter Irniq, using stone from Nunavut, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Canada’s Northern House will showcase talented performers such as Artcirq and throat singers, drum dancers, and traditional games athletes during the Olympic Games. Canada’s Northern House will have an art lounge, story telling area and an exhibit called “The North Today” featuring interactive displays on living, visiting and investing in Nunavut. There will also be business information about the three territories. Visitors also have the chance to win an $8,000 diamond or a 3.8 ounce gold nugged valued at $7,000. The House is open through March 31, 2010. Daily hours during the 2010 Olympic Games will be 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Before and after the 2010 Olympic Games, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Check out some cool CityCaucus.com exclusive photos and video of the pavilion by clicking here.
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CentrePlace Manitoba is a 2,560 sq ft, pre-fabricated, sustainable building featuring Manitoba products and technology. Multi-media exhibits, developed in Manitoba, will showcase tourism, business, immigration and sport and highlight our province’s prosperity, opportunity and potential. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be a partner and have a feature exhibit in the pavilion.
CentrePlace Manitoba will be located at the LiveCity Vancouver – Downtown site (on Georgia Street at Cambie)
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Located on the plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at Georgia and Hamilton in downtown Vancouver, within easy walking distance of BC Place (venue for opening ceremonies) and GM Place (venue for men's ice hockey), the 8,000 square-foot 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will be right in the heart of Olympic activity, with Vancouver’s Celebration Site located immediately across Cambie Street. The pavilion features a high-tech 3,000 square-foot sphere, surrounded by a Coast Salish Longhouse. The Longhouse, which features a 1,500 square-foot Trading Post, will be relocated after the Games as a permanent legacy. As well, the adjacent 2,000 square-foot QE restaurant will be converted into a reception hall, featuring an Aboriginal showcase and cuisine. Special “theme” days will showcase Aboriginal groups from all regions of Canada. Live events will include Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging, hoop dancing, as well as spotlighting contemporary Aboriginal performances and other fields of achievement. Check out this photo of the building under construction.
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Located just south of the downtown, this popular tourist attraction will become the place to celebrate Canada’s French heritage. There will be two pavilions, a French bistro and pub, as well as a stage for concerts. They also intend on creating an "artists' alley" like Rue Sainte-Anne in Quebec City. You can get there by taking the free streetcar from the Olympic Canada Line Station to Granville Island. Vancouver's famous False Creek water taxis will also provide transportation across the water during the Games. Expect this site to be extremely popular so get there early and take transit if you can.
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This is the official site for the International Media Centre during the Games and centrally located at Robson & Howe Streets. It is also home to the new GE outdoor skating rink. Thanks to the generous contribution of the Province of BC and General Electric, the skating is free, but skate rentals are $3 a pair. The rink is open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This will be an extremely popular attraction. Note that although this venue is technically outdoors, it is actually below Robson Street. Just look for the big glass bubbles from street level. If you'd like to see a few photos and video of GE Plaza and Robson Square, please click here. Click here for directions on how to get there.
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During the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park will be transforming into the Saxony House. Be sure to drop by this free pavilion to experience the Olympics in true Saxon style! You’ll have the opportunity to watch the games, meet medal winners, listen to live music and enjoy traditional German food and drinks. The Vancouver Rowing Club will transform its 19th century aura into a glittering Saxony House, offering magnificent views of Burrard Inlet and Downtown Vancouver. What better place to exhibit the prowess of Saxony's art, culture and booming economy, its sports and the innovative drive of Saxon inventors! The Saxony House is open free to the public, February 12th - 28th, from 12:00pm- 2:00am. There is plenty of low-cost metered parking during the day. Parking is free after 6 pm. Click here for more information.
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Located near the O-Zone in Richmond, the highlight of the Holland Heineken House experience is the main hall, which can host thousands of people every night, and features celebratory medal ceremonies for successful Dutch athletes as well as nightly performances by renowned Dutch artists and DJ’s. The uniquely close relationship that Dutch sport fans have with their heroes - coupled with their penchant for the national colour of orange - makes for a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere during celebrations and performances. More than 100,000 people visited the Holland Heineken House during Winter Games in Turin and 95,000 at the Beijing Olympics. At the last Summer Games, supporters were able to celebrate a total of 16 medals for the Dutch Olympic Team. There are plans for HH to serve beer to 4,000 people nightly at its Medal Ceremony Hall and stay open from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. The Heineken House will be located at Minoru Arenas 7551 Minoru Gate in Richmond. Click here for directions on how to get there.
