Teams of cyclists will embark on a 10,000-kilometre journey across Canada as part of the Spinning Wheels Relay to End Parkinson’s, starting Saturday, July 27.
The relay, organized by Parkinson Wellness Projects, is an event to raise money for programs and services for Canadians affected by Parkinson’s, a degenerative condition that affects the nervous system and can cause tremors and difficulty speaking and moving.
The relay features 15 riders in three teams, each including at least one cyclist living with Parkinson’s. The cyclists will ride through all the provinces and two territories and reach all three coasts in 60 days. The number will grow and shrink as the teams pick up riders who will join for specific legs of the journey.
Funds raised will be allocated to partner charities within each province. Parkinson Wellness Projects is a non-profit organization that offers physical, emotional and educational support for those affected by Parkinson’s. It was formed in 2020 from the amalgamation of Headway Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre and Parkinson Wellness Project. It’s funded through donations, grants and contributions from local businesses and foundations.
The send-off ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27 in the parking lot at 2680 Blanshard St.
• For more information, or to donate, go to parkinsonwellness.ca.
>>> Comosun grants support students with real-world skills
Camosun College has been awarded three Applied Research Tools and Instruments grants to support local industry innovation and equip students with the real-world skills employers need.
The grants will go towards advanced manufacturing testing equipment, computer numerical control or CNC — automated control of tools such as lathes and drills using embedded computer software — co-ordinate measuring or CMM fabrication equipment — which calculates measurements — and fibre laser-cutting equipment.
“We are honoured to receive these three grants, which will enable us to further enhance our educational offerings in key employment areas and ensure our students are equipped with the skills and experience needed to excel in the modern workforce,” said Dr. Richard Gale, director of Camosun Innovates, the college applied research and development unit.
The grants are from the College and Community Innovation program, the primary federal funding vehicle for college applied research.
The program is administered by the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
• For more information, go to camosun.ca.
>>> Registration still open for Wild Kidz immersive day camp
There is still time to apply for Wild Kidz, an immersive day camp in August for children ages eight to 14 held at Mountain View Acres, near Port Alberni.
Run by B.C. Wildlife Federation, Wild Kidz day camp offers five days of adventure, outdoor skill-building and games.
Campers will learn about the environment, gain self-reliance, build confidence, learn angling skills and enjoy great outdoor experiences, including fishing at a local lake.
“Wild Kidz is a fun and potentially life-changing experience,” said B.C. Wildlife Federation youth education co-ordinator Elyssa Weickert.
Conservation education will focus on wetlands benefits, invasive species, pollinators, native wildlife and climate. Campers will learn to build a fire, create a basic shelter and do wayfinding with expert instruction.
The camp runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with an early end at 2:30 p.m. on Friday), Aug. 19 to 23 at Mountain View Acres, 7500 Beaver Creek Rd. in Port Alberni.
Registration is open until July 28.
Registration is $300 for BCWF members, $350 for non-members. Subsidies donated by local sponsors and B.C. Wildlife Federation members are available. Contact [email protected] for more information.
• For more information, or to register, go to bcwf.bc.ca/wild-kidz-camp.
>>> FarmHub raffle funds program for family meals
South Island FarmHub is holding a 50/50 raffle campaign until Sept. 2.
Proceeds from the raffle will go to their Farmbucks program, where local farmers and food producers provide nutritious food boxes and meals to families and individuals in need.
The program has helped feed more than 15,000 community members through more than 30 organizations and six school programs since 2020.
FarmHub is operated by the Victoria Community Food Hub Society, a registered charity.
• For more information, or to purchase a ticket, go to vcfhs.rafflenexus.com.
>>> Victoria Foundation gives $6.19M to 252 organizations
The Victoria Foundation has announced $6.194 million in funding to 252 non-profits and charities in the capital region.
The funding, distributed through the Vital Stream of the Victoria Foundation’s Community Grants Program, is intended to help organizations facing increasing demands for services.
The 2024 Community Grants Program will provide 26% more money than in 2023, thanks in part to a one-time allocation from the Community Prosperity Fund.
Three out of four grants will support organizations or projects that benefit equity-deserving populations, such as those who are Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, members of the LGBTQ community, women, children and youth, as well as those with disabilities and newcomers.
“This record amount of funding through the Community Grants Program Vital Stream will help to strengthen philanthropic organizations to achieve their missions,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
“Generous funding from the Community Prosperity Fund will also help many organizations, who continue to work under significant pressures, to better meet the community’s needs around poverty reduction and social inclusion.”
• For more information or a full list of organizations funded, go to victoriafoundation.bc.ca/community-grants-program-distribution-2024.
>>> Sooke upgraded maps make it easier to explore parks
The District of Sooke has upgraded its online Parks Finder Map, making it simpler for people to explore the municipality’s 72 parks.
The map, accessible on smartphones, allows users to get information on park locations and amenities or to filter the list of parks by amenities — such as playgrounds and picnic areas — to suit their needs.
“Our parks serve as essential spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature,” said Emma Taylor, manager of parks and environmental services for Sooke.
“With the introduction of this upgraded tool, we aim to make it easier than ever for residents to discover and enjoy the diverse range of parks available in Sooke.”
• For more information, or to use the tool, go to bit.ly/3Wt8HXi.
>>> Learn-to Camp program runs Aug. 10 and 11
Discover the basics of camping at a Learn-to Camp program hosted by Parks Canada at the SMONEĆTEN Campground (formerly McDonald) in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Aug. 10 and 11.
The Learn-to Camp program offers a variety of pop-up activities, workshops and overnight experiences for participants to learn the basics of camping in a fun and accessible way. The goal of the program is to give people new to camping the knowledge and basic camping skills to feel confident planning their first adventure.
All camping gear is provided — all participants need to bring is a sleeping bag.
Groups can be up to six people per tent. The cost is $80.25 for the primary adult and $20.25 for each additional group member, with children ages six and under free.
SMONEĆTEN Campground is at 10740 McDonald Park Rd. North Saanich.
• For more information, or to register, call 1-844-365-2646 or go to parks.canada.ca/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc.
