A corporate sanctuary WV resident Ali Aziz is targeting a special clientele for his new hotel WEST VANCOUVER resident Ali Aziz has built a haven for .business travellers and cross-border shoppers in Kirkland, near Seattle, Washington. Surrounded by bustling subur- ban sprawl, the hotel is a sanctu- ary in a very literal sense? it, is located on the shore of a bird sanctuary at Totem Lake. Aziz’ came to Canada in 1974 after establishing himself as a suc- -- cessful hocelier in Nairobi, Kenya. An offer to purchase land south of the border Ied him to cast an .investor’s eye on Kirkland. A.public market built. on the property ‘“‘didn’t take off.’’ Aziz returned to the hotel business. “An- estimated: 400. high-tech ‘ “companies . are ‘located within a five-mile‘radius-of the site-of the Clarion Inn at Totem Lake. Hotel | ‘management has targeted travel- lers doing corporate business in _ the area and Canadian crass- By Michael Becker News Reporter border shoppers as a prime clientele base for the new facility. Said Aziz of the corporate business, ‘‘My aim is to get these corporate customers and give them something different and a place where they can relax and meet. There’s a big market i in that area.”’ Added hotel manager . Michael Vellani, “Life has become so ag- gressive, you need a place to slow down so you can. relax and prepare to face the next aggressive day. The indoor slow-down is achieved in a quietly conservative environment dominated by a color scheme of hunting green, salmon pink and cherry oak wood finishing. Classical music suffuses an atrium, banquet-meeting room and other public spaces. Fifty of the 59 rooms and suites are solely for non-smokers. Food served is Jow-cholesterol and fresh. Sauna, jacuzzi and weight room are available for the health-conscious. A lounge area with a library and fireplace is provided for the consciously relaxed. Outside are pool, running trail, putting green and birds. Six acres of undeveloped land are attached to the hotel holding. And just beyond that-is the highway that makes possible a five-minute trip to Bellevue or a 15-minute trip to Seattle. Seminar. offered for non-profit groups " SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAIS- ING ‘is the, title of :a. seminar | that will be held’in Vancouver - on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Today hurdreds ‘ of . com- munity charities are faced with” {| the prospect of raising more ‘I. money to survive and * grow. Getting money in tough times ‘is the theme of this day-long - seminar. International consultant, Harvey: MacKin- fundraising _ d . States, non, will show non-profit 3fouBs how to increase their income dramatically. Designed for the professional and novice, the seminar offers a year-long money-back guar- antee. MacKinnon is the former senior development officer for Oxfam-Canada and has con- ducted training seminars across Canada, Australia, ihe United Hong Kong, South an:i-apartheid Africa (for the United groups) and Kingdom. The seminar, which is spon- sored by the International De- velopment Education Resources Association, will take place at the Holiday Inn, 711 West Broadway in Vancouver. Space is limited and advance registration is essential. For more information call Shauna _ Sylvester at 732-1497. ‘VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DIABETES RESEARCH PROJECT AT LIONS GATE HOSPITAL We are jooking for people with diabetes (type I) who are interesied in trying a new type of medication. Candidates must: '* be presently taking Diabeta or Glucophage medication * be 40-70 years of age * not be taking diuretics (water pilis) at the present time * be able to make monthly moming appointments at Lions Gate Hospital (about 1-2 hours) The project will last 5 months. Medications will be supplied at no charge, and careful attention will be given to each participant's diabetes control. For more information and registration, please call. Dr. John Hunt Diabetes Day Centre Lions Gate Hospital 984-5752 fL_ Whistler Wednesday, November 6, 1991 - North Shore News - 43 . EWG photo Tary Peters - WEST VANCOUVER resident All Aziz developed: the Clarion inn at Totem: Lake in Kizkland ‘near Seatilo. The hotel is: owned. d by New investments. Venetians * Verticals ¢ Pleated Shades (excluding silk) Offer ends Nov. 30/91. Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years 4877 Marine Dr., N. Van. 984-4104 #4-38018 Progress Way, Squamish 892-5857 | 932-6617 |