Run for the Cure today at UVic
Lace up your sneakers or get out your walking shoes for the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event dedicated to raising funds for breast-cancer research, today at the University of Victoria.
Victoria residents can join in a one- or five-kilometre walk or run that raises funds for breastcancer research, support programs, health education and advocacy initiatives.
Since 1992, the event has raised more than $430 million for the cause. Last year, events across Canada raised $17 million with almost 80,000 participants.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., opening ceremonies take place at 8:30, a warm up starts at 8:50 with the walk/run starting at 9 a.m. today at the University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Awards and closing ceremonies take place at 10 a.m.
For more information, go to cibcrunforthecure.com.
Dodd’s gears up for Thanksgiving feast
Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens will be able to share a meal, lift their spirits and feed their souls at Dodd’s free Thanksgiving Dinner in Nanaimo, Victoria and Campbell River this week.
The annual tradition celebrates its 20th year.
Kitchen staff in Victoria typically serve more than 450 kilograms of turkey, 225 kilograms of potatoes, 113 kilograms of stuffing, 90 kilograms of vegetables, 11 kilograms of gravy, 25 kilograms of cranberry sauce, 125 pumpkin pies and 1,500 cups of coffee.
Event times and locations • Nanaimo: Friday, Oct. 5, 4 to 6 p.m., Salvation Army, 19 Nicol St. • Victoria: Saturday, Oct. 6, 4 to 6 p.m., Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Ave. • Campbell River, Sunday, Oct. 7 Salvation Army, 1381 Cedar St.
For more information, go to doddsfurniture.com.
Philanthropy-award finalists named
Finalists have been announced in six categories for this year’s National Philanthropy Day awards, with the winners revealed Nov. 16.
National Philanthropy Day recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of others by “changing the world with a giving heart.” • Generosity of Spirit award: Andrew Beckerman — nominated jointly by Cool Aid, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation; Sisters of St. Ann — nominated by Mount St. Mary Hospital. • Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award: Jack Boomer — nominated by Victoria Conservatory of Music; Robert Noble — nominated jointly by Island Prostate Centre and Camosun College; Shari and Mike Corrigan nominated by the Camosun College Foundation. • Outstanding Philanthropic Community Award: 100+ Women Who Care Victoria — nominated by Broadmead Care Foundation; Dale Douglas and Murray Stewart, Golf for Kids — nominated by Help Fill A Dream; TeaLC/Pebble’s Gift Shop Volunteers of B.C. Cancer — nominated by the B.C. Cancer Foundation. • Corporate Responsibility Award: Coast Capital Savings — nominated by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island; the Wilson’s Group — nominated by Pearson College UWC; Heirloom Linens — nominated by Victoria Hospice. • Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Day (11-18 years): Diya Courty-Stephens — nominated by St. Michaels University School; Royal Oak Youth in Action Group — nominated by Royal Oak Middle School; Saanich Jr. Braves Hockey Team — nominated by Victoria Hospice. • Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Day (5-10 years): Andrei Marti — nominated jointly by Help Fill a Dream and Nicholas H. Browne
National Philanthropy Day is an event started by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 1986. It is celebrated around the world as a day to recognize the work of charities and remember the extraordinary achievements that philanthropy, volunteering and social engagement have made in all aspects of life. In Canada, it is recognized on Nov. 15 as a national day.
For more information, go to npdvictoria.com.
B.C. chief wins Indspire award
Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson of the Westbank First Nation was the only British Columbia recipient of the 2019 Indspire Award, a national Indigenous recognition for role models from local communities.
Derrickson, a successful businessman, is one of 12 First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals honoured with the award by Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that supports and celebrates Indigenous education and achievement in Canada.
“This year’s recipients have walked in two worlds,” says Roberta L. Jamieson, president and CEO of Indspire and executive producer of the Indspire Awards. “They are an inspiration to their local communities and for Indigenous people across Canada, showing our young people that they can do it, too.”
