An organization that picks fruit from backyard trees across the capital region is marking 25 years with a campaign to raise $25,000.
Lifecycles’ Fruit Tree Project started with two friends knocking on doors, asking to harvest falling fruit in 1998. Since then it has redirected nearly 317,500 kilograms of fruit to food banks, community kitchens, school programs and home pantries.
Every fall, teams of volunteers pick fruit from trees from neighbourhood gardens. Apples and plums make up the bulk of the fruit, with pears, figs and quince also abundant in the region.
Harvests are split four ways, with equal shares divided among homeowners, volunteers, social-service agencies and the LifeCycles social enterprise, which takes the fruit and turns it into value-added products such as cider, vinegar and quince paste.
The organization is now looking for increased financial support to continue to provide the service in 2023. It has set a goal of $25,000 for the appeal, with Peninsula Co-op kicking off the campaign with the first $2,500 donation.
Tax receipts will be given for donations of $20 and above. The campaign ends June 30.
• For more information, or to donate, go to .
>>> sa国际传媒 SPCA launches Lock-In for Love campaign
The sa国际传媒 SPCA is calling on animal lovers to donate to animals in need with a personal or team fundraising page during the sa国际传媒 SPCA’s Lock-In for Love fundraising event, now until June 17.
Alina Wilson, senior officer of digital giving for the sa国际传媒 SPCA, said the organization hopes to raise $285,000, but can’t do it without a “committed network of animal lovers.”
“Any person can make an incredible difference when they dedicate their time and effort to a cause that’s close to their hearts.”
Funds can go toward where the need is greatest — from wildfire response to animal protection investigations — or participants can choose to dedicate their funds to a local animal care centre.
Participants are invited to cap off their hard work with an optional in-person finale — an opportunity to cuddle up with one of the animals they are helping — at participating sa国际传媒 SPCA locations on June 17.
Vancouver Island locations participating include: Cowichan and District Community Animal Centre, 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd., Duncan; Nanaimo and District Community Animal Centre, 154 Westwood Rd., Nanaimo; Parksville-Qualicum Beach and District Community Animal Centre, 1565 Alberni Hwy., Parksville; and Victoria Community Animal Centre, 3150 Napier Ln., Victoria.
• To sign up, learn times for the finale event, or get more information, go to lockin.spca.bc.ca
>>> Victoria and Saanich Rotary Clubs to merge
The Rotary Club of Victoria and the Saanich Rotary Club have agreed to merge and will continue as the Rotary Club of Victoria beginning in July.
Both service clubs have been active in the communities they serve, distributing nearly $57,000 to local charities, youth programs and international projects between 2022 and 2023.
Recipients include the Threshold Housing Society, Esquimalt High School, Human Nature Counselling Society and the Ukraine Global Project.
• For more information, or to join, go to .
>>> North Cowichan celebrates 150th anniversary on June 18
The municipality of North Cowichan is kicking off its 150th anniversary with a free community celebration on Sunday, June 18 in Chemainus.
Incorporated in 1873, it is the fifth-oldest municipality in sa国际传媒
“This is a significant milestone for North Cowichan, and an opportunity to look ahead to our future,” said Mayor Rob Douglas.
The 150th celebration includes live music, entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks and birthday cake.
A number of community events are also planned, including an exhibition of the work of 24 artists hosted by the Cowichan Historical Society at the Cowichan Valley Museum, housed in the Duncan Train Station, and a classic car display.
The event is being organized with the support of the Chemainus Business Improvement Association and Chemainus Chamber of Commerce.
The celebration runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus.
For more information, including an up-to-date list of events, go to at .
>>> Sooke offering grants with seed-funding program
The District of Sooke is launching a Community Climate Action Seed Funding program with $40,000 in grants for community-based climate action projects.
The district is offering grants of up to $1,000 for individuals initiating community-based projects and $10,000 for not-for-profit organizations leading local initiatives.
Examples of potential projects include: food security and garden exchange initiatives; farm-to-table and neighbourhood emergency preparation events; repair and waste reduction education and events; E-mobility showcase; tree planting; invasive species removal and restoration events; and community education events on rainwater harvesting, gardening or home energy reduction solutions.
Deadline for submissions is June 30.
• For more information, go to https://letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030
>>> Father’s Day Walk/Run a race against prostate cancer
There is still time to register for the Island Prostate Centre’s 20th Raymond James Father’s Day Walk/Run on Sunday, June 18.
The top team and top three individual fundraisers can win prize packages from local businesses, with a total value of more than $1,200. The participant age 12 and under who raises the most funds will receive a $100 gift certificate from Frontrunners Victoria.
The funds raised stay on Vancouver Island to support local patients and their families.
To register online, or make a donation, go to .
>>> Students can apply for Sarah Beckett scholarship
Post-secondary students who live in the capital region and demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, community service and an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply for the Capital Regional District Traffic Safety Commission’s Constable Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship, worth $2,000.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone developing a career in law enforcement,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock, who serves as chair of the Traffic Safety Commission.
Murdock says it’s the seventh year of the scholarship, which has supported students of all ages, from those just starting out to adult learners transitioning their careers. “This is the seventh year we can honour Constable Beckett’s memory by contributing to education for those who are committed to caring for community safety, and it is inspiring to see her legacy in action.”
Beckett died in 2016 when her police cruiser was hit by a drunk driver who had run a red light. The CRD Traffic Safety Commission later created the scholarship to raise awareness of traffic safety and community policing.
• Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until July 7. For more information, go to
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