An ice cream community event is being hosted by MLAs Lisa Beare and Bob D’Eith at Maple Ridge Park on Sunday, August 28.
Beare attends many social events. Whether a large-scale event like Indigenous Peoples Day or a CEED Centre Society block party, she is often seen interacting with community members.
Part of that interaction is hosting events where people can come together and approach the politicians, something that might seem daunting at first.
“We have been doing this since 2018 and it’s for the first time we’re doing it jointly with Bob D’Eith,” said Beare. “We give out free ice cream and it’s an opportunity to connect with the community, talk to adults and the youth.”
The event will serve Sweet Tooth Creamery ice cream and have a magic show for little ones by Norden the Magician.
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Colouring books, activities for children and a magic show allow parents to interact with us with peace of mind, Beare added.
Echoing the sentiment, D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, added that it’s an opportunity for them to be with people, especially after the pandemic.
“We haven’t had the chance to do something in the past few years,” he said. “The first time that we are getting together and doing something jointly. We’re very excited.”
Politicians are often perceived as unapproachable but Beare believes being present in the community has allowed them to create the opportunity for constituents to share concerns since not everyone calls or visits the office.
D’Eith added that having an open-door policy has allowed them to connect with people because “we’re here to listen.”
This year, they will return to host their annual Christmas party, which has been cancelled the past few years due to pandemic restrictions.
