Tiana (10)
“I feel joy when I dance to my favourite music.”
May 26 - June 1, 2025 on Granville Island
Welcome to the 48th Annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Our Festival is a long-standing tradition in Metro Vancouver and we are thrilled to present our 48th festival! Celebrating the joy of artistic expression, our Festival brings together diverse, multi-disciplinary arts that engage, inspire and entertain. We recognize the power of the arts to transform lives and are committed to making the festival as accessible as possible. Through the stories we share, the artists we engage and the variety of performances we present, we strive to represent as many children as possible.
For 2025 I am delighted to present phenomenal shows from England, Ireland, the USA, Quebec, the Yukon and British Columbia. This year’s highlights include Won’Ma Africa by Kalabanté Productions, featuring death defying acrobatics, I Wish I Was A Mountain by Toby Thompson, a beautiful poetic theatre experience and, Club Origami by Seven Circles, a magical dance show designed especially for younger audiences.
Our extraordinary Arts Festival is created specifically for children and the adults who come with them, offering shows for every age and interest.
I invite you to come out and experience a magical day with us at the Festival!
Katharine Carol Artistic & Executive Director
A Message from the Mayor
On behalf of the residents of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to everyone attending the 48th Annual Children’s Festival.
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival began as a theatre festival for young audiences presenting international performances. Today, the Festival is a multi-disciplinary platform, presenting theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry and storytelling, and over the years has been an inspiration to major cities throughout Canada and abroad.
As Mayor, I commend VICF for inspiring and motivating young minds with professional artistic experiences that transform children’s understanding of the world around them. Thank you for fostering a world where future generations build upon the passion for arts and performance that we share with them today.
I would like to welcome all guests to enjoy the many performances planned throughout the week, and I hope the Vancouver International Children’s Festival continues to thrive for many years to come.
Sincerely, Mayor Ken Sim
Ticket Prices
In-Person Festival Tickets
All performances are ticketed and require one of the following tickets. Tickets include 1 Show and Activity Village wristband.
1 Show Ticket*
excludes the shows listed below
• Child/Senior $13.50 • Adult $23
Festival 4-Pack*
excludes the shows listed below 4 tickets to 1 performance
• 4 Pack $62
Whipped Up!*
• Babies (ages 0–2) $6
• Adult/Senior $23
Club Origami*
• Child (ages 1–6) $13.50
• Adult/Senior $23
Pyjama Nights*
• All tickets $13.50
Variety Show*
• All tickets $27
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST. No refunds or exchanges.
Activity Village
All show tickets include an Activity Village wristband. Our Activity Village is enclosed in a beautiful park with dozens of hands-on arts activities - see details on pages 25 and 27. You can pick up your wristband at the at the Activity Village, on-site Box Office or at the venue before your show.
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Everyone Needs a Ticket!
Everyone is required to purchase a ticket to attend any of the shows at the festival, with the exception of babes in arms.
Babes In Arms
Babes in arms refers to babies under the age of 12 months, who will not require a seat, and will remain in the arms of their caregiver. They are welcome to attend select performances at no charge. Please refer to the show pages to see if babes in arms are welcome. Please note that Whipped Up! is a show for babies and everyone needs a ticket.
Age Policy
Age ratings have been developed to ensure a positive experience for everyone. We suggest that children younger than the ages listed not attend as they may become frightened or disruptive. Please refer to the show pages for specific ratings.
Site Activities Only!
Unable to come to a show but still want to take in the Festival? Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site.
• $8 per day per person (includes GST & Service Charges)
How to purchase tickets
Visit our Website
Show tickets can be purchased in advance online through our websiteChildrensFestival.ca. Show tickets are available to purchase on our website up until 2 hours before the show.
Pick Your Show(s) & Buy Now:
Purchasing Tickets On Site
Festival 4-Packs Have Changed!
