Three real estate offices in Oak Bay Village are taking their competition with each other to a new level with the 2020 Realtor Food Bank Challenge.
The challenge, launched in 2018, has resulted in the collection of close to 5,000 kilograms of food in the last two years.
Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the offices of Engel & Völkers, RE/MAX Camosun, The Agency or in a box set up on the front lawn of the Oak Bay municipal hall.
All the food and cash donations will go to the Mustard Seed Street Church's food bank.
“It is important to the businesses in Oak Bay Village that we continue to support our charitable partners who are out there doing important work in our community,” said Martin Cownden, president of the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association. “With the Food Bank Challenge and an open-air collection box we can give something back while still keeping people safe.”
The food drive is supported by members of the Island Equipment Owners Association, who usually produce the Lighted Truck Convoy. Members will collect the food from the offices for weighing and delivery to the food bank.
Donations can be dropped until Monday at The Agency, 2185 Theatre Lane, Engel & Völkers, 2249 Oak Bay Ave., RE/MAX Camosun, 2239 Oak Bay Ave. and the Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Ave.
Women in Need aims to raise $25,000 this month
Women In Need is hoping to raise $25,000 this month for its five empowerment programs for women through its Community Cheer Fundraising Campaign.
The local non-profit co-operative funds its operations and programs almost entirely with revenue from its resale stores, online shop and cash donations.
Proceeds support women going through a difficult period in their lives.
Like other non-profits, Women in Need’s revenue has been significantly affected by the pandemic, which makes the Community Cheer Campaign even more important in helping the group to continue supporting women in 2021.
For more information, go to womeninneed.ca/cheer.
Hundreds of hygiene kits donated by women's group
The Victoria Women’s Professional Group has donated more than 400 hygiene kits to Women In Need to be distributed this holiday season.
The group is a member-based non-profit business network for professional women in all industries and backgrounds.
This was its first big initiative since the group’s founding in January.
“I’m in awe of how many people wanted to help,” said Portia Zaffaroni, co-founder and president. “It’s so important to our organization that we are actively helping our local community, especially women. We want to walk our talk. Our motto is relationship first, business second. Now more than ever, we have to all work together to strengthen our community.”
The original goal of gathering 100 kits in November was easily surpassed. In the end, the group was able to donate 418 kits, with an estimated worth of more than $16,000.
While all the kits contain basic hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and period-care products, some included extra items such as face masks, nail polish and makeup.
The group is planning a hands-on volunteer event once a month — COVID-19 permitting — and will work with local high schools, providing mentors to female students.
For more information, go to vwpg.ca.
3,000 squats, a toy drive and gingerbread house kits help CFAX Santas Anonymous
A growing number of businesses and organizations are finding creative ways to help CFAX Santas Anonymous:
• A Victoria trainer and massage therapist will be doing 3,000 squats for 3,000 kids, to raise $10,000 for CFAX Santas Anonymous.
You can watch Baylea Wilkins accomplish this feat starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Lululemon, 584 Johnson St. Contribute through canadahelps.org.
• Students of the Esquimalt High School Culinary Program are baking and selling gingerbread house kits for CFAX Santas Anonymous.
Students will create their own gingerbread kits to sell at the school’s Gingerbread House Bake Sale. The intention is to spread a little holiday cheer while encouraging families to engage in a creative and safe activity during the pandemic.
“I personally love baking and it makes me happy,” said Siri Cook, a Grade 10 student. “If my baking can help bring joy and give back to others, then that is even better.”
CFAX Santas Anonymous is supporting the students’ cause by purchasing candy to be included in the gingerbread kits.
Each kit costs $12. Individuals who wish to purchase a gingerbread house for a family in need can order online and indicate that they are purchasing the kit to donate to another family. The deadline to order kits is 8 a.m. Monday. Kits will be available for pick up at the school through Dec. 10 to 17 by appointment.
For more information, or to order, go to esquimalt.sd61.bc.ca/home/gingerbread-house-kits.
• The Natural Hair Salon is running a Toy Drive for CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, with a goal of collecting 500 toys.
Drop off donations during regular business hours at the hair salon, 618 View St.
Volunteers, with assistance from community donors, have once again decorated Jeneece Place to brighten spirits during the holiday season.
Volunteers, donors brighten holiday spirits at Jeneece Place
Since Jeneece Place opened in 2012, husband and wife duo Adrian and Tracey D’Silva have volunteered their time to decorate the home for the season.
This year, the home features an 8,000-bulb holiday light display, many donated by the team at Canadian Tire who have been replacing strings as they burn out.
Jeneece Place offers a safe and affordable home away from home for families while their children are receiving care at neighbouring Victoria General Hospital.
The house is at 201 Hospital Way.
Even in December, Movember campaign goes on
There is still time to donate to local firefighters in the Great Canadian Fire Challenge for Movember.
Across Canada, 251 fire teams are raising funds for Movember, a national men’s health charity.
Seven B.C. teams have made it to the top 20 in Canada, including four on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
North Saanich is fifth, Pender Island ninth, Central Saanich 10th and Tofino 15th.
Collectively, the Movember Firefighters team has raised close to $810,000.
To donate to your favourite team, go to ca.movember.com.
