BULLETIN BOARD

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Include a brief (25 words or fewer) description of the event, date, time, address, price and phone number.

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Deadline is seven days prior to publication date at 5 p.m., earlier submissions are helpful. Mail to Times Colonist, Box 300, Victoria, B.C., V8W 2N4, Attn. Listings. Fax to: 250-380-5353. Questions? Call 250-380-5337.

VOLUNTEERING

Primary Schools For Africa Society is a non-profit charity that is building schools in Tanzania and has the following volunteer opportunities: An experienced bookkeeper: to work part-time, about four or five hours per month, and energetic promoters and presenters. Tel. 250-598-4207 Saanich Volunteer Services seeks drivers, visitors and home repair persons to help a neighbour. Tel. 250-595-8008.

Craigdarroch Castle is seeking volunteer docents and cashiers. Join a dynamic and diverse team and help share the history of Victoria and the castle to 100,000+ visitors per year. Contact 250-592-5323 x32 or ehazell@thecastle.ca.

Seniors Serving Seniors: Return to Health Program. Volunteers needed to provide social support and encouragement to isolated and lonely seniors before, during and after a hospitalization. Tel. 250-382-4331.

Recreation Integration Victoria needs volunteers to share recreational interests with a person with a disability. Contact the leisure assistance co-ordinator at 250-477-6314 or volunteers@rivonline.org.

Victoria Branch of Victoria's Quilts Canada makes quilts for people with cancer in B.C. If you would like to volunteer or donate fabric, batting or flannelette, email victoria@victoriasquiltscanada.com.

Knitters and Crocheters: Blanket squares needed, either knit or crocheted, or help in creating blankets. Michaels craft room, Thursday afternoons, 1-4: 30 p.m. Tel. 250-727-6786.

Volunteer at downtown's new thrift store, Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, open every day at 1736 Douglas St. Tel. 250-590-2719.

Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association provides a therapeutic riding program for children and adults. No experience is necessary (we provide training), but volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Classes Monday-Thursday mornings and Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. 778-426-0506 or vrda@shaw.ca

Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs animal rescue volunteers. Tel. 250-474-5581 or visit animalcrusaders.ca/how-to

Volunteer Drivers for the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre, class 4 drivers' licence required for a.m. and p.m. trips. Tel. 250-391-4921.

Volunteer Driver Dispatchers to coordinate drives for cancer clients to medical appointments through volunteer driver program. 250-414-4253 or see cancervolunteer.ca

Single Moms: Mentors needed for the Moms and Mentors Program, Single Parent Resource Centre. Weekly connection with mom, monthly meeting for all moms and mentors. Tel. 250-721-5995.

Capital City Volunteers seeks people to visit or drive. Tel. 2503800660 or capitalcityvolunteers.org.

Kids Help Phone seeks volunteer student ambassador liaisons in the Victoria area. Tel. 1-877-267-7057 or bc@kidshelpphone.ca.

Volunteer Mentors needed for young people at risk of becoming involved with crime. Tel. 250-386-3428 or kidstart.ca

Peer Helpers - Single Parent Resource Centre seeks volunteers to help single parents using the centre. Send resumé and covering letter to cheryl@singleparentvictoria.ca or

FUNDRAISERS AND THRIFT STORES

Big Brothers Big Sisters clothing drive: support mentoring programs for children in our community by donating gently used clothing, beddings and linens. We now have an attended donation station at the parking lot of Canadian Tire, 855 Langford Parkway, every Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or tel. 250-385-7226 for free pickup.

Victoria Hospice Thrift Boutique, profits to Victoria Hospice end-of-life care. Help by donating better-quality fashions, jewelry, accessories, collectibles and household items. 1315 Cook St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Tel. 250-361-4966.

Victoria Chapter of Bicycles for Humanity: B4H, a not-for-profit organization is seeking mountain bikes, spare parts and financial donations to facilitate shipment to Africa for use by villagers and medical teams. We will pick up. Contact 250-479-7415, lwille@telus.net or b4hvictoria@gmail.com

EMI Gift Shop, 2334 Trent St. New, used books, clothing, jewelry etc. Proceeds to clients of CMHA. Tel. 250-370-8497.

Canadian Diabetes Clothesline program needs usable clothing. Free pickup. Tel. 250-380-3024.

Community Closet thrift store, 435 Simcoe St. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; accepts donations at those times. New volunteers welcome.

Donation Drive at Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, grateful to have clothing books, movies, music, house wares, art/decorations (no electric items or furniture). Donations accepted 10 a.m.-4 p.m Sundays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. 1736 Douglas St. Tel. 250-590-2719.

Church Thrift Shops

- Gordon Head United Church Thrift Shop, 4201 Tyndall Ave., Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-477-4142.

- St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop, 680 Courtney St., first and third Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon. 250-384-5734.

- St. Aidan's Thrift Shop, 3703 St. Aidan's St. 250-477-2089 ext. 7. Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month, 9: 30 a.m.-1 p.m.

- Church of Our Lord Thrift Shop, 626 Blanshard St. Friday, 9: 30 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. 250-383-8915.

