Gala raises $1 million for Victoria General Hospital gear
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Miracle on the Mountain Gala raised a record-breaking $1 million for the Imaging is Power campaign for new medical imaging equipment for Victoria General Hospital.
The sold-out fundraising event was held at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort on May 25.
The gala was kickstarted by local donor Craig Mearns, who announced he would match donations up to $500,000.
“This final total is a tribute to the incredible philanthropists in our community, and a pure reflection of the West Shore’s generous nature,” said Avery Brohman, Victoria Hospitals Foundation CEO.
“We know that the strongest hospitals across Canada have the strongest philanthropy and what we have done for our imaging department at VGH is powerful and transformative.”
In total, more than 450 guests, donors and local businesses contributed to the event through auctions, a raffle, sponsorships, tickets and a pledge drive.
The Imaging is Power campaign now has just a little over $1 million left to go to hit its $11-million goal.
• For more information, or to donate, go to , call 250-519-1750, visit the foundation’s office on the Royal Jubilee Hospital campus, or mail a cheque to Wilson Block, 1952 Bay St., Victoria B.C., V8R 1J8.
Elk Lake gets wheelchair-accessible fishing dock
A wheelchair-accessible floating fishing dock in Elk Lake featuring accessible rod holders, fish-cleaning stations and benches is one of the improvements in regional parks the Capital Regional District highlighted as part of National AccessAbility Week, May 26 to June 1.
“Accessibility is not just about removing barriers — it’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer,” said CRD board chair Colin Plant.
“We will continue to strive for inclusivity in every project, ensuring that our natural spaces can be enjoyed by all, regardless of ability.”
The project was spearheaded by World Fisheries Trust and the Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club, who applied for funding through 91原创 Economic Development Canada under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the Rotary Club of Saanich also financially supported the project.
Other enhancements include more detailed online information to aid accessible trip planning, removing physical barriers to parks and trails, adding accessible picnic tables, installation of mobility mats for lake use, and adding accessible parking stalls and improved surfacing to help mobility-aid users navigate trails more easily.
CRD Parks says accessibility and equity will continue to be a key consideration as park infrastructure is built or replaced.
• For more information on the CRD Parks commitment to accessibility, go to crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks/park-usage-rules/accessibility.
How to cheer HarbourCats and donate to Soap for Hope
The Victoria HarbourCats have partnered with Soap for Hope Canada to install a collection bin at Royal Athletic Park during the HarbourCats’ 2024 season.
The initiative will allow spectators to drop off donations of gently used shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion products or new or unused deodorants, toothpaste and toothbrushes in a designated bin.
The collected hygiene and oral-care products will be donated to more than 2,000 children and teens in need.
The bin will be installed in time for the HarbourCats’ first home game, June 7.
Soap for Hope Canada is a Victoria-based organization that primarily works with the hotel industry, diverting almost 10-million hygiene products and linens from the landfill since 2015. It donates the products to those in need.
• For more information, go to .
CityVibe guide tells you what’s happening in Victoria
Almost 200 concerts, festivals, arts programs, public markets and family-friendly events are planned for downtown Victoria and adjacent parks this summer.
You can find out exactly what’s happening where between June and September in the recently unveiled City of Victoria CityVibe guide.
Along with free concerts, listed events include activities such as learning Chinese Lion Dancing in Beacon Hill Park or ballroom dancing lessons.
CityVibe also includes information about Summer Nights at Royal Athletic Park, Pop-Up Family Dances hosted by artist in residence Kemi Craig, free seedlings for your garden or patio and information about the Downtown Victoria Bike Valet.
“We invite residents and visitors to enjoy this incredible lineup of free live music and arts and culture programming in our vibrant downtown and beautiful parks,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “Mark your calendars with lots of great activities, including Music at Ship Point, a summer-long mid-week concert series paired with food-trucks, a beer garden, games and lots of free fun, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Inner Harbour.”
All festivals and events showcased are recipients of the City of Victoria’s Festival Investment Grants, which are awarded to local non-profit arts and culture organizations to nurture the development of festivals and celebrations.
• For more information, go to .
Charity art auction helps makes homes more affordable
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s recent Open a Door charity art auction raised almost $15,000 toward the charity’s mission to build affordable homes for families across Greater Victoria.
The auction featured doors that were transformed into works of art by 48 local artists and displayed at Mayfair Shopping Centre.
“The door to affordable home ownership that Habitat Victoria provides is becoming more and more important every day,” said CEO Scott Dutchak. “We are providing opportunities to families that elevate them from forever renters to homeowners, while providing true housing security.”
• For more information and to see the creations, go to www.habitatvictoria.com/openadoor
Books and puzzles boost church-supported charities
Choose from thousands of pre-owned books and puzzles on shelves, tables and in pews at the Churchmouse Bookshop Summer Book Sale, at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church in Oak Bay, on Saturday June 8.
Enjoy live music while browsing or visit the tables of community groups working on ecological sustainability and climate awareness.
Dine on pulled-pork sandwiches or hot dogs washed down with hot and cold beverages.
Admission is free and children and pets are encouraged.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 8 at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Rd.
To comply with municipal zoning and permit regulations, the bookshop, which is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, does not sell books. The books are given in return for a donation that goes to charities supported by the church, such as the Food Bank at St. John the Divine, Threshold Housing Society and Our Place Society.
