This year, BC HRMA celebrated the holiday season by connecting with the global community. The association donated $2,500 to the Canadian Red Cross™ Typhoon Haiyan Fund which provides life-saving emergency services to the people of the Philippines. As part of a donation-matching program, the Government of Canada is providing funds to a separate relief fund that will support ongoing humanitarian assistance in typhoon affected communities. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, this contribution seemed an appropriate way to share the season with our members.

Also in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, several regional events combined networking, member recognition and fundraising for community or educational groups. In fact, due in part to these regional contributions, BC HRMA reached our goal of making a $100,000 cumulative donation to Muscular Dystrophy’s Bridges to the Future program over the past seven years.

Thanks to our members and generous sponsors for helping us achieve this milestone and for making all these events successful.

Central Interior The annual Central Interior Jingle Mingle combined a casual networking reception with ice-breakers followed by a more formal seated Christmas dinner at the newly renovated Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Kamloops. The evening also featured the annual CHRP recognition celebration for the region and some light-hearted seasonal games. The region was delighted to welcome BC HRMA’s CEO Simon Evans and wife Diana as special guests at this well-received and well-attended festive function.
Coastal Vancouver On December 4, more than 180 people skipped the mall and did their holiday shopping in the luxurious comfort of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at BC HRMA’s annual JINGLE Silent Auction & Artisan Market. More than $5,500 was raised in support of Muscular Dystrophy. In the process, attendees enjoyed networking with colleagues, tasting festive treats and—new this year—watching live art performances.
Fraser Valley More than 100 people gathered in Langley at the sold out Fraser Valley 12 Gifts of Wellness Mingle to hear Isabelle St. Jean share insights from Einstein’s Business: Engaging Soul, Imagination and Excellence in the Workplace and enjoy festive appetizers while connecting with their HR peers and friends.
Southern Interior The Southern Interior’s Annual Jingle Mingle took on a Dickens theme this year with the opportunity for attendees to have a special photo taken in period costumes (for a donation to charity), themed drinks (Ebenezer’s Egg Nog, Bob Cratchit’s Crantini) and a fun Dickens quiz. This proved very popular with a record registration of 125, breaking 100 for the first time. The silent auction returned with generous donations and bids from the HR community, raising $1,700 for Muscular Dystrophy. Special guests included BC HRMA’s CEO Simon Evans and his wife Diana.
Vancouver Island The Vancouver Island HO HO HOliday Mixer once again raised more than $5,000 to put towards student awards and bursaries at Camosun College. Additional events were held in Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan and Nanaimo to continue building our HR community.
Yukon The 1st Annual Jingle Mingle held in Whitehorse was a great success. Twenty-three members and non-members came out on a blustery cold evening to join in some holiday cheer. In addition, we recognized and congratulated three members who recently obtained their CHRP designation: Rita Fenn, Tracey Maher and Ryan Sikkes.