Sample dishes by top chefs at the Hungry Hearts Gala, an annual culinary fundraiser to benefit Our Place’s food security programs, on Sept. 9.
This is the ninth year of the event, presented by Our Place and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The friendly competition features chefs representing eight local businesses, including House of Boateng Café and Catering, Virtuous Pie and Zambri’s. Each will prepare a dish for the event, and attendees will vote on their favourite.
The winner will be crowned the Hungry Hearts Champion.
All money raised will support Our Place, the largest provider of emergency meals in the Greater Victoria area.
Their kitchen team has estimated that they will spend between $150,000 and $175,000 this year on protein alone for the meals it prepares.
The Best of the Region auction is also returning this year, with more than 200 items that include packages to pamper yourself, go out to dinner, have a staycation, golf, work out, travel and more.
The auction items will be available for viewing starting Aug. 26 and open for bidding Aug. 28. The auction will close the night of the gala, Sept. 9.
Tickets for the gala are $175. The event runs 5:45 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, 100 Harbour Rd.
• For more information, go to . Tickets can be purchased by calling 250-940-5064 or through .
>>> Victoria Foundation grants target climate projects
The Victoria Foundation has announced $550,000 in grant funding for local organizations and First Nations addressing climate change through nature-based solutions.
This funding was made possible by a donor who left a legacy gift to support local environmental causes. Grants will be awarded to initiatives that protect, restore and manage terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine ecosystems in the capital region.
“The impacts of climate change affect us all, and it is more critical than ever to ensure our community has the resources it needs to sustain a thriving planet now and for our future generations,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO.
“This funding will help strengthen organizations already doing vital work to address climate change and to protect the natural areas in our community.”
Organizations can request a maximum of $50,000 in funding, with priority given to Indigenous-led, equity-deserving, community-led or grassroots nature-based activities.
Supported projects include initiatives that build capacity for land trusts and other organizations to protect, restore or steward natural areas.
Grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until Sept. 22, with disbursement by the end of the year.
• For more information, go to
>>> Help keep rehabilitation group moving
Walk, run, roll or cycle for MOVE The Distance, a fundraiser to support MOVE Adapted Fitness and Rehabilitation Society of B.C.
Participants can choose virtual eight-kilometre, half marathon (21.1 km), or full marathon (42.2 km) distances to complete over three weeks, or team up with others as a relay team.
An open house Sept. 10 will kick off the event. People can check out the facility, listen to live music, eat snacks and connect with community vendors and resources. Participants can also join a 2.5-km “race” to get a head start on their distance goal.
MOVE Adapted Fitness & Rehabilitation Society of B.C. is a registered non-profit society that provides accessible and therapeutic exercise for people of all physical abilities.
All proceeds from the event will be used to give people with disabilities in the community access to adapted and therapeutic exercise.
Registration is by donation, with a minimum $25 suggested.
The event runs Sept. 10 to 30. The in-person kick-off event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 10 at MOVE Adapted Fitness and Rehabilitation, 100-775 Topaz Ave.
For more information, go to .
>>> Run supports 91原创 Perinatal Foundation
Registration is open for the second annual Healing Hearts Run for the 91原创 Perinatal Foundation on Sept. 23.
The event, hosted by the 91原创 Perinatal Foundation, raises funds to support families who have experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss or infertility with counselling, programs and support. Participants can choose between a five-kilometre run and a two-kilometre walk.
“There is no public funding for support services for bereaved families. Everyone should have access to compassionate, wrap-around care,” said Dr. Kim MacDonald, the foundation’s co-founder.
There is no cost to register, but donations are accepted. People can register individually or as a team, gathering pledges.
While the event is meant to raise funds and awareness, it will also be a safe space where parents who have struggled with infertility or a loss can connect and build community.
The event runs 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd. There is also an option to join the event virtually.
For more information, go to
