Designed by the Vancouver-based company Meomi Design, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi were inspired by Aboriginal mythological creatures and also strongly influenced by popular culture, modern animation styles, the Olympic and Paralympic movements, the culture and wildlife of British Columbia and Canada, and the artists' own imagination. Each of the creatures is unique, both in personality and physical appearance.

Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations - tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part "Spirit" bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga's outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure.

Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch - a popular figure in local Aboriginal legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi reminds us of the mystery and wonder associated with the great Canadian wilderness. Although Quatchi loves all winter sports, he's especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie.

Sumi is an animal spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the furry legs of the black bear. With a name that is derived from the Salish word "sumesh", meaning 'guardian spirit,' Sumi is passionate about the environment and is a fan of all Paralympic sports.

Joining the three mascots is a friend, or "sidekick", by the name of Mukmuk. Mukmuk is a rare marmot unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island. While he's not officially a mascot, Mukmuk is considered an honourary member of the team and enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk's name comes from the Squamish word for food ("muckamuck") because he loves to eat when he's not playing with his mascot friends.

People across Canada and around the world are meeting the mascots on a specially designed mascot "microsite" at www.vancouver2010.com. The microsite includes exciting child-friendly features such as an animated mascot video, character profiles, an online game, a mascot-related personality quiz, interactive e-cards, colouring pages and more.
www.vancouver2010.com

Festival Day at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
February 10, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden invites visitors and locals to join in the New Year festivities as they ring in the "Year of the Rooster" with traditional Chinese music and crafts, tai chi, fortune telling, and other fun demonstrations.
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

From January 1 to March 31, guests staying at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver are eligible to win one of a number of "Star Power" treatments normally reserved for celebrity guests like Halle Berry, Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez. Every guest will get a special star-studded gift upon check-in, but 12 lucky travellers (one per week) will see fantasy turn to reality when they are randomly selected to receive a complimentary celebrity treatment such as:

• An upgrade to Halle Berry's suite at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, aptly described as her "little second home"
• Unpacking services used by Paris Hilton
• Hand-drawn bath service as requested by Sarah Jessica Parker
• A training session with one of Jennifer Lopez's personal trainers

Make a Night of It
Why not make a night of it this year? Participate in Dine Out Vancouver 2008 and indulge in the world-class hospitality of some of Vancouver's top hotels. A sample of participating hotels include: the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Hotel Le Soleil, The Listel Hotel, Comfort Inn Downtown and the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. Booking one of these packages is the only way to make a Dine Out Vancouver dinner reservation in advance of January 2. Packages start as low as $129, based on double occupancy, and are able to be booked immediately at www.tourismvancouver.com/dineout.
www.tourismvancouver.com

1) Is personal shopping just for the rich and famous? How do you make an appointment?
No! Personal shopping is for everyone - the rich and famous as well as you and me. It's a free service that Holt Renfrew offers. Just call the personal shopping department or come to the office. Tell the receptionist what you're looking for and you'll be matched with a personal shopper.

2) Is the service used by tourists?
Personal shopping is a great service for tourists and business travellers because they don't have a lot of time. People often get overwhelmed by the size of the store. We ask you your size in advance so that when you arrive we can have some items already picked out for you. When you've made your selection, we bring in our alterationist to make sure everything fits perfectly then we get it sent straight to your hotel. We can also help you find shoes and arrange a hair and makeup appointment at Holts Salon & Spa. All the while, you get to relax in the private personal shopping lounge with a glass of champagne. We want to make you feel spoiled!

3) What is the most unique request you've ever had as a personal shopper?
I had a customer call and say that her daughter-in-law said she needed some wardrobe advice. I went to her home, went through all her clothes and got to understand her style. Back at the store we picked out an entirely new wardrobe for her lifestyle. She loved it! We always try to go the extra mile at Holt Renfrew.

4) What's an easy gift idea under $50 at Holt Renfrew?
We have a wonderful line of soaps in all different scents. They have been around for years and they are very popular. Many people swear by them. They come beautifully packaged and ready to go as gifts. Of course, we also have lovely scarves, gloves and jewellery which all make wonderful and luxurious gifts.

5) What is your favourite thing about Holt Renfrew?
I love the elegant surroundings and the presentation of merchandise. When you walk in you feel pure luxury. That's what Holt Renfrew offers - pure luxury.

Holt Renfrew is Canada's leading luxury department store for men and women. The Vancouver location is the flagship store. For more information on Holt Renfrew or the personal shopping program, please contact Amber Sessions at asessions@tourismvancouver.com. .