Habitat for Humanity is holding a "reverse" garage sale this weekend to support affordable-housing projects.
The idea is that instead of showing up to buy things, people leave items behind for the organization to sell at its ReStore. ReStore, at Douglas and Pembroke streets, is a building-supply business that generates funds while keeping used material out of the landfill.
On Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the public is invited to drop off clean, unbroken items, including cabinets, counters, tools, doors, bathroom fixtures, lighting, flooring and vents. Other stock at ReStore comes from retailers and manufacturers, who provide material that may have been discontinued or slightly damaged.
Habitat for Humanity has been active in Victoria since 1990, helping 11 low-income, working families get established in homes. The group is currently working on a five-townhouse project in Saanich that is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.
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The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation is putting the aging process in the public eye for a fourth straight year.
March is Embrace Aging Month, which foundation executive director Lori McLeod describes as a time to let people know about the elements of a healthy older life.
The month's activities include 25 free workshops on health-related topics. The workshops, at the Yakimovich Wellness Centre (1454 Hillside Ave.), continue tomorrow with a 10 a.m.-to-noon session on active living and maintaining a healthy heart. Other topics this week are massage therapy for arthritis sufferers and the integration of western medicine with Chinese acupuncture.
"It's also really good information for younger folks because we're all facing aging parents and aging neighbours," McLeod said.
Call 250-370-5641 to register.
One of the month's highlights is the 50+ Active Living Celebration, which happens Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pearkes Recreation Centre. About 3,000 people are expected, McLeod said. "It's a really great place for people to go and find out about senior-focused resources and educational opportunities, as well as to meet some pretty inspirational and amazing seniors." Admission is by donation.
A new feature of the month is the Embrace Aging Celebration Concert, set for April 4 at Alix Goolden Hall. Performing are the Victoria Soul Gospel Choir with Checo Tohomaso, and blues musician Bill Johnson. Cost is $25, with net proceeds going to the Eldercare Foundation.
McLeod said the underlying message behind Embrace Aging Month is simple. "The most important thing is to connect with your community and be involved, so that you can maintain your health and wellness as best you can. It's mind, body and spirit -- everything."
For details, call the foundation at 250-370-5664, or go to www.gvef.org.
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Hundreds of UVic students and 25 faculty members recently took part in the second provincial "teach-in" organized by the B.C. Campus Climate Network. Teachers committed to setting aside at least 15 minutes during last week's class schedules -- some set aside an entire class -- to talk about climate change with their students.
Around the province, about 200 faculty members from 15 post-secondary institutions discussed climate change with close to 10,000 students.