Good things come in fours! Gather your family or friends and save big with a Festival 4-Pack! Pricing from $62 plus service fee and GST includes 4 tickets to 1 show & 4 Activity Village wristbands. This year, Festival 4-Packs must be purchased separately using the designated purchase link —they won’t be available on individual show ticket pages. Be sure to use the correct link to secure your 4-Pack!
During the Festival: Visit our Box Office in the Activities area between The Nest and Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island. Cash, Debit & Credit Cards accepted. Tickets are sold at the Box Office until 2 hours before the show and then subject to availability at the venue door 30 minutes before the show. Shows often sell out so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Parking
Granville Island is readily accessible by public transit, car, ferry, bike or on foot. Parking is limited on Granville Island so consider an alternative method of transportation. Please visit ChildrensFestival.ca for off-site parking ideas and tips when planning your day. Connect
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
We are committed to facilitating the sharing of Indigenous voices and culture with Metro Vancouver school groups and families by creating opportunities for engagement, education and understanding through the celebration of Indigenous art, music, dance, ceremony and storytelling.
We encourage you to see the two Indigenous shows we are presenting this year in association with Talking Stick. The music of Kym Gouchie & Band (Page 12) and the theatre show, Where Have All The Buffalo Gone? (Page 14). In addition, don’t miss Indigenous Arts in the Activity Village lead by artist Christine Mackenzie, as well cultural sharing with the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family on Tuesday, May 27th at 11am.
Squamish Ocean Canoe Family Cultural Sharing
Tuesday, May 27 at 11:00am
• Activity Village
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society acknowledges that we create and work on the ancestral, traditional, stolen and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sə̓lílwəta (Tsleil-Waututh.) people and the Sníchim speaking Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people. We acknowledge the ongoing cultural genocides of Indigenous peoples by Canada, particularly the atrocities committed against children. We commit to work with the Indigenous Peoples of this land to raise the voices of Indigenous children through creativity and play.
Photo by
James Doyle
Kym Gouchie & Band
In addition to paddling together, members of the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family are committed to sharing Skwxwú7mesh culture through traditional songs and dances.
Photo by
Moonrider Productions
Pyjama Nights
Dress the kids (and yourself!) in their favourite jammies, and head down to Granville Island for the ultimate bedtime story with these special early evening shows. All tickets $13.50*
Sing the World! With Ginalina and Friends
Tuesday, May 27
6:30pm at the Revue Stage
Get ready for a musical journey around the globe with Ginalina and friends! Sing, dance, and gather clues as you explore folk songs from Korea, Estonia, Spain, Benin, India, France, China, and beyond. Through rhythms, songs, and different languages, you’ll discover the sounds of the world.
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST.
Luminarium
Friday, May 30
6:30pm at the Revue Stage
Luminarium is a visually stunning journey where Cause & Effect Circus blurs the lines between illusion and technology. High-level circus skills, inventive lighting tricks, and clever object manipulation bring a whimsical world to life, transforming juggling into a truly magical experience.
The Libravian
Friday, May 30
6:30pm at Performance Works
The Libravian leads audiences on a lively book bonanza, bringing stories to life with big-hearted physical comedy. Featuring brave and diverse tales, this enchanting show celebrates courage, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Note: Our on-site activities are NOT open for the Evening Shows. Show your ticket anytime during the Festival and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.
Evening Shows
Opening Night!
I Wish I Was A Mountain
Monday, May 26
6:30pm at Performance Works
Join us for our Opening Night event! An evening performance of I Wish I Was A Mountain and complimentary refreshments afterwards.
Do we really need what we wish for? Written and performed by Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson, I Wish I Was A Mountain reimagines Hermann Hesse’s classic tale, blending rhyme, jazz, and a touch of philosophy. This show invites kids to explore big questions with curiosity and an open heart.
Child/Senior: $13.50* • Adult: $23*
Variety Show
Saturday, May 31
6:30pm Granville Island Stage
Watch Festival performers cut loose at our annual Variety Show! This year’s tour de force features daring stunts and high-energy feats from Won’Ma Africa, the zany antics of The Myrtle Sisters, the juggling magic from Luminarium, a feast of traditional songs, music and dance from Liwanda Africa! Plus, singalong with the brightest star in the world of family folk music, Ginalina! This fun-filled evening is always a highlight for kids and adults alike. Hosted by none other than Queen Auntie Jacky, Jacky Essombe!
