The Victoria Remembrance Day Committee Poppy Fund has donated $30,000 to a program that provides service dogs for veterans and first responders diagnosed with an operational stress injury such as PTSD.
Money from the fund will go to the B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs’ Vancouver Island Compassion Service Dog program.
“The donation will go a long way to helping place more dogs in communities across B.C.,” said Mike Annan, executive director of the program. “Our OSI-PTSD service dogs provide veterans and first responders a living, breathing lifeline to the outside world. A donation like this allows us to provide our recipients the ability to reclaim their place in the community.”
Stéphane Marcotte, a recipient of a service dog, was at a ceremony held at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch No. 292 on Gorge Road to acknowledge the donation.
“The donation is an incredible act of generosity that will undoubtedly improve someone’s life,” said Marcotte, accompanied by Sarge, his service dog for the past seven years.
The Victoria Remembrance Day Committee Poppy Fund includes Royal Canadian Legion branches #7, #127, #292, Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 12 and the Korea Veterans Association Unit 27.
• For more information, got to bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/our-dogs/ptsd-service-dogs.
Central Saanich pumped for Meet your Street block parties
The District of Central Saanich is offering residents approximately $250 in funding to host a neighbourhood block party as part of its Meet your Street program.
Residents can apply for grants for neighbourhood block parties, outdoor movie nights, scavenger hunts or live music, as long as the event is free, inclusive and neighbourhood-based.
“Feeling connected to your neighbours and community is such a vital ingredient for a healthy, fulfilling life and we’re delighted to be able to encourage that here in Central Saanich,” said Mayor Ryan Windsor. “Our hope is this program encourages residents to reconnect with neighbours, meet new people, have some fun together, and come away feeling more engaged and included in their community.”
The program is, in part, a tribute to the memory of Heather Player, a resident and public health nurse who was devoted to community building — and also loved a good block party.
Player, known for reaching out to new neighbours and befriending many with her big smile, began organizing an annual block party in 2010.
In 2020, the year before she died, she initiated a parade and neighbourhood beautification project to lift spirits during the pandemic. She was also behind establishing a number of programs to support children and families in Central Saanich.
“Heather’s enthusiasm for connecting community left an indelible mark on her neighbourhood, and it’s in the memory of her spirit we are offering these funds to help others do the same,” said Windsor.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for eight available grants. Applicants should allow four weeks for review and will be required to provide a short wrap-up summary within 15 days of the event’s completion. Deadline for applications is Sept. 1.
• For more information, a full list of requirements, and to apply, go to centralsaanich.ca/meetyourstreet.
Maritime Museum’s Salty Sing-a-long Wednesday
The Maritime Museum of B.C. is hosting Salty Sing-a-long: Sea Shanties & More!, an all-ages event at St. Ann’s Academy on Wednesday.
Performers include Seeking Sirens — who promise familiar tunes and deep dives into shanties — and the Greater Victoria Police Chorus, with vocalists, drum, keyboard and accordion.
“Music is an incredible tool for storytelling,” said Anya Zanko, museum events and development manager. “These songs interpret our collection at the museum, and give us a chance to all sing together as a community.”
When the event is over, participants are encouraged to keep their songbooks as souvenir. “We really want folks to sing their hearts out.”
Beer, cider and non-alcoholic beer and pop will be available for purchase at the event. Please bring two pieces of photo ID if you plan to consume alcohol.
General admission is $21, or $15 for those under 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 28 in the auditorium at St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt St. Accessibility features include entrances and exits on street level and aisles that can accommodate wheelchairs and power chairs.
• Tickets are available now at mmbc.bc.ca/salty-singalong.
It’s 20 years of racing for Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival
The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with races, cultural performances, food trucks and a dance festival in Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park, July 8 and 9.
Hundreds of athletes and thousands of spectators are expected at the event, in support of the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation and the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
“We’re looking forward to a weekend of great racing, great entertainment and cultural events and lots of fun and fellowship,” said Kyle Chow, senior manager of operations and events at the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club, which produces the festival.
“We expect thousands of people to come to the event, grab some food and possibly a beer, see some racing, enjoy music and dance, and help in the fight against cancer.”
The festival is being held in conjunction with the 25th InFrinGinG Dance Festival, which will feature music and dance events throughout the weekend, including a return of the popular Playbriola children’s playground.
A big part of the festival is the annual breast cancer survivors’ dragon boat race challenge, featuring an expected seven visiting and local survivor teams this year. The races will end with a carnation ceremony where flowers are placed in the ocean in memory of someone lost to cancer.
Racing will run 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 8 and 9:30 to 4 p.m. July 9. The event take place at Maffeo Sutton Park, 10 Comox Road, Nanaimo.
Celebrate Canada Day at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park
Residents are invited to Nanaimo’s Canada Day celebrations, which take place at Maffeo Sutton Park, on July 1.
Festivities include live musical entertainment, photo booth, cultural community stage dances, bouncy castles, face painting, interactive booths and more.
The main stage will feature performances by Doctors of Rock n Roll, Cross Parallel and Cameron Whitcomb of American Idol fame.
The cultural community stage will highlight a range of dance groups, including performances from Vancouver Island Square Dancers, Nanaimo Ballroom Dance Society, Flamenco Dancers, Nanaimo Scottish Country Dancers and Vibe Dance Studio.
There will be no vehicle parking available on-site (except limited accessible parking). The Regional District of Nanaimo is offering free ridership to the Canada Day event. There will also be a free bike valet parking service from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The event runs 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 1 at Maffeo Sutton Park, 10 Comox Road, Nanaimo.
• For more information, can be found on the City of Nanaimo's website.
Run for Women goes this morning at Elk Lake park
The Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, the largest event series in Canada dedicated to women’s mental health, with five- or 10-kilometre run/walk and 1K Little Steps events in 18 communities, takes place locally at Elk Lake Regional Park today.
Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience the debilitating effects of depression and anxiety, say organizers, and nearly one-quarter don’t access support because they didn’t know where or how to get the help they need.
Funds raised locally will support women and post-partum mental health programs run by the Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia in Victoria.
People will have the opportunity to attend the fundraiser virtually or in-person.
The event start times range from 9 to 10 a.m. at Elk Lake Regional Park, 728 Beaver Lake Rd. (parking at the main or Filter Beds lots)
• For more information, go to runforwomen.ca.
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