Therapy dogs going to Camosun to soothe stressed students
Students at Camosun College’s Lansdowne campus will get their fill of wagging tails, slobbery kisses and requests for belly rubs as a group of therapy dogs is scheduled to visit them on Monday.
Four volunteer teams from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, each consisting of a handler and a dog, will be on hand.
The dogs had been coming to the college for about five years, but the visits were paws-ed when the pandemic began two years ago. The dogs usually show up on campus during the final-exam period to offer students a respite from the stress of studying and exam anxiety.
“The therapy-dog visit is a very popular event that the college holds each fall and winter semester,” said Jennifer Stenberg, library technician, who helped organize the event. “The students, and employees, love being able to spend time with the dogs, petting them, and talking to them, their handlers and each other. It’s a great way for the students to relieve some stress and take a break from studying for exams and preparing term papers.”
The therapy-dog program is just one of the support services available to Camosun students, which also include professional counsellors.
“It’s normal for students to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to deal with life’s challenges,” said Liisa Robinson, a student counsellor with student affairs.
“Our team of professional counsellors are here to support students and help them stay healthy during their time at the college.”
Camosun students can book a counselling appointment by phoning 250-370-3571 or 250-370-4925. In-person, video and phone appointments are available.
The therapy dogs are set to arrive at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the library on the Lansdowne campus of Camosun College.
Virtual paddle aids Easter Seals Camp
While members of the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club take part in their annual Paddle for the Kids fundraiser for Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan today, supporters can join in a virtual paddle and fundraise as well.
This is the 41st year of the fundraiser for children and adults with disabilities who attend Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan.
Club members typically take about 10 hours to paddle a 75-kilometre route from Brentwood Bay to their clubhouse on the Gorge, although this year’s route will be shorter, said Liz Martinson, event organizer.
She said paddlers will be joined by search-and-rescue teams from Oak Bay and North Saanich. “It’s a slightly shorter paddle this year based on the fact that we need to rebuild our program after COVID-19, but we’ve got some dedicated and very excited paddlers.”
This year’s 2022 Paddle for the Kids will also be a virtual event for those who aren’t ready to get back on the water. They can track individual outdoor activities such as paddling, walking, running, hiking and cycling.
As a nod to the event’s historical roots, organizers are encouraging everyone to attempt to complete 45 kilometres — the equivalent of a one-way paddle to Port Angeles. Fundraising will continue through to May 15. Donations can be made at paddleforthekids.ca.
St. Andrews concert at 2 p.m. Sunday
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is hosting a live performance of classical music featuring seven violinists and multiple pianists on Sunday, April 3.
Thanks to a COVID Recovery Grant from the Victoria Foundation, the church has been able to provide students from the University of Victoria’s School of Music the use of the sanctuary as a practice venue, it said in a statement.
“Bringing people back downtown to a historical and acoustically sound venue will give the community an opportunity to connect again with others all while listening to beautiful live performances of classical music,” said the statement.
Admission to the performance is by donation. It starts at 2 p.m. today at the church, 680 Courtney St. (at the corner of Broughton and Douglas streets). A second performance takes place 2 p.m. May 1 featuring cello and piano, solos and duets.
Spring food drive on till Easter
West Real Canadian Superstore and Wholesale West are collecting food and cash donations for Goldstream Food Bank as part of the Loblaw Companies Limited’s annual Spring Food Drive, now until the Easter weekend.
Even with warmer days ahead, the need for food banks remains high coming out of the winter months, especially given the challenges of the current economic environment.
“Victorians are very community-minded. Even a $2 donation at the checkout goes a long way when many people contribute,” said Tonya Lagrasta, Loblaw senior director for sustainability and social impact. “Similarly, just one or two items added to your cart for the in-store donation bin become hundreds of pounds of food when the entire community gets involved.”
While food is welcome, cash provides the most flexibility for food banks to fill gaps in their food donations.
Loblaw’s 2021 Holiday Food Drive last December resulted in $165,000 in cash donations and more than 87,000 kilograms of food to food banks throughout the province.
One Planet student challenge
Greater Victoria students are invited to share their sustainable ideas in the One Planet Living Student Challenge, with $1,200 total prize money available.
The challenge is open to Grade 6 to 12 students in Greater Victoria to enter video and illustration submissions about what they are already doing in their personal lives to advance sustainable ways of living or steps we can all take to make our communities more sustainable.
The One Planet B.C. contest is hosted by non-profit OneEarth in partnership with the District of Saanich and with support from the City of Victoria. It builds from the successes of One Planet Saanich, where local schools, businesses and organisations take action together to advance One Planet Living.
Submissions will be judged on creativity, engagement, illumination and alignment with One Planet Living. Deadline for submissions is May 20. Winners will be showcased on the One Planet B.C. website and can then participate in their Earth Day celebration event.
parrais@timescolonist.com