All ages.
All tickets $27* • Great value for a 1.5 hour show!
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST.
Note: Our on-site activities are NOT open for the Evening Shows. Show your ticket anytime during the Festival and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.
Won’Ma Africa
The Myrtle Sisters
Queen Auntie Jacky
I Wish I Was A Mountain
Accessibility
We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported. The following icons indicate accessibility features that are available at our shows. Use them to find venue and show details, and to help you make informed decisions about which show is best for you and the people you care for.
Relaxed Performance
Relaxed environment – adjustments to reduce sensory intensity & more
Always Relaxed
Every performance is relaxed
Low Sensory
Shows that don’t have intense lighting, sound or smells.
Blind / low vision friendly
Deaf / hard of hearing friendly
ASL Interpretation
Hearing assistance devices available
Wheelchair accessible venue
Visit ChildrensFestival.ca for more information.
On our website, you will find Important accessibility details about each show such as the show’s lighting, sound, content and more. Most shows have a visual story which provides very detailed information with pictures and breaks down everything that happens in the show. Visual guides are also available for all our venues.
Questions? Feedback? Reach out to Access@ChildrensFestival.ca
This year we organized a Youth Council for Relaxed Performances to hear directly from kids about what works best for them. A big thanks to:
Athena Pataracchia, Brooke, Jericho Wilson, Jordyn, Luna Moradi Gálvez, Nicholas Burgers, Samir Kourima - Fielden, Shirin Moradi Gálvez, Teeklin Nguyen & Trey Wilson
Whipped Up!
Soap and Rope Theatre (United States)
Theatre • Carousel Studio • 30 min (15 minutes of free play after the show) • Ages 0–2
Get ready for a hilarious adventure in Whipped Up!, where Dottie, a server at a 1950s-style diner, tackles her first day on the job—only this time, the customers are babies! With little ones calling the shots and caregivers along for the ride, Dottie’s eager-to-please attitude is quickly put to the test.
As Dottie tends to her “hard-to-please” clients (imagine babies doing what they do best— creating adorable chaos), she grows more and more frazzled—and endlessly entertaining!
Packed with sensory play to captivate tiny audience members, this show is equally hilarious for parents! Watch your baby step into the spotlight at this unique comedy.
Please note that Whipped Up! is a show for babies and everyone needs a ticket.
Tuesday, May 27 10:00am, 12:00pm
Wednesday, May 28 10:00am, 12:00pm
Thursday, May 29 10:00am, 12:00pm
Friday, May 30 10:00am, 12:00pm
Saturday, May 31 10:00am, 12:00pm, 3:30pm
Sunday, June 1 10:00am, 12:00pm, 3:30pm
Kym Gouchie & Band
(Turtle Island)
Music • Granville Island Stage • 50 min • Ages 3–12 (Babes in arms welcome)
Join Kym Gouchie and her band on an unforgettable musical journey where singing, dancing, and learning come together! Embodying the spirit of her latest release, Shun Beh Nats’ujeh/ We are Healing Through Songs, Kym’s high-energy, interactive performance invites all ages to celebrate and connect. Through catchy tunes and lively rhythms, Kym weaves her ancestral languages into a cultural experience that’s as fun as it is enriching—perfect for the whole family!
In association with Talking Stick.
Tuesday, May 27 10:30am
Wednesday, May 28 12:30pm
Friday, May 30 10:30am
Photo by James Doyle
Won’Ma Africa
Kalabanté Productions (Guinea/Québec)
Circus • Granville Island Stage • 50 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking acrobatics and death-defying feats of Won’Ma Africa! Kalabanté Productions’ handful of daring acrobats perform to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea with authentic movement and acrobatics. Come experience a mix of modern circus and traditional African dance and music including drums, kora and singing that come to together in a spectacular show of stunts and tricks. This entertaining show embodies the strength, agility and joy of life found in African youth. Their joie de vivre is so infectious that afterwards you’ll backflip out of the theatre!
