Cook Street block party features fastest-dog competition
Enjoy music, magic, artisans and a fastest dog competition at the Village Block Party in Cook Street Village on Sunday.
This is the fifth year of the event, presented by the Cook Street Village Business Association and CCGF Events. There will be two stages — one for live local music performances and one for magic.
Between musical sets, Cook St. Liquor, BFF Beverages and Paws on Cook will jointly host the Fastest Dog in Cook Street Village competition, with races to be held throughout the day.
More than 150 artisans, food vendors and businesses are expected to be in attendance, with a beverage garden open to all ages.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 on Cook Street from Oscar Street to Park Boulevard. There will be a free bike lock-up.
• For more information, go to thevillageblockparty.com.
How to sign up for CIBC Run for the Cure
Registration is now open for this year’s CIBC Run for the Cure, an annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, taking place across the country and in Victoria on Oct. 6.
This is the 33rd year of the event, with proceeds going to breast-cancer research, support programs and advocacy for the cancer, which affects one in eight women.
Participants can run or walk one or five kilometres and raise funds individually or on a team.
• For more information, or to register, go to visit CIBCRunForTheCure.com.
Walk On, Victoria seeks newcomers for committee
Walk On, Victoria, a pedestrian advocacy organization that celebrates its 10th year of advocacy and education this year, is looking for new steering committee members.
Perks of joining the group include being in the know about walkability in Greater Victoria, said founder Sally Reid.
“Urban design and active transportation are really fascinating topics that impact us all on a day-to-day level”, said Reid. “Once you start learning about this stuff, you’ll never look at a city the same way again.”
People don’t need to be a walkability expert or to know how boards work to join, she said.
• For more information, send an email to [email protected].
Beacon Community Services celebrates 50 years
Beacon Community Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
What started as a small volunteer initiative to address social issues on the Saanich Peninsula has grown into an organization with a wide range of programs and services for people living on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Programs include licensed childcare facilities in Langford and Central Saanich, family-support services, employment and training for youths and adults, two assisted-living facilities — Parry Place in James Bay and the SHOAL seniors centre in Sidney — long-term care in Brentwood Bay, short-term rental subsidies for youth, and the Out of the Rain youth shelter and supportive housing on Meares Street in Victoria.
“As we celebrate our 50th year, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this moment. It’s a testament to the tireless dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who have remained steadfast in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Tricia Gueulette, Beacon Community Services CEO.
The organization, which runs seven thrift shops in Sidney, Brentwood Bay and Victoria, was the recipient of the B.C. Care Provider of the Year (Long-term Care) award at the B.C. Care Awards in 2023. It was also the winner of the United Way Spirit Awards in 2022.
It has more than 500 volunteers and 300 staff in the capital region.
To commemorate the milestone, the organization says it will be hosting staff and volunteer appreciation events later in the year.
• For more information, go to beaconcs.ca.
Souls for Soles challenge steps up for school supplies
Walk, run or hike 200 kilometres over the month of June and raise $200 in pledges from friends, family and co-workers as part of the Mustard Seed’s Souls for Soles Challenge fundraiser.
The organization says many families are struggling to purchase the supplies their kids need to head back to school in the fall, as costs rise.
To ensure every child has a fair start, the initiative aims to raise at least $20,000 towards the purchase of school supply kits and new, good quality runners for all 600 children and youth registered for the organization’s back-to-school Fair Start for Kids program.
People can join the challenge as an individual or as part of a team to raise $200 in pledges.
Participants can upload photos of their efforts (or activity log) from whatever app used (e.g., Strava, MapMyRun, etc.) to their profile page.
Participants can pull together a team of five people and walk the 10 kilometres around Elk Lake once a week for the month, or a team of 10 to walk 20 kilometres each in a month to hit the target.
• For more information, or to register, go to mustardseed.ca.
Concerts in the Park has music covered in Nanaimo
Enjoy free concerts featuring a number of musical genres as the City of Nanaimo presents this year’s Concerts in the Park series at various parks in the region, now until Aug. 23.
Hosted by the city’s department of parks, recreation and culture, the free concerts showcase local talent, with 15 acts spread across 11 nights of music.
“Concerts in the Park is a beloved tradition in Nanaimo, and an excellent way to showcase our talented, local musicians. I invite you to pack a picnic and enjoy free entertainment in our spectacular parks this summer,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
The series includes Motown, indie rock, folk/blues and Celtic music, with double and triple feature nights at Maffeo Sutton Park in May, June and August.
The next concert, set for June 12 at Kin Park, features Baby Bleu from 6 to 7 p.m. Audience members are asked to bring a chair or a blanket and to dress for the weather. Parking is limited at many parks, so attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation when possible.
• For more information and a schedule with details on each performance, go to nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/concertsinthepark.
It’s a half century for Wong Sheung King Fu Club
The Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club recently hosted a gala banquet to celebrate its 50th anniversary, with two lion dance performances.
More than 270 people attended the May 25 celebration, including members of Victoria’s Chinese community, local Chinese associations and societies, and visiting clubs from all over the Pacific Northwest.
The night kicked off with the tradition of paying respects to the group’s founder followed by the “greetings of the lions,” and included performances of Kung Fu, karate and lion dancing.
The evening concluded with two lion dance performances — “Soaring Beer Dragon” was presented along with an acrobatic performance on wooden benches.
The event brought together more than five decades of current and past members of the Kung Fu club. For more information, go to hungfut.ca.
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