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Our Community: ’Tis the season for good deeds

It’s “Open Houses!” for the sweetest little abodes in all Victoria at the Inn at Laurel Point with the annual National Gingerbread Showcase.
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Daniela Tuchel, a masterÕs graduate from Royal Roads School of Culture and Communication, studied experiences of Chinese immigrants.

It’s “Open Houses!” for the sweetest little abodes in all Victoria at the Inn at Laurel Point with the annual National Gingerbread Showcase.

The display features 25 gingerbread and candy creations completed by both amateur bakers and professional pastry chefs.

All the creators were instructed to dream up their cake and candy visions for things like a snowman’s home or the house of an elf.

Donations collected at the show will go to help Habitat for Humanity Victoria in their efforts to construct affordable homes for hard-working, lower income families.

The National Gingerbread Showcase is at the Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St., from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Jan. 4.

 

Researcher awarded for study of immigrants

Chinese professionals immigrating to Canada would do better with some cultural preparation, such as learning to appreciate ice hockey, says a researcher from Royal Roads University.

Daniela Tuchel, a master’s graduate from Royal Roads School of Culture and Communication, studied the experiences of Chinese immigrants to Canada. Tuchel concluded culture shock can be a barricade to success for them.

Cultural difficulties for immigrants could be as simple as not understanding Canada’s national obsession, hockey, or not wanting to appear too wise, she said.

Tuchel also heard foreign certifications and work experiences are often met with distrust in Canada. So immigrants often take jobs beneath their qualifications.

Tuchel’s research earned her an award this past week, the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation — Masters. It was presented in Ottawa on Tuesday.

Tuchel, 38, moved to Canada nine years ago, from Romania, where she worked as a journalist, but mostly overseas. She is now a Canadian citizen and lives in Vancouver.

Mitacs is a national, private, not-for-profit organization that partners governments, business and universities to support innovative research.

 

Businesses get a break on Huron Carole tickets

The Mustard Seed food bank and Canadian celebrity Tom Jackson want to make sure the house is full for this year’s Huron Carole.

With ticket sales a little slow for this year’s benefit concert, Jackson, the Huron Carole’s founder, and the Mustard Seed church are hoping businesses can be persuaded to purchase blocks of seats for $42.50 each, $10 off the regular price.

These tickets will be held aside for families who wouldn’t normally be able to attend the concert.

This year’s Huron Carole benefit concert is on Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Royal Theatre. A silent auction will also be held for some hotel packages.

The yearly benefit concert was founded by Jackson, who has been a longtime champion for marginalized people in Canada. Money raised goes to the Christmas and Winter Relief Association to support organizations doing hands on work to help the homeless and hungry.

This year’s Huron Carole concert includes Canadian musicians Don Amero, Shannon Gaye, Beverley Mahood and female country duo One More Girl.

Businesses can purchase tickets as a group purchase for a pay-it-forward blessing directly by calling the Royal Theatre at 250-361-0808.

 

Victoria students awarded gold in Vancouver

’Tis the season for hymns and carols, so it’s completely timely to give a shout-out to some Victoria gold-medal music makers.

Four Victoria students were awarded gold medals in their music exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Vancouver last Sunday.

Kamryn Laprade, 11, a Grade 6 student at St. Margaret’s School won for her score in Grade 1 flute. Laprade’s teacher is Emily Nagelbach.

Mariah McDonald, 13, home schooled in Saanich, won for Grade 5 voice.

Amy Leighton-Bickel, 12, a Grade 7 student at John Stubbs Memorial won for her mark in Grade 4 voice.

Both McDonald and Leighton-Bickel are taught by Colleen Ball.

Another gold medal for Grade 2 voice was awarded last summer to Zoe Maloughney, 12, a Grade 7 student at Arbutus Middle School. Joanne Hounsell is the teacher.

 

Philanthropy awards honour local volunteers

Ed Chwyl and Jarod Waters are separated by years of experience but they are joined in their spirit of service and generosity.

Chwyl, 71, a retired engineer from Alberta who now calls Victoria his community and Jarod Waters, 13, a Grade 8 student from Cedar Hill School both won awards for their efforts and generosity on National Philanthropy Day with medals from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Chwyl, who has called Victoria home since 2001, said working for others is a fulfilment of his Christian call to service. But it’s also a personal call to open his heart to the community he calls home.

“You get involved in things that stimulate you,” he said in an interview. “Once you get stimulated you get proactive and once you get proactive you give time and where you can, you offer financial help.”

In Chywl’s case, he and his family, have become proactive in their assistance to a number of agencies, notably the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific.

Meanwhile, in between hockey, Pokemon and Minecraft Jarod collects bottles and helps his grandmother Jennifer Waters at garage sale to raise money for Victoria Hospice.

“It gives me a nice warm feeling inside,” he said in a interview.

 

Pets of the homeless need TLC, too

Victoria Cool Aid Society is barking out for assistance to help the four-legged companions who are often the closest friends to homeless people.

Erin Gallagher, volunteer administrator at Rock Bay Landing shelter, said many homeless people will simply opt to sleep outdoors, rather than abandon their dog or cat.

So Gallagher said the shelter allows pets to enter the facility. The shelter also offers meals and some assistance, maybe a flea treatment or warm sweater.

“We have some very well dressed little dogs down here,” she said.

Urgently needed right now are dry dog and cat food. Flea treatments would also be greatly appreciated along with any new or gently used animal clothing or carriers.

To help out come to Rock Bay Landing, 535 Ellice St., on Monday, Nov. 24, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The effort is also supported by the Sooke Animal Food and Rescue Society.

March against violence to take back the night

Women and those who stand with them condemning sexualized violence are called to Take Back the Night by marching at the University of Victoria.

This Thursday, Nov. 27, marchers will meet at UVic to walk and hear speakers and attend a candlelight vigil. The event is organized by the UVic Women’s Centre with assistance from other concerned groups on campus.

Jasmindra Jawanda, outreach and communications co-ordinator at the women’s centre, said this will be the first Take Back the Night March at UVic in years.

But Jawanda said sexualized violence continues, notably in Western Canada against First Nations women.

She also said the march is for men and women and trans-gendered. “We say ‘Everyone is welcome.’”

Those interested should meet at the UVic Student Union Building at 4:30 p.m. to mobilize and hear speakers. The march is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. and will be followed by a candlelight vigil.

 

Event showcases history of Inner Harbour

Victoria’s Harbour, with its boats, ships, float planes and business, is one of the city’s most remarkable jewels.

And on Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is hosting an event to showcase the history of that gem.

Called Postcards from the Past, the event will highlight the history and stories and memories of Victoria’s working harbour. Citizens will also have the opportunities to share their own memories.

Exhibitors include the B.C. Archives, Hallmark Heritage Society, Maritime Museum of B.C. and Ogden Point Enhancement Society.

Rebecca Penz, Harbour Authority manager of stakeholder engagement and First Nations initiatives, said for the Harbour Authority to define a good future it also must develop an understanding and appreciation of its past.

“The whole focus will be on people’s memories and engagement with the Victoria Harbour,” said Penz.

Postcards from the Past will be on Tuesday, Nov, 25, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara St.

Admission is free.