Tuesday, May 27 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 28 10:30am (FR)
Thursday, May 29 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR)
Friday, May 30 12:30pm (FR)
Saturday, May 31 10:30am (ASL), 1:00pm
Sunday, June 1 11:00am, 1:30pm
FR en français
ASL Integrated Performance on May 31 at 10:30am.
Where Have All the Buffalo Gone?
Axis Theatre (British Columbia)
Theatre • Waterfront Theatre • 55 min • Ages 9 and up
Move through time at this powerful Métis story that helps us remember and understand our past. Where Have All The Buffalo Gone?, follows two Métis souls as they journey through seven important moments in Métis history — from the birth of Métis nations on the plains to the colonization driven by the fur trade, the disappearance of the buffalo, and the rise of the Métis Association of Alberta. This moving tale weaves together stories and a life-sized buffalo puppet with true historical events to explore the love, loss, and resilience of Treaty 6’s Métis peoples. At its heart, this story celebrates the rich lessons and love stories of the buffalo.
In association with Talking Stick.
Tuesday, May 27 10:30am, 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Thursday, May 29 10:30am, 12:30pm
Friday, May 30 10:30am, 12:30pm
Photo by Javier Sotres Photography
by
I Wish I Was A Mountain
The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath (United Kingdom)
Theatre/Poetry • Performance Works • 45 min • Ages 7 and up
On the day of the annual fair, the town of Faldum gets an unexpected visitor—a mysterious wanderer who offers to grant anyone’s wildest wish. But as two townsfolk soon discover, getting exactly what you want can lead to surprising consequences. One vanishes into his own music, while the other becomes a lonely mountain. Written and performed by Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson, I Wish I Was a Mountain is a bold reimagining of Hermann Hesse’s classic tale, blending rhyme, jazz, with a sprinkle of philosophy. Do we really need the things we think we do? How did time begin? Leave the answers behind—this show invites kids to come as they are and explore big questions with curiosity and an open heart.
Monday, May 26 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 27 10:30am, 12:30pm
Friday, May 30 12:30pm
Saturday, May 31 2:30pm
Sunday, June 1 11:30am
Photo
Jack Offord
JournéeFrancoFun
In-Person Shows
In-Person Shows
10:00 Whipped Up! (RP) Whipped Up! (RP) Whipped Up! (RP) Whipped Up! (RP)
(FR)
6:30 I Wish I Was a Mtn Sing The World! (PJ) Luminarium (PJ) The Libravian (PJ)
Luminarium
Cause & Effect Circus (British Columbia)
Circus • Revue Stage • 50 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
A visually stunning journey where Cause & Effect Circus blurs the lines between illusion and technology. High-level circus skills, inventive lighting tricks, and clever object manipulation bring a whimsical world to life, transforming juggling into a truly magical experience. Three performers work together, navigating tricky moments as they create captivating scenes. With a creative mix of lighting effects, technology and mesmerizing juggling, you’ll be pulled into an exciting, multi-sensory adventure. Luminarium is a show full of humour, wonder, and surprise, with sound effects that make every moment even more fun. World Premiere.
Tuesday, May 27 10:30am
Wednesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Friday, May 30 12:30pm, 6:30pm
Saturday, May 31 1:30pm, 4:00pm
Sunday, June 1 2:30pm
Photo by Alex Clarke/Yuki Ueda
by Mooonrider Productions
Liwanda Africa !
