Every box of Granola That Counts comes packaged with a special ingredient: hope.
Proceeds from the sale of the cereal, produced by volunteers under supervision in the Truffles Catering kitchen, will help fund Every Step Counts, a walking and running program hosted at Cool Aid.
The cereal will be available only until Feb. 6 at Thrifty Foods, which has offered to place the product in its stores at no cost during this promotion.
“We are so fortunate to have generous businesses behind our runners and this product,” said Gillie Easdon, co-ordinator of the fitness program. “Because of their support, 100 per cent from the sale of the granola will go toward promoting healthy lifestyle choices for people battling challenges with housing, mental health, addiction and other issues.”
Other businesses that have also pitched in to get this item on to shelves include: Victoria Box and Paper donated packaging and display materials, McAllister Marketing donated point-of-sale marketing materials and Vancity provided a framework and tools on how to embark on a social enterprise.
The granola, made with dates, coconut, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, toasted almonds, sesame seeds and cinnamon, has been extensively taste-tested, with an estimated 31,000 bowls served to appreciative participants in the fitness program two times a week for the past three years.
Since its inception in 2009, the Every Step Counts program has helped more than 600 people improve their lives. It is funded in part by Frontrunners, the Jawl Foundation, the Truffles Group and the Victoria Foundation.
A 454-gram (one-pound) package of the cereal costs $9.99 and will be available until Feb. 6 at all 11 Victoria-area Thrifty Foods locations. To learn more, visit coolaid.org/granola.
Thrifty Foods raises $90,000 for food banks
On Friday, Thrifty Foods announced the wrap-up of its Food for Families fundraiser, with more than $90,000 donated to 15 local food banks.
“The giving nature of our customers amazes me year after year,” said Jim Dores, Thrifty Foods general manager. “We know that family resources are tight during and after Christmas gift-giving, yet each and every store received generous cash donations at the checkout, as well as non-perishable goods donated by the bag.”
Food for Families is a food bank fundraiser that gathers both cash and food donations within 15 distinct communities served by Thrifty stores. In addition to donations, several stores hosted special events on site to generate more awareness for the annual food bank drive.
The fundraiser has raised more than $1 million in donations since 2008. For more information, go to thriftyfoods.com.
College alumni organize fundraiser for UWC
Two United World Colleges alumni are hosting Cider for Scholarships, a fundraiser to ensure future hopefuls wanting to attend one of the colleges have the opportunity, regardless of their ability to pay.
Jaime Morrison has partnered with Kristen Jordan, who owns Sea Cider, an organic apple orchard and cidery in Central Saanich, to host the event at the end of the month.
Pearson College in Victoria is one of 14 United World Colleges worldwide that make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures. Students spend two years studying with peers from 90-plus countries, which fosters a real understanding of diverse cultures, languages, religions, political systems and socio-economic backgrounds.
Admission is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and community service — not ability to pay. For most alumni, attending the school would have been impossible without scholarships.
But public funding cutbacks in recent years have meant colleges have to rely increasingly on private donations to fund the scholarships.
“We are relatively recent United World College alumni, and we recognize that we are incredibly fortunate to have received such a unique international education,” said Morrison. “By hosting this event, we hope to make this opportunity available for other youth.”
The event will be a night of award-winning cider, gourmet appetizers, international entertainment by Pearson College students and a silent auction.
Tickets are $100 if purchased before Thursday, $120 after. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at Sea Cider, 2487 Mount St. Michael Rd., Saanichton. For more information, go to ciderforscholarships.wordpress.com.
Canadian Club to host Green MP May
The Canadian Club of Victoria is hosting a lunch meeting with guest speaker Elizabeth May, MP and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Jan. 20.
May will speak on global warming.
The cost of the luncheon is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The event takes place at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec St. Reservations are required by Friday. Guests are welcome. Please call 250-370-1837 for more information or go to thecanadianclubofvictoria.com.
Driving instruction targets seniors
Seniors who would like to maintain or improve their driving skills should consider signing up for the Beware, Prepare and Don’t Despair program on Friday. The program would be of interest to seniors who have been asked to do a driving review or have had a family member express concern about driving behaviours.
The workshop is part of a Speaker Series presented by the Victoria Centre of the Silver Threads Service. Programs will be held the third Friday of each month and cover health care, wellness, lifestyle and other topics.
This week’s workshop, suitable for anyone 55 years and older, is being led by Steve Wallace of Wallace Driving School and the first of the new Speaker Series.
“We strive to help seniors remain independent and support lifelong learning,” said Debbie Erb, centre director. “All skills, including driving, can be something to brush up on and we are pleased to have Steve Wallace’s assistance and expertise in this area.”
Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-for-profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors.
Admission is free but reservations are recommended. The session runs 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 2340 Richmond Rd. Call 250-388-4268 to reserve. For more information, go to silverthreads.ca.
Lions raise $16,000 recycling trees
The B.C. Lions Society’s annual Chip In for the Kids Christmas-tree-recycling campaign was another resounding success, raising more than $16,000 for the service club.
Residents from Greater Victoria, Sooke and Duncan showed up in droves to have their Christmas trees chipped and recycled.
“We are truly grateful for the support and kindness of the community,” said Shannon Bernays, director of special events for the Vancouver Island chapter of the organization. “With this kind of support, we are able to continue providing much-needed services for children with disabilities and their families.”
All money raised at the event goes to support Easter Seals programs and services, including the annual Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, where 300 children with disabilities are able to enjoy themselves.
Donors, volunteers and sponsors who participated include 103.1 JACK FM, Ocean 98.5, CTV Vancouver Island, Davey Tree Services, Competition Tree Service, Western Island Tree Service, Peninsula Co-op, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Hothouse Pizza, Thrifty Foods at Hillside, Western Foods at Sooke, Starbucks Coffee, Titanium Tents and local Lions and Lioness Clubs. For more information, visit lionsbc.ca.
Gingerbread showcase generates $37,000
The sixth annual Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase has turned dough into cash, raising more than $37,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
More than 4,800 votes were cast during the event, with Christmas on Endor by Crystal Smith and Kaprieli Vataiki from Cloverdale Out of School Care winning the 2014 People’s Choice Award.
Gingerbread houses crafted by Anne-Marie Fortin and Jennifer Dumont were the winners in the professional and home-baker categories respectively.
All the funds raised will support Habitat for Humanity Victoria and its efforts to make affordable home ownership possible for low-income families living in the Victoria region. For more information, go to habitatvictoria.
CRA looking for tax-filing volunteers
The Canada Revenue Agency is offering free training to volunteers who want to help people in the community file simple income-tax returns. Volunteers are needed on Vancouver Island and on the Gulf Islands.
The initiative is part of the agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. The only requirements are for individuals to be willing to be affiliated with a community organization and have a basic understanding of income tax.
For more than 40 years, community organizations have offered free tax-preparation clinics in various locations, reaching out to those with modest incomes, seniors, students and newcomers to Canada. Last year, 263 volunteers in 63 community organizations on Vancouver Island helped more than 17,000 people prepare and file their returns.
“Some people don’t realize they must file an income-tax and benefit return to receive their benefits and credits,” said Zubie Vuurens, CRA co-ordinator. “Helping members of your community prepare and file their tax returns ensures these individuals receive their benefits and credits they’re entitled to without interruptions.”
Training sessions start this month. For more information, call 1-888-805-6662 or cra.gc.ca/volunteer.