Registration is open for the 27th annual CIBC Run for the Cure, set to take place Sept. 30, in Victoria and 55 other locations across sa国际传媒.
An estimated 80,000 Canadians are expected to come together in communities across the country to support breast cancer research in the country鈥檚 largest, single-day, volunteer-led event.
鈥淭he CIBC Run for the Cure has had a tremendous impact throughout its history, raising more than $430 million for the breast cancer cause,鈥� said Lynne Hudson, president and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. 鈥淭hese dollars that have been raised by committed and passionate participants have led to life-changing research advancements and have ensured people facing breast cancer in our country have the support they need through our trusted information and programs. We encourage all Canadians to make their promise to make breast cancer beatable by donating, registering or fundraising for the CIBC Run for the Cure.鈥�
Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, with one in eight expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.
But investments in cancer research are making a difference. Mortality rates for breast cancer are 44 per cent lower than their peak in the mid-1980s, and approximately 87 per cent of people diagnosed with breast cancer are expected to live five years beyond their diagnoses.
The first CIBC Run for the Cure took place in 1992 and raised $85,000. Last year, events across the country raised $17 million.
The run starts at 9 a.m. Sept.聽30 from the University of Victoria. People can choose between a one- or five-kilometre walk or run.
Early bird rates will continue until Aug. 31. Starting Sept. 1, the minimum donation increases to $45. For registration, or for more聽information, go to .
Hockey tourney for聽Cops聽for Cancer
Mark your calendar for Sept.聽27 to attend the second annual Cops for Cancer McLean Hockey Game, at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre.
Watch the Oak Bay Emergency Services team, which consists of Oak Bay police, fire, ambulance, recreation and parks staff and Oak Bay Bikes employees, square off against the Oak Bay High School team. Organizers are also trying to secure a celebrity player, as well.
Last year, the first responders won a tightly contested battle, but can they hold onto their title this year?
This year鈥檚 event includes a skills competition, radar-gun skating and shooting speeds, a shoot-out competition and a special guest singing of O sa国际传媒.
All funds raised go directly to Cops for Cancer.
The game starts at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. For more information, go to or .
Grandmothers celebrate another cycle tour
Come join the celebrations to welcome and celebrate the successful conclusion of the 12th Vancouver Island Cycle Tour, Sept. 9 in Centennial Square.
Twenty-five women, who range in age from 56 to 75, will have ridden 275 kilometres over three days from Campbell River to Qualicum Beach to Chemainus to Victoria. An additional 12聽women will cycle 50 km on the third and final day of the tour.
Their efforts are in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation鈥檚 Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, supporting African grandmothers raising 15 million children orphaned by AIDS.
Vancouver Island grandmothers ride in solidarity with the struggle of their African peers, who are making a difference to the recovery of sub-Saharan African countries hit hardest by HIV and AIDS.
This year, participants are from Campbell River, Nanaimo, Delta, Vancouver and Victoria.
鈥淭here is something special about working for a common goal with others. I believe that our rides reach out to many and inform them of our mission to provide what assistance we can,鈥� said Jocelyn Green, originator of the idea for a cycling fundraiser, an organizer of the annual ride and a nine-time participant of the cycle tour.
The fundraiser has raised more than $725,000, including the efforts of the Victoria riders, as well as grandmothers from other Island groups.
The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa, who organize the annual cycle tour for the Island grandmother groups, last year celebrated their own achievement of $1 million raised for the grandmothers鈥� campaign since the Victoria chapter began in 2006.
The riders will reach Centennial Square at 2:45 p.m. Sept. 9, led for the last few kilometres by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
A celebration will be held from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. and include music from the Gettin鈥� Higher Choir. The event will include the recognition of the contributions of all Island grandmothers, who have prepared meals and refreshments for the cyclists at each stop along the three-day route 鈥� and who support the cyclists all year.
To learn more about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, go to stephenlewisfoundation.org and grandmotherscampaign.org.
To learn more about the cycling fundraiser, go to .
Salvation Army gathers school supplies
Help the Salvation Army with its goal to supply 300 children with school supplies for the first day of the school year.
鈥淓ach September should present every child with a fresh start to a successful school year,鈥� said Patricia Mamic, spokesperson for the Salvation Army. 鈥淯nfortunately, there are many families who simply can鈥檛 afford the steep cost of purchasing a long list of required school supplies for their children.鈥�
The social-service agency aims to provide children throughout British Columbia with the necessary tools to have a successful year. The past few years have seen an increase in the number of families coming to the Salvation Army for support, especially during this time of year.
The organization will supply children with needed school supplies: 25 to 30 basic kits for each grade from kindergarten to Grade 12.
People can help with monetary donations or by dropping off new school supplies at the Salvation Army Stan Hagen Centre for Families, 2695 Quadra St.
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization and one of the largest providers of social services in the country, working in 400 communities across sa国际传媒.
