Newsletter August 2026
August brings the best of Vancouver's summer: warm evenings, community festivals, and one last stretch before the back-to-school rush begins. It's the perfect time to soak up the season with family and friends before things start picking up again.
August Highlights
in Vancouver
Hello everyone, It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the summer already!
LIZ SNELGROVE COO
I hope you and your families are taking the time to rest and recharge.
The topic I want to address this month is Cyber Security. I’m sure you’ve all heard of recent data breaches in a variety of sectors including the rogue AI agent events. And although it seems that these events are science fiction, they pose a very real threat to both large and small companies.
Healthcare companies are particularly at risk due to the high price of patient data that can be sold on the dark web. Although PDG has very sophisticated security safeguards in place, it literally just takes one click for a breach to happen. Please be vigilant about opening attachments that seem suspicious. If you’re unsure about any incoming emails, please send them to Rise Support so they can verify the source. Thanks for your efforts in safeguarding our patients’ information. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have comments, questions or feedback!
to the team
Kaatrina Baker Peds Receptionist
Magelyn Wico Orthodontic Certified Dental Assistant
VANCOUVER
PRIDE Recap
TransLink’s PrideBus
From the iconic parade to incredible performances and community celebrations, Vancouver Pride 2026 was a beautiful reminder of the strength, joy, and inclusion that connects us all.
Dr. Anabel Chan Dr. Hema Chodha Angelika Rohraff Carlos Santos Doni Roche Dwight Bennett Gail Furlong Hardip Jauhal Jessica Freitas Julia Arsenault Justine Moreno Kelly O’Meara
Kimberly Antignani Krystal Elgert Lovepreet Kaur Nicole Wang Pardeep Kaur Parm Brar Pavan Chahal Sarah Jones Vicky Fung Yvonne Pun Zita Hicks
Movie Nights Around the City Grab a blanket, a chair, and some snacks!
Stanley Park Summer Cinema
Oakridge Park Cinema in the Park
Burnaby Summer Cinema
Tuesdays through September 1
Right by our Oakridge clinic, running through August
Fridays & Saturdays, August 14–28
Happy Anniversary Sharlene Aguirre Roanna Barker Leah Butner Lauren Chase Jas Deol Nicole Espedido Boshra Hadef
Niki Johnson Wendy Lo Helena Ly Olga Vedeneeva Mica Villajuan Melanie Weber
Camping Season Provincial campgrounds book up fast in summer. Reserve ahead where possible!
Golden Ears Provincial Park
📍 Maple Ridge
Alice Lake Provincial Park
📍 Squamish
Cultus Lake Provincial Park
📍 Chilliwack
AUGUST AFTER HOURS Four easy reasons to get out this month.
Richmond Night Market Fridays–Sundays through September 20 · Richmond
Shipyards Night Market Fridays through September 11 · North Vancouver
Water Lantern Festival August 22 · Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Ribfest Langley August 14–16 · McLeod Athletic Park
AROUND LOWER MAINLAND
Fun, food, laughs & unforgettable moments – happening around Metro Vancouver this month!
GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL August 8–17
Vancouver
Big laughs, big names, and open-air shows in some of Vancouver’s most beautiful spots.
ABBOTSFORD AIRSHOW August 8–10
Abbotsford
High-flying action, thrilling performances, and fun for the whole family.
BC DUMPLING FESTIVAL August 23–24 | Vancouver Dumplings, drinks, and good vibes – a delicious weekend you don’t want to miss.
Make the most of these late-summer days!
A LITTLE SUMMER THANK-YOU This month, we delivered summer kits to a few of our partner clinics as a small thank-you for the trust they place in PDG. These little touches are a lovely way to stay connected with our partner clinics and remind them that PDG is here when their patients need us.
PATIO PICKS
🌸
Make the most of late-summer evenings outdoors.
Jess' Fine
📍 Coquitlam
Lakeside Grill
📍 Richmond
Seasons in the Park
📍Vancouver
WHEN THE AIR GETS SMOKY Wildfire smoke can roll in quickly, even from far away. Before heading out: Check the AQHI before outdoor plans Keep activities shorter and easier if the air quality is poor Close windows and doors when smoke levels are high Check daily conditions at weather.gc.ca
PATIENT REFERRAL BONUS FOR STAFF Staff members who refer a new patient to PDG may be eligible for a referral bonus. 1) Pediatrics Bonus A) $50 when the referred patient comes in for their first visit
2) Orthodontics Bonus A) $50 when the referred patient comes in for their initial examination
B) $100 when the patient returns for a recall visit
B) $200 when the patient starts treatment
The person you refer must notify reception and HR. Don’t worry if a referral is missed; we can always circle back to verify it. For more information, please reach out to HR.
How to Use the
Employee
Assistance Program. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential service provided by your employer that offers help with personal and work-related issues.
Call your EAP toll-free, any time, 24/7, 365 days a year:
1
Call us If you're using the mobile app, you can call us with one tap from your smartphone.
1-844-671-3327
3
4
Share your concerns with a professional advisor for expert advice, strategies, and next steps.
Arrange with the advisor about how, when, and where you want to be contacted if follow-up is required. Your advisor will ask for your employer's name (or other sponsoring organization's name) so we can confirm the type of service available and provide further important health insurance and benefits information.
Your privacy matters. All conversations are completely confidential.
2
Provide your name and employer's name to an advisor. Your information will be kept confidential.