The Grade 2 class at Macaulay Elementary School recently got an A+ in caring for others, after raising more than $370 for the Victoria SPCA.
Along with staging bake and popcorn sales, many of the 21 students went even further, bringing in the money they had saved in their piggy banks.
“I am so proud of my students. They have really gotten into supporting the community,” said Deanna Reid, their teacher at the school. “Along with the money they raised, they also brought in dog food, toys and leashes.”
The class of seven- and eight-year-olds was also given a writing assignment on the impact of their actions.
One of the essays recounted how helping others gave the writer “a good feeling inside.” Others talked about how positive it was to help animals who couldn’t help themselves.
The fundraising campaign concluded with a cheque presentation to a representative of the SPCA in class. To donate, go to spca.bc.ca/branches/victoria.
United Way campaign finishes with $5.7M
The United Way officially wrapped up its latest campaign on Tuesday, with Victorians donating $5.7 million to help their less-fortunate neighbours.
Every year, thousands contribute to the United Way campaign. This year attracted more than 8,000 donors from 500 worksites, backed by the work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
“The citizens of Greater Victoria have stepped up yet again and demonstrated their commitment to building a strong, caring and inclusive community,” said Patricia Jelinski, CEO at United Way. “There is a significant need for a strong and stable network of social services in our community.
“At United Way, we are committed to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable citizens today while working to address the root causes of social issues and create sustainable change for the future. It is a privilege to come together with so many community leaders and supporters from business, labour, government and the non-profit sector to take on this challenge.”
While the official campaign has wrapped up, the final celebrations and recognition will take place during the United Way’s Spirit Awards luncheon on April 21. For more information, go to uwgv.ca.
Help pull invasive plants at Uplands Park
Free refreshments await those who join members of the Friends of Uplands Park in removing invasive plants, such as English ivy and carpet burweed, from the endangered ecosystems of Cattle Point on April 12.
People ready to attack the so-called carpet of death under the trees are asked to bring their own pruners, loppers, saws and gloves — although suitable tools will be provided for those needing them.
The event runs 1 to 4 p.m. at Cattle Point lower parking lot. To sign up, contact Margaret Lidkea, 250-595-8084. For more information, go to friendsofuplandspark.wordpress.com.
iPads provide help for children with autism
Your old iPad or other tablet computer could open up the world for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
April is Autism Awareness Month and to celebrate, Vector Rehabilitation Services, a local occupational therapy provider, has launched an iPad and tablet drive to collect the popular portable computers for children and youth living with the condition in Victoria.
Diagnosis rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder have skyrocketed in the past 20 years, with one in 68 children receiving the diagnosis. Tablets have been proven to be beneficial in therapy for children with autism.
They open up opportunities for service delivery and resource access, among other things. They are, however, too expensive for some families, and the funds to purchase the devices would have to be diverted from treatment or research.
Gently used tablets will first be refurbished by BlackApple Cellular before they are distributed to children, teens and young adults with the condition.
As a thank-you, donors can receive a gift card donated by local businesses such as Accent Inns, Action Motorcycles, Magicuts, Merry Maids, Fresh Coast Health Food and others.
The iPad and Tablet Drive starts Monday and runs until the end of the month.
People can drop off their devices at the Vector Rehabilitation office, 110-2659 Douglas St. For more information, go to vectorrehab.ca or thevitalprogram.ca/tablet-drive-for-autism-awareness.html
Ocean researcher explores underwater network
Kate Moran, CEO of Oceans Network at the University of Victoria, speaks at the provincial conference of the Canadian Federation of University Women next Saturday. The event is hosted by the Saanich Peninsula chapter of the organization.
Considered a rock star of the science world, Moran was named one of the innovators of the year by the Globe and Mail in January. She is doing groundbreaking work with the Smart Oceans Project.
The federation is a non-profit organization that supports lifelong learning for women. The local chapter of the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary this year; the national will commemorate 100 years in 2019. They raise money for scholarships and advocate on a variety of issues.
Keynote speaker and buffet lunch is $35, and the registration deadline is Wednesday. The event runs noon to 2 p.m. April 18 at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney. For more information, go to fcfdu.org.
Magic Wand ready to help with grad outfits
Prom doesn’t have to be an expensive rite of passage for high school students or their families, thanks to a program that lends out prom dresses, tuxedos and accessories for use at graduation ceremonies.
The Magic Wand project is an alternative to renting a tux or purchasing an expensive dress for the night of the prom.
The non-profit organization offers a large selection of new and gently used donated grad dresses and tuxedos, including all accessories, for a small rental fee. If need be, the fee is waived for some students.
But clients don’t need to be from financially challenged families to rent an outfit. Any student can borrow instead of buying, saving hundreds of dollars for tuxes or dresses that typically are only worn once.
For more information, go to themagicwandproject.ca or Facebook.
Call 250-658-0246 for an appointment to view what’s available. Donations are declined at this busy time.
Museum seeks candidates for historical medal
Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to the marine sector of British Columbia?
The Maritime Museum of B.C. is inviting nominations for the Beaver Medal, an award for people, organizations, vessels or technological projects.
“This will be the fourth opportunity for British Columbians to recommend someone whose work has made a major contribution to our province’s diverse maritime scene,” says Barry Rolston, who heads the medal project.
Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon presented two of the 2014 awards in November to maritime historian Barry Gough and to the Remotely Operated Platform for Ocean Sciences system, which has been carrying out underwater research for 25 years.
The award recognizes noteworthy contributions to B.C.’s marine sector in science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage, culture and academics.
The gold-plated medal is struck from copper salvaged from the 19th-century paddlewheel steamship SS Beaver, built in England in 1835 for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
After a rich working history in B.C. waters, the vessel grounded near Vancouver in 1888.
Nominations for the 2015 awards close on May 15. Nomination information, forms and due dates are located at mmbc.bc.ca/ about/s-s-beaver-medal.
Co-op backs Big Brothers with donation
Peninsula Co-op recently made a donation of $10,000 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria.
The organization has been helping children in the community for more than 35 years.
Its mentoring programs aim to give children a sense of belonging, self-worth, resiliency and capacity to make healthy, well-informed choices.
“With the support of Peninsula Co-op we are committed to sustaining and strengthening the Community Mentoring Program in communities across Southern Vancouver Island,” said Rhonda Brown, executive director of the Victoria chapter of the organization.
“The success of the program is rooted in its ability to encourage and support relationships between caring citizens and vulnerable children.”
Last year, Peninsula Co-op donated more than $400,000 to 220 local charities, organizations, youth groups, student awards and community projects.
“Peninsula Co-op is pleased to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program with a donation of $10,000,” said Penny Sopel, marketing and community relations manager for the Vancouver-Island-based co-operative.
“They are a wonderful organization and all kids should have the opportunities that Big Brothers Big Sisters provide.”
For more information, go to bbbsvictoria.com or peninsulaco-op.com.