Hundreds of spectators last week watched as teams of ex-NHL players, MLAs, city councillors, police, firefighters and members of the public played road hockey at the Fivehole Hockey for Food event.
The event, in its sixth year, is a timely fundraiser for the Mustard Seed, raising awareness and badly needed donations during the summer.
To play in the tournament, teams of between six and 12 players had to donate either a bag of food or $25. Teams sponsored by a company or organization were expected to raise at least $500 in donations.
The 18 teams that came to play hockey raised more than $13,000 this year.
Entertainment included dance tunes by a volunteer deejay, as well as a guest appearance by rap artist Terrance Richmond.
Although the event was a success, the Mustard Seed still has need of:
• High-protein items (canned fish/meat, peanut butter)
• Large bags of rice and pasta
• Lunch snacks and juice boxes/ one-litre tetras of juice
• Boost/Ensure
• Quick side-meals (Sidekicks, Kraft Dinner, Hamburger Helper, etc.)
• Special diet foods: gluten-free, vegetarian, diabetic friendly
• Ramen noodle soups (Mr. Noodle, Ichiban)
• Cookies and crackers
The Mustard Seed is nearly 100 per cent community-funded. It includes Vancouver Island’s largest food bank, a family centre, hospitality programs and addictions recovery at Hope Farm Healing Centre, as well as more traditional church services.
For more information, go to mustardseed.ca.
Shrine Clowns host a picnic next month
The public is invited to the inaugural Shriners Picnic for Special Needs Kids on Aug. 28.
The picnic will include entertainment, mini-train rides, clowns and food. The event is a new initiative by the Victoria Shrine Clowns, supported by other Shrine units and clubs in the south Vancouver Island area.
The picnic is an opportunity to introduce families to aid provided by Shriners and Shriners Hospitals.
In addition to being a leading research facility, the hospitals specialize in several childhood maladies, including dwarfism, spina-bifida, bone tumours, cerebral palsy, bone diseases, cleft lip and palate, scoliosis and kyphosis, hand and foot problems, club foot, bowed legs, neck problems, hip deformities, juvenile arthritis, chest deformities and burn scar revision. They support children up to 18 years old.
Free admission. The event runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society on the Pat Bay Highway.
For more information and to register, go to unitedpeninsula.ca/ shrine-picnic.html.
Blood Services sends big thank-you
Canadian Blood Services recently sent an open letter to thank Victoria residents who responded to the agency’s call for donations.
“In late April, we announced the need for 200,000 blood donations by July. Thousands of eligible donors answered the call for support and helped us collect more than 193,000 donations. Approximately 4,000 donations were collected in Victoria, which helped us meet hospital demand,” said Ann Chabert, territory manager. “We can’t thank you enough for the valuable gift you and other gracious donors provide to those in need. Please know that your time, selflessness and spirit of giving in Victoria are appreciated. Somewhere in Canada, a patient will be thankful.”
As some of the agency’s regular donors are busy with vacation and family time in the warm summer months, the agency is always looking for new donors to take their place.
To book an appointment for any upcoming Victoria clinics, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Still time to find your inner warrior
There is still time to sign up for Woman2Warrior, a women-only charity obstacle adventure race that raises funds for the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities; it takes place Aug. 28.
Proceeds will benefit the society’s Easter Seals camps in B.C., including Camp Shawnigan on Vancouver Island.
The event is a challenge to participants of all fitness levels. It consists of a non-timed run covering about five kilometres of trails, track and grass. But it’s not just a run. The course includes obstacles that test a contestant’s strength, agility, balance — and sense of adventure.
People can enter as individuals or teams.
Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $300 in donations. Organizers will provide all the tools needed to reach out to potential donors. They will also provide support staff to help people reach their fundraising goal.
The event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at the West Shore Parks and Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Hwy. Family and friends can watch participants conquer the last few obstacles of the race in the finishers’ area.
For more information, go to victoria.woman2warrior.ca.
Colouring raises cash for art programs
Island Blue Art Store’s Colouring Book project, which we reported on in Our Community on June 12, has ended with the local family-run business raising almost $2,000.
The concept behind the project was to engage the community and local artists and also benefit the art programs of a non-profit organization.
The theme of the contest was Beautiful Vancouver Island, with artists submitting line drawings for consideration for inclusion in the book.
The company’s two stores sold all of the 200-copy run.
The money raised will go toward programs provided to Victoria’s disadvantaged by Our Place Society. For more information, go to islandblue.com or ourplacesociety.com.
Art show crosses generations
See art by artists of all ages at the stArt Show, an intergenerational exhibition of talent, Monday afternoon.
The show, put on by the Victoria Silver Threads Service, stems from a desire to motivate people of all ages to create art throughout their lives.
“We love the concept of the stArt Show, that brings young and old together in a creative environment,” said Debbie Erb, Victoria centre director. “You will see ideas explored and curiosity sparked and it will be a great afternoon.”
Artists of all ages will display their work and provide interactive art demonstrations. Entertainment during the event will be provided by the Jesse’s.
Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-for-profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors.
Admission is by donation. All funds raised will go toward support programs and services at the centre. The event runs 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at Victoria Silver Threads Service, 2340 Richmond Rd. For further information, or to register, call Debbie Erb at 250-388-4268 or silverthreads.ca.
Ferries staff pitch in at cleanup
Volunteers from B.C. Ferries recently helped remove more than 1,500 kilograms of debris during the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
The event saw more than 275 staff volunteer to help at more than 20 cleanup events, from the shores of Salt Spring Island to Horseshoe Bay, from the Sunshine Coast to Campbell River. This year, the annual initiative ran July 6 to 16.
“As B.C. Ferries operates in a marine environment, our involvement in the shoreline cleanup is a natural fit,” said Corrine Storey, vice-president of customer services. “Our employees collected well over 1,500 kilograms of debris from the shorelines in and around the communities in which we operate. A few of the unusual items collected include a broken kayak, a shopping cart and a baby stroller.”
For more information, go to bcferries.com.
Truck project will help sick children
An auto body supply and spray equipment company has restored a 1950s bread truck and hopes to auction it off, with proceeds to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
White and Peters, with an office in Victoria, worked with custom car company 360 Fabrication to create a custom show truck that retains its nostalgic appeal but also incorporates sophistication car buffs look for in collector items.
After showing off the truck, they plan to take it to this year’s Barrett Jackson collector-car auction, held in Las Vegas in October. Proceeds from the sale will go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
For more information, go to whiteandpeters.com or shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
Mount St. Mary spring fair raises $50,000
The Mount St. Mary Hospital 75th anniversary Spring Fair, held last month, raised more than $50,000 for the hospital’s residents.
The proceeds from the event will go to the hospital’s Room to Care Campaign and be used to repair damage to the residents’ rooms and replace existing furniture with smaller, more functional pieces to increase safety.
Residents watched, with friends and family members by their side, children taking part in egg and spoon races with painted faces, and adults exploring the silent auction and bake sale table.
“We were truly inspired by the generosity and compassion of those supporting Mount St. Mary Hospital’s 75th anniversary Spring Fair,” said Sara John Fowler, CEO of the hospital. “With everyone’s incredible contributions and the attendance by so many from our community, the event was a huge success and will have a huge impact on the lives of the vulnerable, frail and elderly.”
Founded by the Sisters of St. Ann in 1941, the hospital cares for 200 people with complex care needs. They live in a home-like setting that supports their independence, dignity and quality of life.
For more information, go to mtstmary.victoria.bc.ca.