Jacky Essombe and friends (British Columbia with roots in Cameroon, Benin, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe)
Music/Dance/Storytelling • Performance Works • 50 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Découvrons l’Afrique ! Liwanda Africa propose des contes, de la musique, des chansons et des danses d’Afrique de l’Ouest, d’Afrique centrale, d’Afrique de l’Est et d’Afrique australe. Venez découvrir les rythmes de l’Afrique avec la Reine Tantine Jacky et ses talentueux amis. Dans ce spectacle, la participation du public est requise pour aider un groupe d’amis à voyager dans plusieurs pays d’Afrique, où nous rencontrons des personnages emblématiques de nombreux contes populaires traditionnels. Mais notre voyage d’amitié ne peut se faire sans l’aide de tous nos amis du village ! Alors soyez prêts à taper des mains, chanter, danser et vous encourager les uns les autres pour traverser l’Afrique.
World Premiere.
Wednesday, May 28 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR)
Thursday, May 29 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR)
Friday, May 30 10:30am (FR)
FR en français
Photo
Club Origami
Seven Circles (United Kingdom)
Dance/Theatre • The Nest • 40 min (10 minutes of free play after the show) • Ages 1–6
Rip, fold and scrumple! What can we create with a single square of paper? As you scrunch the paper, watch how your imagination begins to dance… Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting families to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Dance, fashion, and live music merge with the magic of origami, whisking audiences away on a playful and inspiring adventure through a world made entirely of paper. Get ready for a delightful journey where creativity unfolds in every twist and turn! North American and Canadian Premiere.
Co-presented by Boca del Lupo’s Micro Performance Series and the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.
Tuesday, May 27 10:00am, 12:30pm Wednesday, May 28 10:00am, 12:30pm Friday, May 30 10:00am, 12:30pm Saturday, May 31 10:00am, 12:30pm Sunday, June 1 10:00am, 12:30pm
Photo By Summer Dean
by Michael Undem
Same Same Different
The Myrtle Sisters (British Columbia)
Music/Dance/Theatre • Waterfront Theatre • 50 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Get ready to howl with laughter at The Myrtle Sisters’ zany antics. The sisters have always dressed, sung, danced, and even eaten in perfect sync. But when a series of unexpected mishaps unfolds, their secret uniqueness is revealed! Will they still be part of the trio if their differences are discovered? Expect plenty of charm, shenanigans, surprises and outrageous fun all delivered in three-part harmony. Through live music, tap, and swing, The Myrtle Sisters discover that being unique doesn’t mean you can’t belong. This silly comedy is a hilarious journey that reminds us all to embrace our differences and dance to our own beat!
Saturday, May 31 10:30am, 1:30pm
Sunday, June 1 10:30am, 1:30pm
Photo
Sing the World! With
Ginalina and Friends
British Columbia
Music • Revue Stage • 45 min • Ages 0–9 (Babes in arms welcome)
Get ready for a musical journey around the globe! Sing, dance, and gather clues as you explore folk songs from Korea, Estonia, Spain, Benin, India, France, China, and beyond. Through rhythms, songs, and different languages, you’ll discover the sounds of the world and work together to solve a Mystery Sound.
Presented by 4x Juno-nominated Ginalina on guitar, North Benin’s Yoro Noukoussi on djembe, donga (talking drum) and kokomba (conga), and Shanghai Conservatory of Music trained Sarah Yusha Tan on the guzheng (ancient Chinese zither), Sing the World! will captivate audiences young and old. Every show presents a featured guest with a unique cultural song to share! Plus, families can access a special digital resource package to dive even deeper into the fun!
Tuesday, May 27 12:30pm, 6:30pm
Thursday, May 29 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR)
Friday, May 30 10:30am
FR en français
Saturday, May 31 10:30am Sunday, June 1 10:30am (RP)
Photo by Carla Hedges and Tosha Lobsinger
by Anita Murphy
The Libravian
Brú Theatre (Ireland)
Theatre • Performance Works • 45 min • Ages 7–11
Meet Lynn, a lovable ‘libravian’ quietly minding her own business—until she’s unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, doing the one thing she swore she’d never do again! In The Libravian, actor James Riordan leads audiences on a lively book bonanza, bringing stories to life with big-hearted physical comedy. Featuring brave and diverse tales, this enchanting show celebrates courage, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. With whimsical costumes, clever soundscapes, and plenty of laughs, it’s a joyful, interactive adventure that inspires everyone to embrace their creativity, celebrate bravery, and rediscover the magic of books!
