Island artists have contributed pieces to A Work of Heart, a virtual art tour and an online auction benefiting the pediatric cardiac critical care unit at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, from Feb. 22 to 27.
The event has been organized by the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO, a Toronto-based philanthropic organization that supports programs and services for women, children and health care in Israel and Canada. The organization has 20 chapters across Canada, including one in Victoria.
The event kicks off with a virtual graffiti art tour in Tel Aviv, hosted by artist Murielle Cohen. It will be followed by a five-day auction of more than 100 pieces of art by Canadian and Israeli artists.
“It was an honour to include some of my works for the auction,” said artist Lesley Friedmann, who works with oil on canvas, with examples of her work on permanent display in the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue at 1461 Blanshard St., Victoria.
Other Victoria artists who have contributed include Phyllis Serota, Annie Weeks, Judith Fischer, Merv Watson, Neil Loewen, Joyce Aros Rawlings (formerly submitted as Joyce Carros), Sherry Musio and James Nesbitt.
The online format of the art auction is a recent iteration of the organization’s Montreal Art Auction, which has a 40-year history. The auction went online in response to the pandemic protocols.
Admission to the Graffiti Art Tour is $40. It starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. The online art auction is free to view. It runs from 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27.
• For more information, go to chw.ca/aworkofheart.
>>> First Nation speaks the language of love
To help its quest for Indigenous language revitalization, the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation in Nanaimo is sharing how to say ‘Nu stl’i’ ch (I love you in Hul’q’umi’num’) for Valentine’s Day.
The foundation has created a Valentine’s Day card featuring the original artwork of 10-year-old Benson Nelson, a member of the Snaw-Naw-As and Nuxalk Nation.
“We created this card to help raise awareness of our work and to invite others to learn a little Hul’q’umi’num to use in their daily lives,” said Sharon Hobenshield, Ya-Houly, executive director of the foundation.
The greeting in the card is in Hul’q’umi’num’, the language shared by members of the nine First Nations that make up the foundation: Malahat, Lake Cowichan, Lyackson, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Qualicum.
The card can be found at a number of Nanaimo and area retailers. An e-card version is also available with any donation online.
Kw’umut Lelum, founded 25 years ago, is the first Indigenous-owned and led community foundation in B.C. It offers Indigenous-centred youth programming and family services, and serves as an advocate for cultural, economic, social, educational and recreational access for Indigenous children and their families.
• For more information, go to klfoundation.ca.
>>> Your clothing can keep others warm
All three Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress stores on the Island are accepting donations of winter clothing during their annual Share the Warmth coat drive, throughout February.
This year’s harsh, unpredictable weather has been tough on Vancouver Island’s most vulnerable citizens and struggling families. Non-profit agencies have received numerous requests from concerned parents whose children have outgrown last year’s winter clothing.
“We’re collecting all kinds of donations. Now’s the time to drop off winter coats and jackets, toques, gloves and scarves for those less fortunate,” said Gordy Dodd, founder of Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress.
All new and previously loved clothing received will be distributed by the CoolAid Society and Our Place in Victoria, the 7/10 Club and the Mid-Island branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Nanaimo, and Campbell River Salvation Army.
>>> B.C. Cancer Foundation receives $200,000 boost
Island Savings and the B.C. Cancer Foundation recognized World Cancer Day with the announcement of a two-year partnership to help advance cancer research and care.
The partnership includes an investment of $200,000 from First West Credit Union and its regional brands Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby and District Financial.
“This partnership is something that is of deep importance to us, especially when you look at the staggering impact cancer has in our communities,” said Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “A cancer diagnosis affects us all, and we know our employees and members are proud to rally behind this mission to help save lives in our communities and beyond.”
The partnership will involve employee engagement in several of the foundation’s initiatives throughout the year, as well as dedicated funds going towards areas of need across the province.
“We’re incredibly grateful and excited to join forces with First West Credit Union to improve the future of cancer care in our province,” said Sarah Roth, president and CEO of the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
“Together, we will propel B.C. Cancer’s world-leading expertise to new heights, and provide real hope to the over 30,000 British Columbians this year who will hear the life-altering words: ‘You have cancer.’ ”
World Cancer Day took place on Feb. 4. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control, it was initiated to raise awareness of the disease, improve education, and catalyze personal and governmental action.
For more information, go to bccancerfoundation.com.
>>> Get those boots on for coldest night walk
There is still time to form a team or sign up to walk in support of those struggling with poverty and homelessness at the Coldest Night of the Year walkathon.
Our Place is hosting walk locations in Victoria and Westshore on Feb. 26 for the sixth year of the Canada-wide fundraising campaign, in which 200 charities participate.
“The Coldest Night walk allows us an opportunity to remind people of the many challenges folk in our region face each day,” said Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place. “It also allows the community to come together and make a difference for the most vulnerable, even as we all struggle with the effects of the continuing COVID- 19 pandemic.”
In spite of restrictions, last year’s walk was the most successful, raising $150,000 for Our Place Society and Pacific Centre Family Services Association, Our Place’s event partner in the Westshore.
For the Victoria Walk, go to cnoy.org/location/victoria/Pandora. For the Westshore Walk, go to cnoy.org/locationvictoriawestshore.
>>> Sooke offers funding for community groups
Community organizations can apply for up to $7,000 in funding for projects, programs or events under the District of Sooke’s community grant program.
The District has allocated up to $65,000 for projects that improve the wellbeing of the community. Grants may be awarded to organizations that provide ongoing value to the community, but are unable to raise all required funding.
Applications must demonstrate a benefit to the community in one or more of the following areas: sports and recreation; fine Arts and culture; heritage; public safety; community development, including promotion and economic development; community beautification and environmental sustainability
Applicants must be a not-for-profit organizations or an unincorporated groups with objectives that are not-for-profit or charitable in nature located primarily within the District of Sooke, or offering programs or events within the district.
Applications can be received by email to [email protected] or in-person at the District of Sooke Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Rd. The deadline for applications is March 15. For more information, go to sooke.ca.