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Located on picturesque Granville Island in Vancouver, Bridges restaurant will play home to the House of Switzerland during the Games. They are planning on dressing up the restaurant and their menu in a Swiss theme. We’re told to expect a lot of Swiss athletes there on a nightly basis. If a Swiss athlete wins a medal, they will be taken from BC Place and brought to the pavilion by water taxi that evening. The athletes then plan to hold a media event outside the House of Switzerland as well meet with all the patrons inside. Pavilion organizers tell us they will have on-hand some of the best Swiss chocolates, wine, cheese for the public to sample. The venue is free to the public and will be officially open from Feb 5th - Feb 28th. The hours of operation starting on Feb 12th will be 8 am to 2 am each day. Note that public parking will be at a premium and is limited to the west side of the Island only. Metered parking is in effect and will cost around $6 for 2 hours. Consider taking transit there if you can. Expect this to be one of the top hot spots in town! Click here for directions on how to get to this destination.
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The 9,000 square-foot Irish House will house 750 visitors at a time at the temporary site, conveniently located adjacent to Doolin's Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver. The Irish House site will facilitate Doolin's trademark ‘Irish family feel’ in ambiance, culture, and music. The Irish House will be a welcoming gathering place with a boisterous traditional Celtic atmosphere. During the day, the pavilion will feature family-friendly entertainment with music and cultural exhibits. Multiple televisions and projection screens will run highlights of the Games. In the evenings, the true Irish pub culture will come to life, and visitors will experience a party where it will feel like every day is a St. Patrick’s Day party.
Local and international media personalities will be in attendance throughout the two weeks, with familiar names such as Red Robinson, Dave Abbott, Ron Coleman, and Jim Byrnes invited as guest MCs. The official opening on February 11 will kick off with The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller - the Arch-Bishop of Vancouver performing a blessing on the pavilion. A traditional Celtic Standing Stone monument, custom designed and created for the Irish House 2010, will be a featured display piece in pavilion and auctioned off on Saturday February 20. Irish House 2010 will be located at 620 Nelson Street in Vancouver, BC. The hours of operation will be 7 pm-3 am February 8, and noon to 3 am February 9 – 28. The venue is family friendly from noon – 7 pm, then only 19+ permitted 7 pm onwards. CityCaucus.com has confirmed there will be a $5-20 entrance fee for adults (depending what time of day you arrive) and kids are always free. As with any Irish Pavilion, get ready for a load of fun and entertainment. For more information, call (604) 331-7854 or click here.
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Bring the family along to see the nightly laser light shows which will take place at the LiveCity Yaletown location. A large pipe in False Creek will stream water high into the air providing the backdrop for what will become a must see event. Across False Creek you will be able to see the Olympic Athlete’s Village. Details of the laser light show are still unknown, so tune back here to get more details once they become available. For a map showing you how to get to David Lam Park, click here.
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This site located at Georgia and Beatty will open during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will be Vancouver’s version of a downtown “piazza” with a large outdoor screen, daytime interactive school programming, engaging street entertainment, and late-night entertainment. Additional partners and governmental agencies will bring programs and pavilions to complement the site. The site will be open and programmed throughout the Olympic period commencing the day after the Opening Ceremony and concluding right before the Closing Ceremony (February 13-February 2
. During that period it is anticipated that LiveCity Downtown will be open daily from 11am through to midnight. The site will reopen during the Paralympic period (March 12 through March 21) with a mix of on-screen programming, demonstration sport events and entertainment. Both the Canada and Manitoba pavilions will be on-site. For more information about this venue click here.
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This site at David Lam Park in trendy Yaletown will offer Vancouver residents and visitors the complete Olympic Winter Games experience: the best in Vancouver and Canadian live arts and entertainment as well as Olympic sponsor pavilions, Vancouver House, refreshments and sport highlights on giant screens. LiveCity Yaletown is the place to be for free, fun, family Games-time memories. The site will be open and programmed throughout the Olympic period commencing the day after the Opening Ceremony and concluding right before the Closing Ceremony (February 13-February 2 . It is anticipated that the Site will be open daily from 11am through to 11pm. Several well-known corporate sponsors will have their public pavilions onsite including Coca Cola, Samsung, Acer and Panasonic. Click here for directions on how to get there. For more detailed information on LiveCity Yaletown click here.
