Community News
Loaded Sweet Potatoes

2 medium sweet potatoes; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 tsp olive oil; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp pepper. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes. Slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork. Add cheese and bake for 3 min. Top with sour cream, green onions, bacon and pepper.

A Precious Gift

Celebrate the upcoming season of giving with AüRAUM gemstone-infused aromatherapy sprays, a thoughtful Holiday gift, Mistletoe Magic ViA for those who cherish wellness, balance, and mindful living. Crafted with pure essential oils and gemstone essences, each blend offers a beautiful way to create moments of calm, grounding, relaxation, or renewed energy. Perfect for refreshing the home, yoga space, or meditation corner, these versatile sprays bring a touch of everyday luxury to any wellness ritual. For an extra-special gift, pair a favourite AüRAUM spray with a VitaJuwel gemstone water bottle or vial. Give the gift of well-being…a perfect pairing and make their holiday truly meaningful.

Words to Live By

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.” C.S. Lewis

Toenail Fungus?

Are your toenails yellow (discolored), thickened, or lifting? You may have toenail fungus (onychomycosis), which comes from microscopic fungi that thrive in dark, moist, and warm environments. It invades the nail bed through tiny cracks in the nail or cuts in the surrounding skin and feeds on the surrounding keratin—the protein that makes up your nails. It eventually changes the growth of the nail or destroys the whole nail altogether. No more hiding your toenails because of the appearance. If you have toenail fungus, come see your local podiatrist at Island Foot Clinics for evaluation and treatment today!

The Power of Gratitude

November is a wonderful time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the things that bring meaning and joy to our lives. Practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being, particularly as we grow older. Taking time each day to recognize life’s simple pleasures…from a warm cup of tea and a beautiful autumn day to a friendly conversation with a neighbour, can help reduce stress and encourage a more positive outlook. Gratitude can also support healthy aging by promoting better sleep, stronger social connections, and overall well-being. This November, let’s celebrate the many things we have to be thankful for and share that gratitude with others.

How Brella Helps

For nearly 50 years, Brella Community Services Society has been helping older adults, caregivers, and families across Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities. Our goal is simple: to help people age with dignity, stay connected, and continue enjoying a meaningful life.
We understand that life can bring challenges, from feeling lonely or isolated to managing health concerns, caring for a loved one, or finding the right support. That’s why Brella offers a variety of programs and services to make everyday life a little easier and help people stay connected to their community.
Through programs like Better at Home, Social Prescribing, Digital Inclusion, transportation assistance, volunteer services, and much more, we help older adults maintain their independence and continue living safely in their own homes.
Brella also provides dedicated support for people living with dementia and the families who care for them. Through caregiver support groups, respite services, educational workshops, one-on-one guidance, family conferences, and initiatives like the I’m Still Me project, we offer understanding, practical resources, and support throughout the journey.
Above all, we believe that everyone deserves to feel included and connected. From recreational activities and arts programs to support groups, volunteer opportunities, and community events, Brella creates opportunities for people to build friendships, discover new interests, and find a sense of belonging. Because sometimes, a friendly face, a shared activity, or simply knowing someone is there can make all the difference.

Dementia Support Group

This group is for individuals experiencing mild to moderate dementia, including those with early-onset dementia or those who have recently received—or are waiting for—a diagnosis.

It is a supportive space where participants can learn, share experiences, and connect with others living with dementia.
Every Wednesday 11am-12pm For registration, contact Alessa:
Phone:604-531-9400 EXT.219 Email: [email protected]

How You Can Help

Brella has always been about neighbours helping neighbours. Every volunteer, donation, partnership, and act of kindness helps older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable individuals remain connected to their community. As demand for services continues to grow, community support is more important than ever.
You can help by volunteering, making a financial donation, sponsoring a program, attending fundraising events, or helping spread awareness of Brella’s services. Even checking in on a neighbour or encouraging a caregiver to seek support can make a meaningful difference.
Together, we can ensure older adults continue receiving the programs, friendships, resources, and encouragement they need to live healthy, independent, and meaningful lives. Every act of kindness helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.

Celebrating Movember at Brella

This November, Brella recognizes Movember, a movement dedicated to raising awareness and supporting men’s health, including mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
We recognize that men may sometimes find it difficult to reach out for support or feel comfortable being vulnerable. At Brella, we want every man to know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and connected.
Let’s continue to break down stigmas, encourage open conversations, and create a community where men feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.

Chiropractic Care & Cold Season

Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in boosting your natural immune system this cold and flu season. The spine houses the nervous system, which controls and coordinates the body’s functions, including the immune response. Misalignments in the spine can disrupt nervous system communication, potentially weakening the immune system. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments, enhancing nerve function and supporting optimal communication between the brain and the body. Improved nervous system function can promote better immune response, helping the body fight off infections and diseases more effectively. Regular chiropractic care, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can naturally strengthen your body’s defense mechanisms.