For more information, go to .
Reform temple names聽new leader
Kolot Mayim Reform Temple, a Reform synagogue, has just confirmed Lynn Greenough as the temple鈥檚 new religious leader.
Greenough, who was born and raised in Victoria, is studying for the Rabbinate. In her new position, she will lead services and guide the congregation for the coming year, 5779. It is also the temple鈥檚 20th anniversary this year.
The Kolot Mayim Reform Temple is at 3636 Shelbourne St. For more information, go to .
4-H chooses sa国际传媒 scholarship winner
Elizabeth Ferguson was the only British Columbia recipient of a 2018 TD 4-H Agricultural Scholarship.
Twelve 4-H members from across sa国际传媒 each received $2,500 to pursue post-secondary studies in the field of agriculture, agricultural science or agricultural business beginning in fall 2018.
鈥淲e continue to be inspired by the quality of applications that 4-H鈥檈rs are submitting, and thank all who applied,鈥� said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H sa国际传媒. 鈥淪incere thanks also to TD for recognizing and supporting our mission to nurture responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders who are making an impact in their communities and around the world.鈥�
The scholarships promote positive youth development and provide youth with tools and guidance to lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
For more information, go to .
SuperWalk supports people with Parkinson鈥檚
Bring hope to people who have Parkinson鈥檚 disease by joining the Parkinson SuperWalk, Sept. 8 from the Esquimalt Gorge Park.
The walk is the largest annual fundraising event for Parkinson鈥檚 in sa国际传媒, bringing together everyday heroes from communities across the province.
Funds raised help provide crucial support services, educational resources, advocacy efforts and research contributions for the Parkinson鈥檚 community.
鈥淪o many people think that Parkinson鈥檚 disease symptoms are just tremors. They are not aware of the pain, discomfort and the non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression and sleep issues,鈥� said Terry Gorsuch. 鈥淚f people were aware of these disabling symptoms, there would be better understanding of how this disease changes one鈥檚 life. Events like SuperWalk not only raise much-needed funds, but also help make the public more aware of how the disease affects our and our care partners鈥� lives daily.鈥�
More than 13,000 British Columbians live with Parkinson鈥檚. The most common symptoms are tremors (shaking), slow movement, muscle stiffness and problems with balance.
Many also experience fatigue, difficulty with speech and writing, sleep disorders, depression and cognitive changes. There is no cure. The incidence of the disease is expected to double by 2040.
The Parkinson Society of British Columbia provides a voice for those living with the disease. Its purpose is to ease the burden and find a cure through advocacy, education, research and support services.
For more information, go to or .
UVic student wins聽scholarship
University of Victoria student Ashley Clark is one of 10 recipients across sa国际传媒 to be awarded an AbbVie IBD Scholarship by Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis sa国际传媒.
The scholarship recognizes and supports students who achieve academic excellence while overcoming the difficulties caused by inflammatory bowel disease.
Originally from Campbell River, Clark was diagnosed with Crohn鈥檚 disease six years ago. Following a series of medications that failed to manage her symptoms, she elected to have an ostomy.
She has since worked to raise awareness for IBD as a volunteer with Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis sa国际传媒, the sa国际传媒 Children鈥檚 Hospital and Social Health Lab.
Clark is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in social dimensions of health, and intends to use her education to help guide people who are faced with life-changing decisions related to their health.
For more information, go to .
Food, drink and art at聽Union Club
Enjoy local food, drink, music and art in support of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria at Art + Fare 4, Sept. 22 at the Union Club of British Columbia.
Attendees can view curated exhibits featuring artistic work by Victoria鈥檚 leading private art galleries. Exquisite fare will be provided by the Union Club of British Columbia鈥檚 renowned chef and kitchen.
鈥淪ince its inception in 2015, Art + Fare has raised over $80,000 for programs at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria,鈥� said Heather Kohler, chair of Art + Fare 4. 鈥淲ith the support of ticket buyers, donors and sponsors for this year鈥檚 event, we will be able to continue to provide funding for important programs and initiatives at the gallery.鈥�
The event includes a silent auction, replete with unique items.
New for this year is the Begbie Lounge, a discotheque that will have partygoers dancing well into the night.
Proceeds will go toward programs for children and youth, including Family Sundays, school tours, workshops, resource guides for teachers and the New Extreme Mentorship Program that puts local artists together with engaged youth who are artistically inclined.
Tickets are $125 per person (includes a $25 tax receipt, if requested). VIP tickets are $300 per person (includes a $25 tax receipt, if requested, special VIP entrance, early access to the art, VIP champagne reception, VIP meet and greet and VIP swag). Patron tickets are $1,500 (includes four VIP event tickets and access to AGGV Leadership Circle Benefits and a $1,000 tax receipt and VIP access to the gallery for one year).
The event runs 7 to 11 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon St. Tickets are available at . For more information, go to .
