Victoria Hand Project provides nearly 100 prostheses in Ukraine
Between 20,000 and 50,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs due to the war in their country. In the last year, the Victoria Hand Project has been able to give nearly 100 of them a prosthetic arm and hand to help restore their independence.
The Victoria-based charity has established two partner clinics in Lviv and Vinnytsia, with another in Kyiv in progress. The clinics are equipped with the tools to make a low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic.
Michael Peirone, CEO of the Victoria Hand Project, said as word spreads, more people are coming to the group’s clinics in hopes of getting a prosthetic arm that meets their needs, especially those missing an arm above the elbow.
“Our partners now have a waitlist of dozens of amputees requesting this life-changing care, and we need public support to continue making these transformations possible.”
The project, which makes low-cost prosthetic hands in developing countries, began as a research effort at the University of Victoria in 2014. It branched out on its own in 2015 and in 2022 became a registered charity in the U.S. and Canada.
Worldwide, the project has helped 900 people from Canada, Cambodia, Egypt, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Uganda and the U.S.
The project typically supplies each country with a donated 3D printer, a computer capable of running the software that controls the printer, a camera for scanning the limb and the raw materials needed for the printer to create the prosthetic.
The project can create upper and lower arms as well as four models of hands — which they have dubbed the Victoria Hand — including one designed for children.
The charity is asking for donations of at least $25 to help get a life-changing hand to someone who needs it most.
For more information, or to donate, go to victoriahandproject.com.
Spirited paddlers support Island Kids Cancer on Sept. 7
Registration is now open for Paddle for Health, a celebration of strength, community and spirited paddling in support of the Island Kids Cancer Association, at Willows Beach, Sept. 7.
Participants can paddle a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard or just cheer from the beach.
Funds raised will go towards support services for families facing childhood cancer.
The event is open to paddlers of all ages and skill levels, including first-timers, although children require a guardian. A limited number of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available to borrow — enquire when registering.
The route is from Willows Beach to Gyro Beach, where there is a 15-minute stretch and snack stop, and back again, about a seven-kilometres trip.
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Willows Beach in Oak Bay.
For more information, and to register, go to ikca.ca/events/paddle-for-health-2024.
Fashion event Oct. 20 helps Victoria Hospice
Enjoy an afternoon of fashion, food and fun while supporting Victoria Hospice at the Fashion for Compassion event at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort, Sunday, Oct. 20.
Sponsored by Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria, the event features fashions and accessories from Turnabout Luxury Resale — all modelled by volunteers and members of the Victoria Hospice care team.
There will also be lunch, pop-up boutique shopping, prizes and a silent auction.
The proceeds from the event will go toward supporting compassionate care at Victoria Hospice.
Tickets are $150 for individuals, $1,200 per table or $2,000 for a corporate table sponsor. The event runs noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at Delta Ocean Pointe Resort, 100 Harbour Rd.
For more information, or to get tickets, go to victoriahospice.org.
Six schools tops in cutting greenhouse-gas emissions
Six schools came out on top in a challenge to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions over a month in the last school year.
Students that reduced their greenhouse gas emissions most significantly over the four-week period were from Margaret Jenkins Elementary, Keating Elementary, Cedar Hill Middle School, Central Middle School, Lansdowne Middle School and Edward Milne Community School.
They were from 35 classrooms in a Capital Regional District-sponsored program called Cool It! Climate Leadership Training.
The goal of the regional program, offered by the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association to classes in grades 4-12, is to help build students’ knowledge of climate change, including the key causes, impacts and solutions.
More than 2,400 students from 104 classrooms across the region attended workshops, followed by a four-week take-home challenge that encouraged students to work with their families to reduce their carbon footprint at home and in their communities.
During the challenge, students took more than 15,700 actions to reduce energy use and carbon emissions at home — actions that would result in a projected savings of 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, if continued for one year.
“We are continuously impressed by the students who participate in this program,” said Nikki Elliott, manager of climate action programs at the CRD.
“It’s always incredible to witness their transformation over the four-week period and to hear about their experiences with taking action at home, school, and in their communities. Addressing climate change really does require an all-hands-on-deck approach, and the youth in our region continue to play a vital role.”
For more information, go to bcsea.org/Cool-It.
Brain Injury Society holds open house at new office
The Victoria Brain Injury Society is holding an open house in September to celebrate the opening of its new office on Courtney Street, in the courtyard of Nootka Court.
Executive director Pam Prewett said the new space will allow the group to better serve clients and expand its support for individuals living with acquired brain injuries. “Our new office is a testament to our growth and dedication to providing comprehensive services that empower our clients to lead fulfilling lives.”
The new office at C100 – 633 Courtney St. is served by multiple transit stops along Douglas Street, and parking is available at the Greater Victoria Public Library parkade and the Broughton Street parkade across the street, the group said.
“We’re thrilled with the new office location. It’s going to make a huge difference in how we can support our community,” says Andy LeFort, a long-time client. “Having a central, accessible space is a game-changer.”
The open house is set for Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Launched in 1983, the Victoria Brain Injury Society offers support, advocacy, education and housing assistance to those affected by brain injuries and their families.
For more information about programs and services, or to get involved, visit vbis.ca.
Art gallery CEO honoured for her efforts
Nancy Noble, the CEO of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
She received her medal from Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony at Government House this month.
The medal recognizes Noble’s contribution to arts and culture in Canada over the past three decades. In 2018, she was made a Fellow of the Canadian Museums Association, its highest honour.
“We are thrilled that Nancy has received recognition for the work she has done at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and across Canada, to make museums more accessible,” said Art Gallery of Greater Victoria board chair Carol Anne Harper.
The Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour created to mark the coronation of King Charles III, was launched by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to recognize those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province.
