World Vision's initiative to help communities for healthy futures

The XXI Winter Olympics are less than three months away, and Canadians are ready to partake in the celebration. On Sunday, November 29, 2009 come join World Vision at Richmond Olympic Oval (OVAL) for Celebration of Ice.

Celebration of Ice is a fun family event which celebrates the last day of public skating before the OVAL closes its doors to host the Winter Olympics - it's the last chance for the public to skate a gold medal lap. In conjunction with the farewell celebration World Vision will also be showcasing an alternative way of gift giving this holiday season. The gifts available through the World Vision Gift Catalogue help communities by providing them with many of the tools and resources they need for healthy futures.

"This event gives us a fun way to embrace the upcoming Olympics while still remembering the great need of others," said Eva Harden, regional team leader for British Columbia.

Admission to the event is half the normal price and additional activities include: skating with Olympic mascots, speed tests, hockey skills, target shooting, interactive demos, raffles, relay races with the Gift Catalogue chicken mascot, Christmas card making and much more.

WHAT: A high-energy event which bids farewell to the OVAL, celebrates the coming Olympics and helps create awareness of the benefits of alternative gift giving. WHEN: Sunday, November 29, 2009 Noon - 8 p.m. WHERE: Richmond Olympic Oval 611 River Road Richmond, BC V7C 0A2 WHY: As the Olympics symbolize the unity of countries, so must we be united to stop the cycle of poverty.

For more information on World Vision's gift catalogue, visit www.worldvision.ca or call 1-800-844-7993.

For more information about the catalogue please visit www.worldvision.ca/gcnewsroom

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.