Other award recipients include:
Atuat Akittirq, Aggu, Nunavut — an Inuit elder and Gemini award-winner
Barbara Todd Hager, St. Paul des Métis Settlement, Alberta — a documentary filmmaker, writer and producer
Jijjuu Mary Snowshoe, Gwich’in Nation, Northwest Territories — a traditional Gwich’in teacher who continues to live off the land
Vianne Timmons, Mi’kmaq, Nova Scotia — an educator and university president
Dr. Marlyn Cook, Misipawistik Cree Nation, Manitoba — one of the first Indigenous physicians in Canada
Dianne Corbiere, M’Chigeeng First Nation, Ontario — the first Indigenous lawyer named as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential by Canadian Lawyer Magazine
Peter Dinsdale, Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario — the president and CEO of YMCA Canada
Brigette Lacquette, Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan — the first First Nations athlete to play on Canada’s women’s Olympic hockey team
Billy-Ray Belcourt, Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta — an awardwinning poet and published author
Kelly Fraser, Sanikiluaq, Nunavut — a Juno-nominated pop musician
James Lavallée, Métis Homeland (St. Vital, St. Boniface, Bissett), Manitoba — a canoe and kayak athlete who has competed at the international level
“We hope these stories inspire our youth to dream big,” said Jamieson. “Not only do we recognize and congratulate the recipients for their individual success, but we celebrate the impact their stories will have for generations to come.”
For more information, go to indspire.ca.
Learn secrets of meaningful life
Join celebrations surrounding National Seniors Day with a movie on Monday at the Vic Theatre.
Three Victoria seniors centres are hosting a special screening of the film Lives Well Lived, Celebrating the Secrets, Wit and Wisdom of Age.
The documentary celebrates the wit and wisdom of adults 75 to 100 years old who are living their lives to the fullest.
Encompassing more than 3,000 years of experience, 40 people share their secrets and insights on living a meaningful life.
Tickets are $5. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., the screening runs 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at the Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St. There will be refreshments, including cupcakes provided by Oh La La Cupcakes, draw prizes and giveaways. Tickets are at the following senior centres: Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 1-380 Cook St.; James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies St.; and Silver Threads Service - Victoria, 2340 Richmond Rd.
For more information, go to silverthreads.ca.
Art show supports Alzheimer’s program
Support the programs offered by the We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation at the Awkward Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Sale, Thursday at Amica at the Gorge.
The tag line for the show is: Think this art is awkward? Try having dementia.
The show and sale builds awareness and support for the foundation’s Arts and Alzheimer’s program.
The art and music participation program is geared to persons with dementia living at home with their caregivers.
The event is on Thursday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Amica at the Gorge, 994 Gorge Rd. West.
For more information, go to werageweweep.com/arts-andalzheimers.html, 250-920-9573 or info@werageweweep.com.
Tour de Rock finale this week
The 2018 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock concludes its fundraising and awareness campaign with appearances and a finale at venues in Greater Victoria and Sidney this week.
Events include a gala at Westin Bear Mountain Resort. Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. The event runs 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the resort, 1999 Country Club Way. It will include dinner, silent auction and prizes. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Donna Fraser at 250-532-1359 or Rod Fraser at 250-532-3580.
The riders will also be at: • Peninsula Co-op Food Centre, 2132 Keating Cross Rd. 12:20 to 1:10 p.m. Thursday • Smitty’s Family Restaurant, 2306 Beacon Ave., Sidney 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday • Roundhouse at Bayview Place, 253 Esquimalt Rd. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday • Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday • Broadmead Village, 777 Royal Oak Dr. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday • Tour Finale, Centennial Square, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday.
For more information, go to tourderock.ca.
Writers explore value of all people
The Oasis Society for Spiritual Health is accepting submissions for its inaugural Dignity of the Streets Writing Challenge, sponsored by the TD Bank Group.
This writing challenge — To See with New Eyes and Hear with New Ears — is looking for stories that express how important it is to recognize and support the inherent value of every human being and acknowledge the dignity of every person, irrespective of circumstance.
Submissions should, through a written or graphic art story or poem, enrich awareness of Indigenous people living on the streets of Victoria and help to foster a connection between the people of Victoria and the street community.
Judging will be by local authors, artists and consultants.
The writing challenge is free to enter (with an optional donation of $10 per entry in the 19 years of age and older categories). Deadline is Dec. 17 with winners announced in early spring 2019. Submit your entry to stories@oasisvic.org
Mental-health walk raises thousands
The first Victoria Walk-Run for Mental Health, held Sept. 22, raised more than $7,200.
It was hosted by Mood Disorder Society of Canada and saw more than 60 people take a 2.5-kilometre walk or a five-km run. The event was to support those living with mental illness and to help break down the stigma of mental illness.
The walk and run was held in Banfield Park and went along the Galloping Goose to Uptown and back, said Ryan Painter, a mentalhealth advocate.
Seventy-five per cent of the proceeds will benefit Connections Place, a community centre that offers people who have mental illness hope and opportunities to achieve their full potential. The remainder will be donated to the Mood Disorder Society of Canada.
For more information, go to connectionsplace.org or mdsc.akaraisin.com/ui/16147/ g/16940.