In association with Zee Zee Theatre.
Friday, May 30 6:30pm
Saturday, May 31 11:30am
Sunday, June 1 2:30pm (RP)
Photo
Activity Village
Spend the day being creatively playful in our Activity Village.
Your show ticket includes access to the Activity Village! If you are unable to come to a show, Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site for $8 per person (includes GST and Service Charges).
Tuesday–Friday: 9:30am–2:30pm
Saturday: 10:00–5:30pm
Sunday: 10:00–4:30pm
Ages 0–4
Twist & Toddle! Play and create in this tent jam-packed with fun for the under 4 set.
Ages 3 and up
Circus Arts Learn the basics of juggling, Diablo, rhythm sticks and more from young circus pros.
Ages 4 and up
Indigenous Arts In this hands-on craft workshop, you will engage in sharing your strength and power through your voice and create a collaborative art installation of beautiful and powerful voices.
Ages 5 and up
Spin Art Bicycle Create your own fantastic artwork with the Spin Art Bicycle from MAKE Vancouver.
Hai! Origami Make a heart, boat, fish, swan, butterfly, or elephant while learning the intricate art of Japanese paper folding.
LunarFest Explore our fluidity in diversity with LunarFest through crafts, storytelling, and culture in the Year of the Snake.
Scavenger Hunt Follow the clues to swim, flutter, glide and jump from one Indigenous animal sculpture to another in this fun scavenger adventure.
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Photo by
Tilly Nelson
Photo by Tilly Nelson
SPARK CREATIVITY
ART & DESIGN | DANCE | THEATRE, MUSIC & FILM
Arts education for young people ages 2-22. Registration for 2025/26 programs opens June 2025.
artsumbrella.com
Credit: Devan Francis
Activity Village continued
All Ages
Face Painting Get your face painted as a flower, a rainbow, a cat or a superhero! A Kids’ Fest tradition for 47 years!
Inner Garden Need a space to rest? The Inner Garden is a relaxing, comfortable space for you and your kids to rejuvenate.
Indigenous Arts - Installation “Honouring Women” This piece honours Mother Earth and the women in our lives, that still walk in this world and the ones that have passed on. By Christine Mackenzie.
African Pavilion Step into
African arts, cultures, stories, games and languages. Listen to each other’s beat, feel our collective rhythm and connect to our shared humanity.
Magical Mystery Maze Play games in our enchanting outdoor maze.
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Activity Zone
Visit Salty at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority tent to learn how the port brings toys, shoes, games and snacks to your home and school! Sat and Sun only
Odlum Brown Photo Booth Strike a silly pose with your family and friends! Grab your favourite prop and we’ll snap a photo for you to take home and remember this unforgettable day! Sat and Sun only.
Tree Island Yogurt Tent Treat yourself to a taste of BC! Sample delicious, fruity yogurt made with less sugar and milk from grass-fed family farms. Then, brighten your day with vibrant face painting inspired by nature’s colourful palette! Sat and Sun only.
Wait there’s more… Check out our on-site performances by Aché Brasil students, performances at the African Pavilion and our roving characters and stilt walker.
Photo by Tilly Nel son
Photo by
Tilly Nelson
Photo by
Tilly Nelson
Vancouver International Children’s Festival Community Programs
Help us enrich the lives of children and ensure the Festival remains affordable for everyone through our community programs:
Hospital Outreach Program
Each year we are proud to bring Festival highlights to children in treatment or care at B.C. Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place and Sunny Hill Health Centre through our Hospital Outreach Program. Children unable to leave their facilities can share in the Festival spirit with their families and caregivers and benefit from the healing power of music and laughter.
Good Neighbours
For too many families, a day at the Children’s Festival is just not possible. Become a “Good Neighbour” and share the magic of the Festival with children and parents who otherwise would not be able to attend!