- James Bay United Church Thrift Shop, 517 Michigan St. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-384-5821.

- Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St. Thrift Shop and Annex, every Friday and first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-12: 30 p.m. 250-384-5821.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND COUNSELLING

Victoria Prostate Cancer Support Association meeting, information and support forum for patients, survivors and their families. Barbara Warman from Family Caregivers Network Society will address the topic: Moving Forward Through Caregiving. Tuesday 6: 45 p.m., Begbie Hall, 2101 Richmond Rd. Tel. 250-216-2875.

Victoria Fibromyalgia Networking (Support) Group meeting with guest speaker compounding pharmacist, Bob Mehr speaking on the benefits of taking a Magnesium Supplement to help with fibromyalgia muscle pain.

Monday, 1 p.m. at the First Metropolitan United Church, Quadra at Balmoral. Reference Library is available for browsing at 12: 30 p.m. We ask for a minimum $2 donation at the door. Tel. 250-381-5202.

Men's Group: Ongoing facilitated support group for men committed to a nonviolent lifestyle. Every Monday night, minimal cost. For more information, contact ccporter@shaw.ca

Beyond Affairs Network - Are you dealing with the aftermath of learning about your spouse or partner's affair? If so, BAN can help. Contact the Vancouver Island co-ordinator at qualicumbeachban@yahoo.ca to learn more about our support group.

GriefShare, for people struggling through the grieving process. Join this free weekly seminar, Tuesdays, 1: 30-3 p.m., to April 24 at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-385-7786 to register.

Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Branch, to assist members and their families. Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tel. 250-652-3016.

Dual Recovery Anonymous, support group for recovery from both an addiction of any kind and a mental health issue, 941 Kings Rd., Tuesdays, 7: 30-8: 30 p.m. Tel. 250-384-4225 or visit dualrecoveryanon@gmail.com

Gamblers' Anonymous helps people who will play until their last dollar has gone. Meets Tuesdays, 150-2101 Richmond Rd., 7: 30-8: 30 p.m. Visit victoriaga.org

Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer for compulsive eaters. No fees, dues or weigh-ins, meetings daily. Newcomers meeting Saturdays at 10: 30 am at CHR Health Unit, 947 Cook St. Tel. 250-413-3093.

Borderline Personality Support Group drop-in. Family members/ friends welcome. First and third Wednesday of each month, 941 Kings Rd., 7 p.m. Contact: 250-383-5144 ex. 2127 or bpdvictoria@gmail.com

Seniors Entitlement Service, assisting seniors with pensions, health care and other issues at Blanshard Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd. Trained advocates are on duty. Tel. 250-388-7696, ext. 223.

Al-Anon: Are you troubled by someone else's drinking?

Tel. 250-383-4020.

Victoria Women's Transition House offers group and individual counselling to women age 50-plus who have experienced intimate partner abuse (emotional, psychological, financial, verbal, physical) and/or any abuse from their adult children. No cost involved. Tel. 250-385-6611.

Postpartum Depression Support. VIHA public health nurses lead weekly support groups plus occasional evening education sessions for families. Call your local health unit or visit the VIHA website at viha.ca.

Grief and Loss Group: drop-in program. Tuesdays, 10: 30 a.m., Saanich Silver Threads, 286 Hampton Rd. and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Victoria Silver Threads, 1728 Douglas St. Tel. 250-382-3151 before attending.

Origins offers resources and support for mothers and children separated by adoption and seeking to connect. Tel. 250-419-1200 or visit originscanada.org.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Victoria presents two 12-step groups to help people recover from porn, sex, love and romance addictions, meeting weekly. Tel. 250-592-1916 or fernwoodcontact@gmail.com.

Nicotine Anonymous meets Saturdays, 10: 30 a.m.-noon at 1076 Joan Cres. Tel. 250-388-3151.

NarAnon, support for family and friends of drug addicts. Meetings 7-8: 30 p.m. Mondays at 5500 Hamsterly Rd., Wednesdays from Feb. 15 at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, Pearkes Arena. Tel. 250-704-2801.

SELF IMPROVEMENT, SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Free adult ESL classes with free childcare at SPEAKWELL ESL English Conversation Program. Wednesdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Bldg (next to Gordon Head Rec Centre). Contact speakwellesl@gmail.com or 250-721-0497.

Oneness Wednesdays presents Living Music: Learning Life Skills Through Music, with Brian Martin. Feb.15, 22, 29, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. Free or by donation. Tel. 250-380-6383 or cotvictoria.ca.

Victoria Pranic Healers Centre weekly meditation with healing clinics, Mondays, 7 p.m., Tuesdays, 1 p.m. at 847 Fisgard St. Tel. 250-590-1398.

ShoDai Meditation, Wednesdays, Cowichan University Campus, Duncan. Buddha Discovery Service, Nichiren Buddha Society, Sundays. Details at tel. 778-722-0155 or VIRetreats.com

TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly): A non-profit, non-commercial, affordable weight loss support and wellness education organization meets weekly. For details, visit tops.org, tel. 1-800-932-8677 or contact connerly@telus.net.

