John Hillman has just turned 103. To celebrate, he plans to walk 103 laps around the courtyard of Carlton House of Oak Bay, with a goal of raising $103,000 for Save the Children to help children and families affected by conflict, in Ukraine and elsewhere.
Hillman held similar walking fundraisers in 2020 and 2021, when he turned 101 and 102. To date, he has raised more than $214,800.
“At 103 years of age, I am glad to say I am still around, fit and enthusiastic,” said the Second World War veteran.
“I’m looking forward to my 103 trips around the Carlton House residence courtyard. Many thanks to those of you who supported the children in 2020 and 2021. I encourage you to continue your good work again in 2022.”
Since the fundraiser is for Save the Children, Hillman is inviting children and youth involved in fundraising to walk with him in person or virtually, to make the biggest impact.
Save the Children is a global charity that helps provide families and children with essential food, clean water and health care.
Hillman plans to begin his walk on May 2. Over 10 days, he will walk about 10 laps around the Carlton House courtyard per day, starting at 10:30 a.m.
• To join Hillman, contact Jacqueline at [email protected] or 250-686-9303. To donate, go to his official fundraising page.
Volunteers wanted for Sooke Fine Arts show this summer
The 2022 Sooke Fine Arts Show is looking for people of all ages and experience levels to assume a variety of volunteer roles in the upcoming event.
Volunteer positions include everything from show setup and admissions to gift shop construction and light-bulb installation. Can’t make it out? There’s even a role for home bakers to create snacks for the volunteer teams.
“Our volunteers are integral to the show and we couldn’t do it without them,” said Terrie Moore, executive director of the show.
“This is the first time since 2019 that we’ve had a live show and we’ve missed the energy and enthusiasm that the volunteers bring. We’re so looking forward to working as a part of a larger team again this year.”
The show is a live visual arts festival from July 22 through Aug. 2. It includes a gallery of juried artworks from Island artists, live music, demonstrations, talks, guided tours and activities for youth and seniors. The festival kicks off on July 21.
• To learn more about volunteer opportunities, go to sookefinearts.com/volunteering or contact the office at 250-642-7256.
Victoria book prize submissions invited
A call for entries has gone out for two City of Victoria book prizes.
Submissions are being accepted for the $5,000 Butler Book Prize and the $5,000 Children’s Book Prize.
“This city loves its writers,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“Books have been a refuge for so many people during the pandemic, connecting us with ideas, people and even faraway places while we found ourselves stuck at home. I hope these important annual prizes will inspire Victoria readers to pick up more local books at local bookstores and libraries.”
The Butler Book Prize is awarded to a local author for the best book of fiction, literary non-fiction or poetry published in the preceding year. The Children’s Book Prize is awarded to an author or illustrator of literature for children or youth.
Books submitted must have been published between April 1, 2021, and March 31. They must not have been submitted previously and must be a new work, not a reissue or a revision of a previous work. The deadline for submissions is May 20.
Musical Garden Tour returns next month
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is once again celebrating, with the return of its Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour on May 7 and 8.
The tour, which brings spring gardens together with music by students and faculty of the conservatory for the first time in two years, celebrates its 40th year.
Garden lovers can visit 10 hidden gems and one public garden over two days.
Proceeds from the tour, a Mother’s Day tradition, help to support the conservatory’s efforts to keep music education, performance and wellness thriving in Victoria.
Two-day passes cost $40 (plus service charges where applicable) and include exclusive access to a plant sale. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 and 8 at various locations in Victoria.
Take a Hike charity helps vulnerable youth
The Take a Hike Foundation is bringing outdoor adventure and mental-health programming to the West Shore with a partnership with the Sooke School District. The program will operate out of the Westshore Colwood campus and will serve the communities of Colwood, Langford, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke and Port Renfrew.
Take a Hike is designed to empower vulnerable youth. The full-time mental-health and emotional well-being program is embedded in an alternative education classroom.
The program provides continuous clinical counselling, outdoor experiential learning and community. Youth build strong relationships and gain the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school.
Take a Hike Foundation is a registered charity. Sooke joins the foundation’s network of existing programming on Vancouver Island, which includes communities in Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley and Saanich.
Put on your walking shoes for hospice fundraiser
Hike for Hospice, an annual in-person walk and fundraiser to help support end-of-life care is back at Fisherman’s Wharf Park on May 1.
After two years of offering self-guided walks due to pandemic restrictions, Victoria Hospice is excited to welcome everyone back.
The scenic 3.5-kilometre loop will take participants from Fisherman’s Wharf Park to the ocean and back again. The route is accessible for all ages and abilities.
This year, bring along your four-legged friend for your chance to win the Best Dressed Dog award.
Funds raised help provide care and comfort for patients, as well as support for their families through bereavement counselling from the Community Support Centre.
Check-in and entertainment start at 9 and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Fisherman’s Wharf Park is at 12 Erie St. For more information, or to register, go to victoriahospice.org.
