Marcie Good Contributing Writer HE knew it was coming, but Harvest Project founder David Foster is still “shocked” after finding out that his charitable organization . will be losing its home. The Harvest, ac 166 East Esplanade, currently rents its space from North Vancouver -- City. The space has been slated for development since before 1993, when Foster and his wife Emiko began operating the centre, Foster recently met with city staff, and was given the word that his six-month notice is coming soon, possibly before the end of the year. “We knew our time was getting short,” he we hadn't had ano ing (with city staff) for a cou- ple of years. It kind of left us surprised and disappointed.” The Harvest — Project, whose mission is to break the poverty cycle, teaches 5 patrons work skills, offers addiction counselling, and provides food and clothing. Recently, Foster says, more than 1,000 people have been visiting the centre each month. | Parent Support soughi From page v Association president Weldon Cowan’ said’ Friday. “It just needed to be. fixed —- and we're very glad it’s.bcen fixed without any money being cut from . elsewhere in, the dis- trict.” - Paul Killeen said’ ‘thar. all : three District 44 requests had -- been met: Téecognition of the need for more primary class-size fund: ing both retroactively. and in ithe futuie; = §@ the proviso that extra teach- ers need not mean the. rcorga- “nization of primary classes; . . ‘that éxtra teaching staff be hired at no. cost to the. dis-' 's operating budget. : Kile suid as a result of cachers ‘would be hired by. Dec. -10.and assigned to the 10- elementary. schools ‘with class sizes above the required said that principals being asked to obtain support. from: parents .” before” any. class reorganiza- tion takes place... apilano elementary, h_ has ‘six: primary classes ot in compliance :;with. the * q collective: agreement. and’ onc : ai. group af half extra teachers after ‘the © aff: could -include’. ‘split grade classe or some. sesons, peers wit ‘He Said the optio “all” things” that - parents ; Parents prefer smi “on, page 17. of the SHOPPERS RUG MART gift book in effect uratil - December: 24, :1999 may er classes and single grades — and they may well support reorganization if it means a better educational environ- ment.” Because any changes would be taking place over the Christmas holidays, Cowan said it would not be _ difficult for pupils to-adapt to rearranged classes: “the peo- ple who have the most prob- lenis are the adults — parents and teachers.” Victoria has. forwarded a lump sum payment of the proceeds from the sale of Ecole Andre Piolat to District 44 to cover additional ceach- ing staff. The Ministry of Education . reed to raise the culation for 2000- has also a: baseline. “2001 primary class size fund- ing in North Vancouver. est Project te Along with the building which currently houses the Harvest, the city also owns two parking lots: one to the cast and another immediate north. Those three sites, said city lands division manager Margot MacFadyen, will be pur on the market next year, “We've talked to them many times in the past about this,” she said. “It was rot a permanent location, obviously, because i itis ona development site.” But Foster said the timing of the news has caused uncer- tainty for a place that has become a sanctuary for many. He said he was also hoping to ose if get some help from the city in looking for a new space. “We're a small organiza- tion with a small budget,” he said. “We do the best v can, but this could be devastating.” The demand tor its services has meant that the Harvest has grown out of its current space. Staff and volunteers have begun planning a capital cam- paign to raise funds for a new building. Foster estimates that the campaign will take about two years, depending on how much support it gets. Trying to find an interim home on top of fundraising for a permanent facility, he said, will stretch the organization. Winter at the Flying U Ranch! Enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice fishing, skating. snowmobiling & snowshoeing at Canada’s oldest and most internationally acclaimed gucst ranch. Book a family Christmas in a western winter wonderland of join us for an unforgettable New Year's 2000 Celebration. Rates start at $90 per day including meals. Winter season Dec. 16 - Feb, 28. Located at Green Lake, BC. near 70 Mile Howse. RESERVATIONS: (250) 456~7717 FLYING ly nen est 1849 ~ Order now and save SSS on genuine California Shutters! : he ssid th eae ALP 0 swe ei ti ay ut ur, i ig pr ily eine en starting your financial journey, a secure : ement may seem a long way away. . 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In April 1998, council turned down Foster’s request to have the rent waived. Foster said the community and the cizy have always sup- ported the Harvest, and he hopes that will continue. “We just would hope the city would recognize the work we're doing on the North Shore and be willing to work with us,” he said. “That’s all we're asking.” ; “Right now we've got Christmas to worry about,” he said, referring -to The Harvest’s annual Christmas dinner which will serve 350 people. “And now this cloud’s over our head.” The Harvest, which is pri- vately funded and supported by various community organi- zations, pays a subsidized rent of $1,386. Foster estimates the organization spent more than $60,000 to upgrade and maintain the building when jDis>count, CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS any bar Frit noon M ai CHANGE © Since 1978 LTD. $24.99 woot Petro Canada 10W30 - 2 Don't forget about our T-Tech transmission service ¢ - + ~ Change 100% of your fluid not not just 40-60%... SSE | SEEDS CET : Se PEN. 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