CanadaPLUS welcoming all nations on national holiday

 With Dra Lourdes Quijada

Wherever you come from, Canada Day, July 1, will provide you with the opportunity to raise a glass to one of the world’s most friendly  and multi cultural countries and mingle with Canadian residents and visitors. 

The CanadaPLUS Club has organized a celebration that should appeal to all, from film music  and art lovers to those who simply enjoy a good party and good company

An art exhibition, an update on preparations for the Canadian inspired  International Film Festival in Panama and an opportunity to support the El Valle Conservation  movement including the protection of the  endangered Panama golden frog  will   contribute to  a fun packed evening, and you don’t have to be Canadian.  

There will be musical back up,  an open wine bar, cheeses and ceviches, the chance to  win a door  or tombola prize and  of course you will raise a glass to celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Music for toe tapping or dancing will  soft-jazz be provided by the Los Fukanos. The trio recently performed for CanadaPLUS at the Royal Wedding celebration at the Club Union on April 29. and had to be persuaded to stay on as guests filled the dance floor and spaces between the tables.

Resident Canadian artists Yolanda Can der Kolk and Germain Courchesne will be among members of the CanadaPLUS Club who will be showing their works, which  will be available for purchase

Yolanda, who built her reputation in Canada after graduating from the Ontario College of Art (OCA),   has produced  paintings with Panamanian themes specially for the event.

She will also be setting  up a booth to sell hand printed tee shirts with animal themes, to raise funds for the El Valle animal preservation project.

Germain, took up painting only after his retirement, and after only a little more than  three years has an exhibition in Montreal in June, and  another at the re-opening of a New York gallery in July. The work of both artists will be available for purchase.

Other members of CanadaPLUS have also been invited to display their art work. For further information on how to participate, go to clubcanadaplus@gmail.com.

Rob Brown, CEO of Panama’s International Film Festival, and his father-in-law, Henk Van der Kolk, will be providing a video presentation on the festival, scheduled for early February next year.

Henk, was the co founder of the world’s biggest festival inToronto (TIFF) which attracts millions of dollars to Toronto, and brings in stars, producers, directors and writers from all over the world. He hopes to replicate the success of the Toronto festival in Panama, providing revenue, worldwide attention and an impetus for local film makers.

Attendees will also be able to get information on other CanadaPLUS events during the balance of the year. ranging from a murder mystery dinner theatre  to a pub night,  Thanksgiving Dinner to  a Carols by Candelight celebration in Casco Viejo. CanadaPLUS Members also hold an opportunity card providing discounts and benefits in Panama, including group insurance availability. Membership is open to all, so join up and meet a Canuck.

The Canada Day celebration is scheduled to take place at the Rui Hotel, Calle 50. 7.30-10.30 p.m.

Attendance is by  prepaid ticket only. Members $20, non-members $25. email  clubcanadaplus@gmail.com  or call 6619-6890

Tickets will also be available at the Group insurance presentation at the Club Union, May 31.