Performers to Reach! for the top
Watch Perform-Able! — a half-hour musical show commemorating the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, today at the Bay Centre.
The show will be performed by the REACH! Performing Company, which includes differently abled performers, other youth and adults, volunteers from local high schools, the University of Victoria School of Music and the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
The performance is free to attend. It starts at 1 p.m. today in Centre Court (lower level) of the Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas St.
For more information, go to westcoastreach.org.
Police Chorus concert Wednesday in Saanich
It’s time again to be transported to warmer climes at the annual Greater Victoria Police Chorus concert on Wednesday.
The event is hosted by Silver Threads Service.
Move to the sound of Hawaiian music and dance with Hula Dance for Health, followed by the Greater Victoria Police Chorus as they sing a selection of Christmas songs.
Dine on seasonal sweets and refreshments.
The concert costs $5.25 for members and $8.40 for nonmembers. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with the concert running 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Silver Threads’ Saanich centre, 286 Hampton Rd.
Go to silverthreads.ca or victoriapolicechorus.org.
Emporium lets kids buy presents for families
George Jay Elementary School Parent Advisory Council seeks donations of household goods so that children can buy gifts for their families at their annual Holiday Emporium.
The emporium offers a lowcost way for children to contribute to their family celebrations by purchasing up to four gifts for $1 each.
This is the 10th year of the event, and each year organizers see it making a difference in the lives of the families, many of whom can’t afford to shop during the holidays.
The PAC is looking for new or lightly used, good-quality items — candles, toys, ties, jewelry, picture frames, CDs, DVDs, books, puzzles, purses, wallets, scarves, tools, household goods, and bath and beauty items. They always need items suitable for fathers.
Goods should be clean and not broken — remember, the children are shopping for their families.
This year, organizers are also seeking donations of wrapping materials, ribbons, small boxes, bubble wrap, tape and tissue paper. Wrapping presents is part of the parent volunteer service, so the kids’ families really do get a surprise.
Proceeds from the event help sponsor field trips and cultural events.
If there are any items that clearly should be sold at a higher price, the doors are open at the end of the school day to parents so they can also come and shop for their families.
Donations can be dropped off during regular school hours between now and Dec. 20 at the school, 1118 Princess Ave. (near Cook and Bay streets).
Singing Bowl helps hungry children
Renewed funding will put a dent in childhood hunger with the continuation of the Singing Bowl Granola Porridge Project.
Children arriving at school hungry in the Greater Victoria school district will be assured a hot bowl of porridge will be available when they need it.
Every month, between 600 and 1,200 servings are delivered to local elementary, middle and high schools. Over the holidays, the project provides schools with packages for students to take home.
The project is an initiative of the food company and the Blue Heron Advisory Group of CIBC Wood Gundy.
With the number of schools participating on the rise, the group has written a second cheque to ensure that the project can provide enough porridge for every hungry child.
Go to singingbowlgranola.com.
Oak Bay’s Gallery Walk returns this month
Look fabulous in your new bling and help the Victoria Hospice at the same time at Oak Bay’s 14th annual Art on the Avenue Gallery Walk, on until Dec. 24.
Every year, Oak Bay Village comes alive with music, roasted chestnuts, holiday festivities and traditional hot apple cider and truffles.
Local jewellers will donate a percentage from the sale of each gem sold between now and Christmas Eve to Victoria Hospice.
Even more magical, a group of local philanthropists have offered to match all donations in December, up to a maximum of $100,000.
The exhibition can be viewed at the Avenue Gallery, 2184 Oak Bay Ave., until Sunday, Dec. 24.
For more information, go to theavenuegallery.com.
Canadian Tire stores match donations
Local Canadian Tire stores have launched their 15th annual Fix-AHeart campaign to support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s current Campaign for Cardiac Care at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
From now until Dec. 24, every donation made by customers at the Hillside, View Royal and Royal Oak outlets, as well as the Gordon Head automotive centre, will be matched by the stores.
The money will be used to purchase cardiac equipment.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation once again to support cardiac care at Royal Jubilee Hospital,” said Kim Reynhoudt, associate dealer for the View Royal store.
“For 14 years, our generous customers have demonstrated how much they care about this important cause. We are optimistic this year’s campaign will be another big step toward our ultimate goal of raising $1 million for cardiac care on Vancouver Island.”
Since 2003, the Fix-A-Heart campaign has raised more than $740,000 for cardiac care on Vancouver Island.
Royal Jubilee is the Heart Health referral centre for all 785,000 residents of Vancouver Island. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation works in partnership with Island Health to enable donations to the Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
For more information, go to victoriahf.ca/inaheartbeat.
Hundreds of women who care gather at Belfry
On Monday, hundreds of women will gather at the Belfry Theatre to add a personal touch to giving back to the community.
This is the 14th 100+ Women Who Care Victoria event, where participants will raise funds in-person for a local charity.
“Our events provide a face-toface venue for sharing the life changing work of local charities,” said Denise Grant, co-founder.
“Our members want to support local causes, but they also want to learn more about what’s happening in our city and feel a connection to the cause they are supporting. Our gatherings often generate unplanned results for the organizations we support, such as larger donations and volunteer connections.”
The 100+ Women Who Care Victoria organization meets four times a year to vote on a charity to support with their individual $100 donations.
There are more than 240 members who have collectively donated $346,500 to 13 charities.
The December meeting is the largest of the year and is expected to raise more than $30,000 from members and their invited guests.
People interested in joining the event or becoming a member can contact organizers at membership @100womenvictoria.com.
Go to 100womenvictoria.com.
Clarence Street residents go a-carolling
The best way to get to know your neighbours is to host a party. The residents of Clarence Street have taken it to the next level, hosting Carolling for a Cause to raise funds.
The residents of the James Bay street have been awarded a $200 micro-grant from Building Resilient Streets for their efforts to build a stronger community.
The Palmer-Wilson family and Brian Cloosterman are inviting their neighbours to go carolling to raise funds for a Grade 5 science field trip — as well as collecting non-perishable food items for the Mustard Seed Street Church.
After the carolling, residents and other volunteers are hosting a winter barbecue with hot soup.
Carollers will be carolling from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 from Clarence Street to Niagara Street to South Turner Street to Dallas Road to Somerset House, along Menzies Street to James Bay Square, down Simcoe Street to perform at Beckley Lodge and back to Clarence Street.
Children get to be superheroes on calendar
Eleven special children battling illness, chronic pain and other health challenges will be part of the 2018 Junior Superhero Calendar, a partnership between the Help Fill a Dream Foundation and the Superheroes of Victoria.
Each child received a custom superhero costume along with a superhero-themed photo shoot and a special page in the calendar.
When the competition was announced, more than 170 nominations from across Vancouver Island poured in.
Each child was made to feel special during the photo shoot. The photographer captured elements of their personalities in each of the photos and their custom calendar page.
People can purchase the charity calendar for $14.95 with proceeds benefiting the Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
Go to helpfilladream.com.