• A suggested donation of $65 will allow a family of four to play all day! However, donations of any amount are welcome!
Adopt a Class
This program provides a day filled with learning, laughter and inspiration for elementary school children attending enhanced support schools across Metro Vancouver. Thanks to our generous business and foundation donors, more than 1,000 children will have a memorable day at the Children’s Festival through Adopt a Class in 2025.
We are grateful to our generous donors for their support of this valuable initiative.
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Photo by Tilly Nelson
THANK YOU to our donors & supporters
POTS OF GOLD
$5K+
Amacon Foundation
Diamond Foundation
John Hardie Mitchell
Family Foundation
Mirhady Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
The McLean Foundation
UNICORNS
$1,000–$4,999
Andrew Mahon Foundation
Jordan Beach
Lohn Foundation
Loyal Protestant Association
McCarthy Tetrault Foundation
Paul Dumontet
Shana Alexander
Teresa Sutherland
The Christopher Foundation
The Lutsky Family Foundation
Vancouver Kidsbooks
Walmart
Staff Credits
BUTTERFLIES
$500–$999
Arts Umbrella Association
Christine Brittan
David Spratley
Deborah Williams
Duncan Frostick
Glen Krueger
DRAGONFLIES
$100-$499
Andrea Davis
Ron Laufer
Zachary Cook
Alexandra Kern
Aoife Dowling
Bryan Keith Boland
Cameron Wilson Career Contacts
Cherie Mah
Christina Harley
Christina Tang
Christoph Clodius
Danya Roger
Dean Murray
Devine Arboricultural Solutions
Dr Jeffrey Steven Silver
Medical Corporation
EHFAR Brands Inc.
Elizaveta Kozlova
Eric Wong
Grace Stark
Jason Brough
Jason Dubois
Jaspinder Dhami
Jean Whitaker
Katharine Carol
Kevin Campbell
Louise DeGagné
Marita Gove
Mee Young Aird
Meghan Katherine McLennan
Minna Schendlinger
Natalie Peystajecky
Ramner Badyal
Sally & Wilfrid Mennell
Stewart McGillivray
Tom Stulberg
FIREFLIES
Up to $99
Chibuzor Aniekeh
Cobs Bread
Jeremy Yu
Melanie Gris
Nadine Carew
Olivia Zeng
Rob Corcoran
Artistic & Executive Director .............................
Katharine Carol
Development Manager ............................. Marika Kovalcikova
Communications & Marketing Manager Joanne Da Silva
Operations Manager Leanne Zacharias
Audience Services Manager ............................. Kelly Creelman
Production Manager ................................... David Kerr (DK)
Technical Director Jessica Han
Site Manager Lauren Palidwor
Volunteer Coordinator ....................................... Alayna Y
Access Activator Anika Vervecken
Accessibility Sidekicks
Jessica Hood & elika mojtabaei
Deaf Consultant Pengchao (Paul) Shao
Low-Vision Youth Consultant ............................... Tom Gatenyo
Audience Service Assistant Manager Frances Fee
School & Information Administrator Norah Gillen
Operations Assistant ...................................... Liam Taylor
Digital Content Specialist........................ Marjolyn “MJ” Dimapilis
Bookkeeper Ewa Borkowska
IT Consultant Wayne Stewart
Many thanks to our awesome interns and volunteers!
Samad Raza
Sunita Sinha
LADYBUGS IN KIND
Discovery Organics
False Creek Ferries
Go Wireless
Lee’s Donuts
MAKE Vancouver
Muffin Granny
Nature’s Path
Terra Breads
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Natasha Jeshani, Chair
Kevin Campbell, Treasurer
Stewart McGillivray, Secretary
Cameron Wilson
Grace Starke
Olivia Zeng
Samad Raza
Jason Dubois
Christoph Clodius
Clara Ruiz-Larrea
Rahima Kara
Photo by Tilly Nelson
Photo by Tilly Nelson
