A number of years ago, I was fortunate enough to have a job that took me to Fort McMurray for a week to teach science workshops at local schools.

What struck me about the town was the incredible contrast between the wild beauty of the surrounding boreal forest and the massive tailings ponds of the oil sands only a short drive north.

So when I watched the scenes over this past week of tens of thousands of people forced to flee their homes in the face of this fire, my heart sank.

This is why I'm proud to announce that the BCHA has launched a fundraising initiative to do our small part for the people of Fort McMurray and neighbouring communities. We've secured a pledge to match up to $5000 in donations to the Canadian Red Cross for relief efforts - all of which will be matched by the Government of Canada.

So please visit www.redcross.ca/bchumanist and give a little bit to help those who were forced to leave everything behind.

In freethought


Ian Bushfield, Executive Director

Officiants and Aron Ra

On Saturday, six Humanists attended our first Officiant training seminar. We're hoping these initial trainees will soon be fanning out across the province to provide meaningful secular ceremonies. If this pilot is successful, we'll look to organize another seminar in the fall or next spring.

Thirty humanists, skeptics and atheists also welcomed Aron Ra to town on Saturday evening. He also took a bit of time out of his tour to appear on the Left At The Valley podcast.

Latest on our website

News

• BC Humanists raise funds for Fort McMurray

Blog

• Why do I pray? - Take 2 by Craig Spence
• Scientists must challenge bad science reporting from TheConversation

Podcast

• Paul Ingraham - Muscle Knots On Skeptical Trial

Upcoming Events

Adopt-a-Clinic Blood Drive Sat, May 14, 2016 at 11 AM Oak Street Clinic, Vancouver Put your Humanist values in action by giving blood! Spaces have been booked.	Pat O'Brien & Jonathan Chan - Meeting of the Minds Sun, May 15, 2016 at 10 AM Oakridge Seniors Centre, Vancouver An atheist and a Christian host a panel where issues of the day are explored from radically different worldviews.
Dr Ahmed Hussein - Dual fluid nuclear fission reactor design Sun, May 22, 2016 at 10 AM Oakridge Seniors' Centre, Vancouver A continuation of a talk on how a new nuclear reactor design can be more economical and safer compared to current technology.	Interfaith Friendship Picnic Sat, May 28, 2016 at 11:30 AM Hawthorne Park, Surrey Join diverse members of the community for interfaith dialogue, cooperation and healing. There will family activities and space to hang out.

See all upcoming events.

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