Three students from Belmont Secondary School have won an award from Island Health for their harm-reduction education efforts, including training their peers to use naloxone for overdoses.
Victoria-based Youth Action Team members Jaden Lee, Kai Lessard, Samantha Paluch and Matthew O’Connell were recently recognized with the 2023 Youth Harm Reduction Award.
“We’re thrilled to offer this award to these Belmont Secondary students for their tremendous dedication, creativity and work to offer their peers naloxone training and harm-reduction education,” said Jessica Huston, manager of substance use and harm reduction at Island Health. “The momentum of the Youth Action team continues to have positive ripple effects, including interest from other school districts for their training.”
In 2022, the Youth Action Team surveyed 155 Belmont Secondary students as part of a naloxone-training event. The aim was to assess their peers’ awareness of substance use and harm-reduction efforts.
“It was really surprising for us to know that lots of people felt like the community needed more education regarding substance use,” said Jaden. “And many didn’t know where to access the resources.”
The team produced a short video highlighting the project. Using data from the video, the school district was able to obtain federal funding to incorporate substance-use education in the curriculum.
The annual Youth Harm Reduction Award is open to people under 19 who live in the Island Health region. Applications are reviewed beginning in March, with the recipient announced in June.
“Wellness promotion, education and prevention can stop small problems from becoming bigger down the road, while harm-reduction measures can save lives, reduce the risk of toxic drug poisonings and connect people to lifesaving supports,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside, who congratulated the winners.
“The leadership you’ve demonstrated will go a long way in helping your peers access the supports they need and help us tackle the toxic drug crisis.”
>>> Alzheimer Society of sa国际传媒 makes plea for volunteers
The Alzheimer Society of sa国际传媒, the province’s only charity dedicated to supporting people affected by dementia, is in urgent need of new volunteers.
The non-profit is experiencing a shortage of new volunteers to provide support to Greater Victoria residents living with dementia.
“By volunteering with us, you have the power to bring joy, comfort and support to people affected by dementia,” said Colleen Cahoon, a regional manager for the society. “Our volunteers have the opportunity to show people affected by dementia they’re not alone.”
The latest study on dementia in sa国际传媒 found more than 85,000 people are living with dementia in sa国际传媒 That number is expected to rise to nearly 134,000 by 2030.
Volunteers can contribute remotely, in person or both, with comprehensive training and ongoing support provided, the society said.
Group meetings are held once a month and a monthly time commitment of three to six hours is required, for a minimum of one year, it said, adding ideal candidates have interpersonal and problem-solving skills and a “strong understanding of boundaries.”
• For more information, or to volunteer, go to .
>>> Book sale Thursday in Sidney
An organization working to improve the status of women and promote human rights, public education, social justice and peace is holding a book sale at the Mary Winspear Centre, July 27.
Proceeds from the sale, hosted by the Saanich Peninsula chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, will go toward scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Last year, four high school students from the Peninsula received grants of $1,200 each for post-secondary studies. Scholarships of varying amounts were also awarded to students at the University of Victoria and Camosun College.
Organizers hope to exceed the $2,000 raised last year by offering a selection of recent books in good condition and at reasonable prices.
Founded in 1919, the non-partisan, voluntary and self-funded federation is a national organization of more than 100 clubs. The Peninsula chapter was formed in 1995.
The book sale runs 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27 at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave. in Sidney.
• For more information, go to .
>>> Victoria-ous takes on cancer
A Victoria team that raised $32,000 for cancer research and care on the Island in last year’s Tour de Cure fundraiser is setting its sights on raising another $30,000 in this year’s event.
Team Victoria-ous plans to participate in this year’s edition of the sa国际传媒 Cancer Foundation’s cycling fundraiser, which will see about 2,000 riders ride 100 kilometres each day, from Cloverdale to Hope, on Aug. 26 and 27.
Tour de Cure, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, is sa国际传媒’s biggest cycling fundraiser, with funds going toward research and enhancements to cancer care in British Columbia.
One in two British Columbians will face cancer in their lifetime.
The sa国际传媒 Cancer Foundation is the largest philanthropic funder of cancer research and care in the province and the fundraising partner of sa国际传媒 Cancer. Donations fuel hope for the 80,000 patients a year who depend on sa国际传媒 Cancer.
• For more information, to register or to donate, go to tourdecure.ca.
>>> Healing Hearts run/walk Sept. 23
The second annual Healing Hearts 5 km run/2 km walk, which raises funds and awareness for families suffering from infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, takes place at Royal Roads University on Sept. 23.
The event, hosted by the Pacific Perinatal Foundation, hopes to raise $55,000 to support families with counselling, programs and compassionate care.
One in four people experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, while one in six struggle with infertility. Although the experiences are common, too many suffer alone, as there is no public funding for support services for bereaved families, the foundation says.
The foundation says it offers a safe space where parents who have struggled with infertility or a loss can connect and build a community.
• Registration for the event opens Aug. 1 at .
>>> Seven non-profits given grants
The City of Victoria has awarded $216,000 to seven not-for-profit arts and culture organizations through its Cultural Infrastructure Grant program.
The program assists organizations that own or operate cultural facilities with purchasing specialized equipment, accessibility and facility upgrades, or feasibility and planning studies. It can also be used to support the expansion and acquisition of new cultural spaces.
“The Cultural Infrastructure Grant program is vital to expanding and upgrading our much-loved arts and cultural spaces in Victoria,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “This year’s funding will support the acquisition of a new cultural space in the downtown core, along with specialized audiovisual, lighting equipment and physical upgrades to provide new space for music and performing arts.”
The Belfry Theatre Society, Blue Bridge Theatre Society and Pacific Opera Victoria are receiving funding for specialized audio-visual and lighting equipment, while the Victoria Curling Club and Intrepid Theatre Company Society will get money for physical upgrades to increase the amount of usable space.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is receiving funding for a feasibility study to explore expanding its facility, and the Other Guys Theatre Company Society is getting support for a new performing arts space in the downtown core.
In 2022, the arts and culture sector contributed close to $436 million to the local economy and employed almost 5,590 people in the region, the City of Victoria says.
• For a full list of grant recipients and projects, go to
