‘What could be better?’ Greek Fest supports school lunches
Greek Fest Victoria recently held a traditional Greek lunch for students and staff at McKenzie Elementary, and made a $1,500 donation to the school’s hot-lunch program.
Organizers of the popular annual festival have supported a similar program at Tillicum Elementary for more than a decade and decided to include McKenzie Elementary, as well.
“This is my favorite event of the year,” said vice-president Jim Koutougos. “What could be better than helping children in need?”
President Tim Petropoulos said supporting local causes is a priority for the group. “We are very fortunate to be living in Saanich, and as part of our culture and heritage we focus on supporting those who need it most.”
Greek Fest 2025 will run for two weekends, Aug. 22-25 and Aug. 29-Sept. 1, with support from the province, the District of Saanich and many sponsors.
Alzheimer Society clears in-person cheque drop-off
With mail at a standstill amid the ongoing sa国际传媒 Post strike, the Alzheimer Society of sa国际传媒 is inviting the public to bring their donations to its Victoria office during a special in-person Giving Day on Wednesday.
Cathryn France, the society’s chief development officer, noted many donors are seniors for whom giving to charity is an important tradition, particularly during the holidays.
Many donors, however, are still uncomfortable donating online, France said. “We’re delighted to be able to invite them to drop by, enjoy some holiday treats and support a cause they care about.”
Donors can drop by the centre at #202-4420 Chatterton Way from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Thanks to a contribution from a group of donors, all donations in sa国际传媒 up to $85,000 are being matched.
Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-667-3742 or online at .
Gifts boosting food bank range from toys to toiletries
The Sooke Food Bank will get a boost from the Sooke Craft Fair and Artisans Market Dec. 14 and 15.
Donations including unwrapped toys, food, pet food and toiletries for people in need will be collected at the event, and items will be raffled off to raise money for the food bank, including a Christmas tree decorated with hand-made ornaments.
Pictures with Santa Paws — a.k.a. Bailey the service-dog-in-training — will be available by donation from 1 -3 p.m. each day.
The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days at the Sooke Community Hall at 2037 Shields Rd.
Meanwhile, the CMS Food Bank — serving the Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Malahat and Shawnigan Lake areas — has received a $2,500 donation from the Mill Bay Community League, in lieu of the group’s annual community Christmas party.
League president Shane Ryan thanked all CMS Food Bank volunteers “currently on the front lines working to meet the basic needs of our neighbours, friends and relatives in their time of need.”
The group is also supporting the food bank with a bingo night on Dec. 14 at the Mill Bay Community League Hall, 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and players must bring cash.
Michael King St. Clair, past-president and current board member of the food bank, said demand for its services is up due to factors such as rising grocery prices, high inflation, a lack of full-time employment options for working families and rising insurance prices.
“They all take their toll on our clients,” he said.
According to Food Banks sa国际传媒, sa国际传媒 food banks are seeing more than 225,000 visits each month — a 15 per cent jump from 2023 — and children make up about one-third of users.
Junior Police Camp slated this summer for ages 10 to 14
The Greater Victoria Police Foundation has announced the launch of a new Junior Police Day Camp in the summer for 10- to 14-year-olds.
The foundation said there are already more than 160 applicants for its existing Police Camp, which will be held during spring break and include 50 high-school students.
Registration for the camp for high-schoolers is now closed, with interviews and selection of attendees to be finalized this month, but Junior Police Day Camp registration is still available at .
The foundation, officially launched in October 2023 as a non-profit society, brought back Police Camp in the spring of 2023 for the first time since 2014.
The foundation’s goal is to provide positive change to youth in Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and Central Saanich, as well as local Indigenous communities.
Police Camp includes public-safety training and sessions on fitness and life skills.
“We have heard from those who have attended Police Camp in the past that the experiences provided to youth are life-changing, thanks to the incredible support of our camp director, Kim Basi and our regional police chiefs and their officers,” said foundation chair Robert Jawl.
Jawl said the foundation is committed to raising funds so more youth can have these experiences — “which we have heard first-hand sets them up to be confident and engaged young leaders in our communities.”
Both Police Camp and Junior Police Day Camp in 2025 will be held at St. Margaret’s School at no cost to students.
The foundation has a fundraising goal of $500,000 over the next year to cover the cost of youth attending the camps.
It also offers four scholarships valued at $2,500 each for Camosun College criminal-justice students, as well as a $2,500 scholarship for a Camosun student in the field of mental health and addictions.
Vote for your favourite at Gingerbread Showcase
Habitat for Humanity’s 16th annual Gingerbread Showcase is in full swing at the Hotel Grand Pacific and runs through Jan. 5.
The event, presented by Peninsula Co-op, brings together everyone from professional bakers to first-timers to display their gingerbread creations, while raising funds to give local families a chance at affordable home ownership.
This year’s theme is “Through a Child’s Eyes,” and has inspired entries with names such as Midnight Mischief, Gingerbread Giftopia and Green Thumbs from Outer Space.
More than 20,000 visitors take in the spectacle each year.
Members of the public who come to view the exhibit can vote for their favourite entries by making a $5 donation, with the top vote-getter earning the people’s choice award.
Judges also rate the entries on such factors as originality, interpretation of the theme, first impression and diversity of ingredients.
Contribute by viewing the entries online and making a donation at .
