Lori Smithers Ruiz

Once a month, we’re gathering at Fiends for Life Headquarters (1459 Barclay St.) for a night of friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of good times! Whether you're a board game expert or just in it for the fun, there's a spot for you.

Join us at Friends for Life Headquarters (1459 Barclay St.) for a relaxed afternoon of board games, laughter, and friends. Whether you're a seasoned player or just in it for the fun, everyone is welcome. Come connect, play a few games, and enjoy some good company.

Learn how to make moisturizer, lip balm, & roll-on aromatherapy!

Christmas Day Get-Together at Vancouver Friends for Life. Let’s celebrate Christmas Day together at Friends for Life! Join us for a cozy afternoon filled with good company, light snacks, and Christmas music. Whether you have plans or not — no appointment is necessary. Just come by, relax, and share the holiday spirit with community. ✨ Because no one should spend Christmas alone ✨

Curious about resin art? Learn the essentials of mixing, pouring, and curing resin to create your own unique masterpiece. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class is designed to inspire creativity and give you the confidence to explore resin art further. Sept 17 & Sep 24 @ 6 pm

Join this workshop series to connect with your body in new and empowering ways. Using the tools of the arts—movement, drawing and words —you’ll uncover resources to support your personal wellness and expression. This workshop is for all abilities and ages. No prior dance experience is necessary. Through simple, accessible body/movement-based practices, you’ll learn to build self-awareness and trust, manage stress and anxiety, and tap into your body’s natural wisdom. Discover how to regulate your mood and energy, feel more grounded, and embrace a sense of ease and confidence. Together, we’ll explore how art and life mirror each other, helping you connect more deeply with your sense of wholeness. This workshop is ideal for anyone seeking greater resilience, self-trust, and a deeper connection to their body. Please note: This program is not a form of therapy or counselling, and the facilitator is not a trained mental health professional.

Drop-In – Stop by the house anytime and make yourself at home! Whether you’re looking to relax with a cup of coffee or tea, catch up on emails using our free Wi-Fi, flip through a good book, or challenge a friend to a board game, there’s always something cozy waiting for you here. The house is a place to connect, unwind, and share some laughter with others. No booking or RSVP needed—just drop in, stay as long as you like, and add a little extra warmth and liveliness to the space!

Friends For Life is booked today during these hours for an outside event.

In this class we will explore slow, deep stretches and focus on releasing tension and cultivating relaxation. We will practice mostly seated and lying down postures using plenty of props to help us connect with ourselves and unwind from our busy lives. This class offers a mixture of gentle hatha, Yin and Restorative poses. This style of yoga asana is suitable for people of all ages and fitness abilities, including those who have injuries or live with a chronic illness. Variations and modifications will be offered for all poses. This practice is also suitable for pregnant and postpartum people.

Ria is a keen enthusiast of Yoga- the science of healthy body, mind and spirit-yoga, a certified Yoga instructor form SVYASA University of India, an official representative of the international yoga committee, Yoga Medalist and Yoga Prize Winners, with 20 years of experience in conducting inclusive yoga sessions in several Asian, European as well as American countries.

One on one Fascia Movement and assisted. Fascial movements are gentle, restorative movements designed to release tension, hydrate your fascia, and bring your body back into natural alignment (and yes, maybe look a little silly while doing it — that’s part of the fun!). Fascial maneuvers support your nervous system, improve circulation, and help you feel more open, balanced, and at ease. No experience needed—just wear comfy clothes and come ready to move. Where: Outside on the grass in front of the house (weather permitting), or inside the yoga studio on rainy days. Teacher: Rachel Zottenberg, who comes from a background in dance and yoga, holds a degree in dance and a yoga teacher certification, and is certified in the Human Garage’s first-ever certification for Fascial Maneuvers Coaches. She’s excited to bring this new practice to Friends For Life.

We’re excited to invite you to our Karaoke Night with Jason, exclusively for our members! Every month, join us for a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and community. Whether you're looking to show off your singing skills or just enjoy the performances, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow members in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch. Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many of our members who live on limited incomes such as disability benefits. Lunches also provide an important time for social interaction, countering the isolation that often accompanies living with life interrupting illness.

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch. Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many of our members who live on limited incomes such as disability benefits. Lunches also provide an important time for social interaction, countering the isolation that often accompanies living with life interrupting illness.

Oct 22 - Superman (2025) Join us for a monthly Movie Night at VFFL! This fun and relaxed event will be held once a month, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to unwind with friends, watch a movie, and enjoy delicious refreshments that will be provided. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or just looking for a fun time with friends, come by for an evening of entertainment and great company. We can't wait to see you there!

Reflexology therapy is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other parts, glands, and organs of the body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology therapy can help to relieve stress, improve circulation and support the body’s efforts to function optimally.

Reiki is a meditative practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages a positive mental state through gentle touch.

Learn how to make a small soy wax candle and tea lights!

We’re excited to offer a special opportunity to meet Paula Parker, our Executive Director, for a casual 30-minute walk! This is your chance to: - Ask questions - Share ideas - Offer feedback Get to know Paula and what she’s passionate about Paula would love to connect with you and hear your thoughts. You can easily book a walk through Jane—log in and secure your spot today! We can’t wait to see you!

Yin + Sound is a 90-minute Yin Yoga + Sound Healing experience designed to support deep rest and intentional slowing down. This practice invites you inward, into a space where body, mind and spirit can soften, release and reset. The long, meditative holds of Yin create space within the body, while sound gently harmonizes the nervous system, releasing tension and inviting balance. Together, they create a deeply nurturing experience, a union of movement and vibration that restores energy, quiets the mind and reconnects you to your natural state of peace. We’ll begin with a gentle, 30 min all-levels yin yoga practice (no experience required), designed to ease you into stillness and prepare your body for deep rest. An extended shavasana will flow into a nurturing sound bath, where the soothing vibrational frequencies of crystal and Tibetan signing bowls along with gongs and chimes invite profound presence and relaxation. Guided by intuition and energy I’ll move throughout the room, weaving sound both individually and collectively to support the unique energy of the group. Expect to leave feeling grounded, clear and energetically renewed. Notes: · You’ll be lying down for the duration of the sound bath, so please bring anything you need to feel comfortable, such as a blanket, pillow or eye cover. Bolsters and blocks will be available on site. · To honour the quiet nature of this experience, please arrive 10 minutes early to settle in.