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Historic New Westminster (Western Canada's oldest incorporated city) is hosting something they are calling Keep the Dream Alive. Join the excitement of the Olympics! Watch Canada bring home the gold at the Queensborough Community Centre. Learn about local Olympic athletes that will be competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Catch the Olympic spirit in New Westminster. For more information on hours of operation, call 604-525-7388.
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This is the most inexpensive way to participate in an official Olympic event. Tickets costs as little as $22 dollars per person and this provides you access to some of North America’s best entertainers as well as the medal winning athletes. Some of the confirmed bands include Barenaked Ladies, INXS, Nelly Furtado, Headley, Theory of a Dead Man and many more. The warm confines of the newly renovated BC Place Stadium will play home to this nightly event which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you are taking the Expo Line SkyTrain, get off at the "Stadium" station. You will have to walk about 5 minutes to get there. Click here for directions on how to get there. A note for out-of-town visitors, BC Place will undergo a massive renovation after the Games and will have a brand new retractable roof installed (see illustration).
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17 days and nights. Exhilarating. Amazing. Once in a lifetime. The O Zone is where you can be part of a real Olympic Games experience, with thousands of your closest friends, cheering on Canada’s athletes, exploring cool stuff, and rocking to some of the hottest young bands in Canada. The O Zone is also the biggest celebration of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, amassed over 60 acres in the heart of Richmond City Centre, just minutes from the new Canada Line Brighouse Station near Richmond City Hall and Minoru Park.
You’ve never seen Richmond like this: mammoth ice art, massive high-definition screen, outdoor skating on real ice, entertainment from around the region and around the world, art, athletes, exhibits, virtual reality (bobsleigh ride anyone?), food and fireworks. Bands like Our lady Peace, Hawksley Workman, Bedouin Soundclash, Toyko Police Club and Wintersleep headline. Theme nights saluting Canada’s diverse cultures and regions from World Beat rhythms and South Asian dance and music to Pan Northern sounds from above the Arctic Circle. There’s something for everyone, and for all ages. Did we mention it’s free?
The site is located just a few kilometres south of downtown Vancouver and a short hop on the Canada Line, starting Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 28, 2010. Every day. Every night. Check back closer to the dates for a complete line-up of what’s happening and who’s on stage. Click here for directions on how to get there.
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Hello my fellow pinheads,
I would like to take this opportunity to let all of you know about a fantastic store for Vancouver 2010 Olympic memorabilia. It is called Hudson House. It is in the Gastown district of downtown Vancouver. Gastown is one of the top three tourist destinations in Vancouver. The owner of the store is Suraj. Suraj is a fantastic person and a REAL friend to the pin trading community. He and his family have about 6 such store in the Vancouver area. If you can’t find a pin at the HBC Super Store you will find it at Hudson House and the affiliated locations. You should make a mental note of this information and to help you out I have taken the liberty to attach a link to Hudson House for your consideration, www.hudsonhousetrading.com
Hope to see you all in Vancouver. I will be arriving on February 7th.
Cheers
Andrew - Pinhunter
Hello Pin Trading Enthusiasts!
Open the Olympic Spirit with Coca-Cola’s 30 Days to Go pin! Get a taste at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 13th at the Official Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre in The Olympic Superstore. To celebrate, the Happiness Café will again be offering a limited edition Torch Relay aluminum bottle free with any beverage purchase.
Prize draws feature 30 Days to Go pins, Coca-Cola Torch Relay provincial pins, a complete Coca-Cola Torch Relay provincial pin set, as well as Coca-Cola Torch Relay RPET scarves. Tables will be open, of course, so bring your traders and tell your friends!
Client Manager
p: 604.687.0544 x 270 f: 604.687.1857
vancouver . toronto
www.inventaworld.com
Please consider the earth before printing this email
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Hello!
January 2nd is the big day! See below for the schedule.
Please share this with family and friends.
WILL YOU BE THERE????????
Beth Wolfe
Client Manager
p: 604.687.0544 x 270 f: 604.687.1857
vancouver . toronto
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