WITS Programs Foundation has announced the launch of a new bursary, the Petronilo Palaroan Memorial Bursary, for students identifying as LGBTQ in the Greater Victoria School District.
The late Petronilo (Petro) Palaroan was a teacher, an openly gay man of Filipino heritage and an employee of the WITS Programs Foundation, a charitable nonprofit society dedicated to empowering children and youth.
This annual bursary will provide two awards of $1,000 to LGBTQ identifying students from the Greater Victoria School District who are pursuing continuing education and describe the impact of the WITS Program on their lives.
Philanthropist Andrew Beckerman has pledged to match up to $6,000 in donations for the bursary, which will be awarded for the first time to students graduating this year.
“This fund is especially important to me because Petro was a friend,” said Beckerman.
“As a local educator, Petro’s positive outlook touched the lives of thousands of local kids. This bursary will ensure that his legacy of helping others lives on, and I’m proud to match donations made in Petronilo’s name.”
Over the past 25 years, the WITS Programs Foundation’s WITS (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek help) program has positively affected the lives of students in Greater Victoria.
• For more information, and to donate, go to witsprogram.ca/contribute/donate or call 250-386-7625.
Arbutus Singers raised $12,000 for choral programs
The Arbutus Singers sang their hearts out at their concert early in December, raising $12,000 for the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s choral programs for children.
More than 700 people attended the concert in person at St. Patrick’s Church in Oak Bay or watched the one-hour performance online.
Proceeds from the holiday season concert will go to support the ChoirKids music program, the primary charity of choice for the non-auditioned four- to six-part choir group, founded by Jack Boomer in 1998.
“In these times of turmoil around the world, music builds community, which is something we are in short supply,” said Boomer.
The Arbutus Singers Music Education Society has raised more than $400,000 for various charities since its inception. The choir sings music ranging from familiar hits and Broadway medleys to holiday and seasonal favourites.
• For more information, go to arbutussingers.com.
Volunteers needed for reading programs
The Victoria Literacy Connection, a charity offering free in-person and remote tutoring for learners of all ages, is issuing a call for volunteers for some of its programs starting in the spring.
Volunteers are needed to act as in-school reading partners — providing extra reading support — for elementary students enrolled in School District 61 and 62 schools. Volunteers will be provided with training and materials.
The Langford school (SD 62) program starts Jan. 23. The Victoria program (SD 61) starts in February.
The Victoria Literacy Connection has found one-on-one and group programs best meet the diverse needs of young learners in the region.
Along with one-on-one tutoring matches, an after-school small reading group called Reading Blast is scheduled in two SD62 schools for January-March.
An online eReading group for students in Grades 2-6 meets Monday and Thursday evenings. An in-school Reading Partners program is set to resume in select schools in Victoria and Langford after a three-year hiatus.
Group classes are also being planned in January to help address the increased number of requests for English-language learning for children and youth.
The organization is also looking for volunteers with talents and interests other than tutoring.
To volunteer, contact Karen Gonzales, co-ordinator, at [email protected] or call 672-974-7323.
• For more information, or to enrol in any of the programs, go to victorialiteracyconnection.ca/children-and-youth-literacy-programs.
Khalsa Aid packs meals for 200 needy people
The Nanaimo team of Khalsa Aid Canada, an organization that provides humanitarian aid to people in need, wrapped up the year by preparing and packing more than 200 meals for the most vulnerable in the community.
In 2023 the Victoria team provided food aid to Rainbow Kitchen, Mustard Seed, University of Victoria and Royal Roads University Food Banks. It helped serve hot meals at Our Place Shelter and distributed tents and winter items to Justice Van Society and Peer 2 Peer.
The group also donated items to youth-focused organizations, such as Threshold Housing, Out of the Rain Shelter and the Foundry Clinic.
The organization, based in the United Kingdom, is inspired by the Sikh principle: Recognize the whole human race as one.
• For more information, or to donate, go to khalsaaid.org/donate-canada. The group is also on social media.
Camosun students use entrepreneurship
A new Camosun College student group is looking to bring together students to work and build leadership, networking and problem-solving skills on social-enterprise projects.
Enactus is a global network of student leaders with chapters in 33 countries and a membership base of 42,450 students. It is committed to using business principles, innovation and entrepreneurship to make a positive social impact.
The Camosun College team, launched in September 2023, boasts a core of 15 to 20 students, as well as an executive team. Faculty members with the college’s School of Business are guiding the project.
The group’s first project to understand and tackle food insecurity has earned them the attention of the Camosun College Student Society.
“We strongly support any food security-related endeavours that help our members,” said Christine Desrocher, the society’s membership services co-ordinator. “We know that students are struggling, and we’re glad to see more people taking notice of this. The CCSS considers Enactus to be part of the college and the School of Business in particular. We work with a variety of different college groups and classes at times in support of various endeavours, and we always aim to be a resource to our members whenever possible.”
The society currently supports access to food for students by providing food banks on both Camosun campuses, offering bread and fresh produce on a weekly basis and incorporating food or snacks into events.
• For more information, go to camosun.ca/camosun-social-enterprise-student-group.
Enjoy a feast to support Chinatown Lionesses
Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Celebrate the Year of Dragon Splendor by attending Light the Dragon, a fundraising dinner hosted by the Victoria Chinatown Lionesses Club, at Golden City Restaurant Feb. 16.
In 2024, Chinese New Year starts Feb. 10 and ushers in the Year of the Dragon, one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
The Chinese new year changes every year, as it is based on the cycles of the moon and sun. It is always a new moon day, typically the second after the winter solstice. It always falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20
The dinner will consist of eight courses, with lion dancers blessing diners at the start of the new year.
Proceeds from the event allow the Victoria Chinatown Lionesses Club to continue to support local charities.
Tickets are $88 each or $800 for a table of 10. Doors open at 5, with dinner starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Golden City Restaurant, 721 Fisgard St. To ensure your seating, send an e-transfer to [email protected].
• For more information, call 778-977-1449, email [email protected] or go to victoriachinatownlionesslionsclub.ca.
