A group of entrepreneurs has been getting together once a year to paint the house of a person with multiple sclerosis.
Since 2005, the 13 business owners of the Vancouver Island Student Works Painting franchises have been gathering in Victoria to donate their time in a charity paint.
Apart from the free house painting, the company raises about $100,000 for the cause every year.
Employees of the company participate in the Scotiabank MS Walk every year in all major Canadian cities — including the one today in Oak Bay. They also donate further on a per job basis. Donations up to $20,000 are matched by Andrew Britnell, the company’s president, whose wife has MS.
Paint for the project is supplied by sponsor Cloverdale Paint.
In addition to Victoria, one house in Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton will get a fresh coat of paint during the spring.
For more information, go to studentworks.ca.
Students to hold scrap metal drive
Students at David Cameron elementary school are holding a scrap-metal drive to raise funds for school activities.
“The money we raise though this scrap metal drive goes directly to students so they can enjoy music, go on field trips, play sports and have up-to-date computers,” says Fern Smythe, president of the Parents Advisory Council.
Residents can drop off metal to an on-site collection bin at the school, 675 Meaford Ave., on Saturday, April 20 and Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We can also arrange for items to be picked up from your property or business,” Smythe says.
Companies and residents can also bring metal right to Schnizter Steel, 307 David St., and donate their load to David Cameron school (account # Davi80).
For more information, or to arrange pick-up, email [email protected].
Leonard Cohen gives to fundraiser
Leonard Cohen has donated one of his prints, entitled Hydra 1, to the St. John the Divine fourth annual Ruckus Sock Hop fundraiser for their Emergency Food Service.
A silent auction for the limited-edition print will be held at Avenue Gallery, 2184 Oak Bay Ave., until May 10.
People are encouraged to view the print at the gallery and possibly put in a bid.
The winner will be announced at the Sock Hop, which takes place May 11 at the church hall, 1611 Quadra St. Tickets for the Sock Hop can be obtained at from John Sylwester or the church office.
For more information, go to stjohnthedivine.bc.ca.
Radiothon raises funds for incubators
The Victoria Hospital Foundation last week raised $107,771 at an all- day radiothon by 100.3 The Q and 91.3 Zone FM. The money raised will go toward the purchase of three incubators for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Victoria General Hospital.
The event was kicked off with a $60,000 donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, a group dedicated to raising funds across Canada for the care of premature and critically ill babies.
“Our commitment to giving directly to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in smaller communities like this, helps ensure that premature and seriously ill babies born here receive the best care possible,” said Chris Atchison, vice-chairman of the foundation.
“Instead of having to be transported to bigger hospitals in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, the parents of these tiny vulnerable babies can remain close to home and their family and friends.”
Other community groups that came forward with gifts included the Royal Bank of Canada — Victoria, Golf for Kids, Peninsula Co-op, Sidney Shriner’s Club #42, Telus and the Children’s Health Foundation.
