From now until Feb.15, 2021, Greater Victoria residents can shop on the Spread the Local Love fundraising page to support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF) and local businesses.
Spread the Local Love is an online campaign hosted by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to raise funds and awareness for charities and local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign will in-part support VHF’s It's Critical fundraising campaign to expand critical care bed capacity at Royal Jubilee Hospital by 73 per cent, relieving stress on emergency departments and intensive care units.
This added capacity would help hospitals respond to the COVID-19 admission surges they currently face and future healthcare challenges.
As part of the Spread the Local Love, BCLC sponsored a number of items and gift cards from local businesses and made them available on the Spread the Local Lovefundraising page.
When an item is purchased, or a silent-auction item is successfully bid on as part of the campaign, the contribution will go directly to one of the 10 participating non-profits across B.C., including the VHF in Victoria. This means that both local businesses and charitable organizations receive valuable support during these challenging times.
According to Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Executive Director, Avery Brohman, donor support helps fund 40 per cent of the equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
"We're inspired to see the community come together to support our local hospitals through BCLC’s Spread the Local Love campaign," says Avery Brohman, Executive Director, VHF.
"The community's generosity makes a tremendous impact for our hospitals, caregivers and patients.”
“Charities like Victoria Hospitals Foundation make an incredible difference in our communities,” says BCLC’s Chief Social Purpose Officer and V.P. of Player Experience Peter ter Weeme.
“Our goal through the Spread the Local Love campaign is to raise funds so that our charitable partners can continue to serve their communities while also spotlight some amazing local businesses.”
With one week left, there is still time to shop local favourites on the Spread the Local Love fundraising page.
