The Peninsula Streams Society is looking for volunteers willing to get muddy to help build fencing to protect an upcoming restoration project at Craigflower Marsh, Sept 4 to 6.
The society is currently undertaking a renaturalization project in the Craigflower Creek Marsh Estuary, and planning to plant native species in the waterway.
To aid in the survival of the plants , it’s installing fencing made from willow to prevent geese from disturbing the site.
Volunteers are needed to harvest willow whips from Tod Flats one day and to build the fencing the following two days.
The willow harvesting party runs 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.
Those interested should meet in the Red Barn parking lot, by the coffee/ice cream trailer. Gloves and tools will be provided.
The fence installation runs 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 5 and 6.
Those interested should meet in View Royal Park parking lot. Volunteers should come with high boots or waders — and be prepared to get a little muddy.
• For more information, to volunteer or to donate, go to .
>>> Boost for mental-health ed through Stigma-Free Society
The Stigma-Free Society has secured $180,000 in funding to expand mental-health education in schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
The funding will enable the society to expand school education programs such as the Student Mental Health Toolkit, virtual presentations, Stigma-Free Clubs and professional development sessions for educators.
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions underscores our joint commitment to providing impactful programming that promotes mental health awareness,” said Andrea Paquette, president and co-founder of the society.
“This collaboration enables us to reach even more students and educators, creating lasting change within our schools.”
The society says the expansion of the school programming aligns with its mission to reduce the stigma surrounding mental-health challenges and pave the way for a holistic approach to mental health in schools.
• For more information, go to.
>>> Tour de Cure raises $7.1M in the war on cancer
The B.C. Cancer Foundation’s recently completed 2023 Tour de Cure, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, has raised $7.1 million for cancer research and support.
The annual event is B.C.’s largest cycling fundraiser, with more than 1,500 cyclists raising money while participating in a two-day journey from Cloverdale to Hope. Participants rode either 200 or 260 kilometres, depending on their route choice.
“Thank you to the incredible Tour de Cure community for another remarkable year — it’s an honour to ride with you,” said Sarah Roth, president and CEO, B.C. Cancer Foundation. “All donations raised through this event directly support B.C. Cancer, bringing hope to our loved ones.
The money raised will support more than
20 programs at B.C. Cancer, including clinical trials, research into numerous types of cancers, screening programs and enhancements to supportive care services.
The event has raised more than $120 million since its inception in 2009.
• For more information, go to
>>> Firefighters donate $25,000 for pediatric care
Greater Victoria Firefighters recently donated $25,000 to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation as part of a pledge to raise $250,000 over 10 years to support pediatric care at Victoria General Hospital.
The pledge is a renewal of a 10-year commitment of $250,000 made by the Professional Firefighters of Greater Victoria Community Foundation in 2011.
The funds will go toward an array of equipment for the pediatric and neonatal care unit at Victoria General Hospital.
“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity the Professional Firefighters of Greater Victoria has shown over the past twelve years in supporting our littlest patients on 91原创 Island and their families,” said Colleen Bronson, Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s manager of philanthropy.
Bronson said each year, more than 5,000 babies and children receive in-hospital care at VGH and 80 per cent of the equipment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and 60 per cent of equipment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is funded by donors like the firefighters. “Because of them, we can care for 98 per cent of those patients on the Island,”she said — rather than sending them elsewhere.
Firefighters from Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay and Esquimalt also staged a drive-by with their fire trucks for young patients at the hospital.
Children lined the windows of the pediatric unit with handmade signs of thanks, while those feeling well enough gathered on the sidewalk to show their gratitude in person.
The Professional Firefighters of Greater Victoria Community Foundation has donated $300,000 toward life-saving equipment at Victoria General Hospital since 2011. The equipment includes a pediatric cardiac ultrasound system, a pediatric ventilator and patient monitors.
This year’s commitment is expected to help fund needed ventilators within both units.
Victoria General Hospital is the referral centre for maternity and pediatrics on 91原创 Island and accepts transfers from within the province.
• For more information, go to .
>>> Open house at Oliver Woods Community Centre
Try out fitness programs, check out sports such as badminton and pickleball or have children try Gym Pals at an open house for the Oliver Woods Community Centre in north Nanaimo on Sunday, Sept. 10.
The open house, hosted by the City of Nanaimo’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, promises a variety of activities for all ages to participate in — from toddlers to seniors.
The public can meet staff and user-group representatives, see demos of the wellness park and enter to win a variety of prizes, including a $100 gift card.
The open house runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at Oliver Woods Recreation Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd. in north Nanaimo.
• For more information, go to .