Buddha Discovery Service, Nichiren Buddha Society, Sundays. Details at tel. 778-722-0155 or VIRetreats.com

Free ESL classes for Seniors, Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. in the Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre, 1767 Island Highway. Membership is required.

There is financial help through the LIFE program. Learn English, make new friends and join in some of the activities at the Centre.

Free ESL Classes at Central Baptist Church. Sundays, 9: 30-10: 15 am. 833 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-385-7786 or go to centralbaptistchurch.ca.

Ladies Fitness/Self-Defence. Free, meet every Wednesday, 8 p.m., 4091 Braefoot Rd. Tel. 250-882-8831.

Modern Buddhism: Discover the power of meditation. For complete schedule of classes, retreats and special events, please contact Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre, 2020A Douglas St.

Tel. 250-592-7164 or visit MeditateInVictoria.org. Weekly dropin classes $10:

- Mondays, Bodhichitta Centre, 7: 30-9 p.m. or Sidney Public Library, 10: 30 a.m.-noon.

- Wednesdays: Esquimalt Rec Centre, 7: 15-8: 45 p.m. or Fairfield United Church, 7: 30-9 p.m.

- Kid's Dharma Class, activities include a spiritual topic, story time and arts and crafts. Classes are taught by experienced Dharma students. Drop-in for ages 4-10, Next class, Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-noon.

- Special Event: Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Amitayus with Gen Kelsang Zopa. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre.

Falun Gong: A special qigong method for cultivation practice of mind and body. Free. Tel. 250-658-2089.

Massage with Vitality Plus Program. First session is $10. Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook St. Certified chair practitioner. Tel. 250-590-2220 for appointment.

Way of Mastery: From sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality, from fear to love. Wednesdays, 7-9: 30 p.m., 415-200 Dallas Rd. By donation. Tel. 250-920-0948 first.

Making the Divine Connection: Meditation on the Inner light and sound presented by Science of Spirituality. All programs free of charge. Tel. 250-479-5731 or go to sos.org

COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL ACTIVISTS

Bicycles for Humanity, (B4H) Victoria. Now collecting good used road, mountain bikes, spare parts and financial donations to ship our 3rd container load of bikes to Africa, where they are given a new life, helping empower some of the worlds poorest people by improving access to health care, education, employment, food and water. Details at b4hvictoria.blogspot.com. We can pick up or you drop off, contact lijuwi@hotmail.com

End Homelessness: Meetings first and third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at Silver Threads, Douglas and Herald, second and fourth Wednesdays, 1.30 p.m. at Our Place., 919 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-480-4854.

SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

United Empire Loyalists meeting with light lunch. Three Loyalist descendants will describe the hardships and triumphs of their Loyalist ancestors. Saturday, Feb. 18, noon, at Ramada Inn, 123 Gorge Rd. E. Tel. 250-655-8846.

Greater Victoria Philatelic Society meeting, Friday, Feb. 17, 7: 45 p.m. at Windsor Park Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Rd. Visit vicstamps.com for more info. Tel. 250-385-1561

Saanich Newcomers Club for women meets on Thursday, 11: 30 a.m at Cedar Hills Golf Club. A guest speaker from Rogers Chocolates follows the meeting. See saanichnewcomers.com

Victoria Genealogical Society Workshop: Last Words: Writing great obituaries that mark a life and make history with Jenni Aitkenon. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon at 947 Alston St. Cost: $10/$15. Tel. 250-360-2808 or go to victoriags.org

ASHRAE monthly dinner meeting with topic, New European technologies and their application in North America presented by Tim McGinn, P.

Eng., LEED AP. Thursday, 5 p.m. at Howard Johnson Hotel, 4670 Elk Lake Dr. RSVP by Wednesday, before noon at ashrae145@gmail.com

Golden Rods & Reels Fishing & Social Club meets Tuesdays, 9 a.m., at 1728 Douglas St. Monthly fishing demo and instruction. For information, visit goldenrodsandreels.com.

Victoria Model Shipbuilding Society meets the second Thursday of every month at 7: 30 p.m. in the lower hall of the Garden City United Church at 4034 Carey Rd. New members are welcome to share the many aspects of the world's oldest model hobby. Tel. 250-385-9552.

Saanich Songmen welcome male seniors who can carry a tune (no auditions). Friendly, fun group singing popular standards. Rehearse Saturdays, 9: 30-11: 30 a.m. and give concerts every Wednesday afternoon. Tel. 250-361-9878 or 250-382-3151.

Victoria Mandolin Orchestra welcomes new members on various instruments, guitar and bass. Intermediate level playing and music reading. Practice Tuesdays 7: 30-9: 30 p.m. Contact chandrac@shaw.ca or members.shaw.ca/cmvarcoe

Toastmasters International welcomes guests. Find a time and place to suit at victoriatoastmasters.org.

Village Squires barbershop chorus practises every Tuesday, 7-10 p.m. at Centennial United Church, 612 David St. (at Gorge Rd. E.) Tel. 250-472-2626 or visit evg.org/vsquires.