Lizz Donald credits the Youth Hospitality Training Centre with putting her on the path to employment.
The 15-year-old has taken the skills she learned in the centre's eight-week course to her first real job, at Milestones restaurant. She began working there this weekend in the kitchen.
The centre, located in the Taj Mahal building on Herald Street, opened just over a year ago. Along with job training for young people wanting to enter the working world, it also offers life-skills programs and transitional housing for at-risk youth. The centre is run by the Youth Empowerment Society.
Donald, a Grade 10 student at Artemis alternative school, was able to take the course and go to school at the same time.
"I wanted something to put on my resum脙漏," she said. "I want to able to save enough money so I can travel the world after I graduate. It's my goal."
One of the best parts of her training was hearing from volunteer mentors -- chefs and other local professionals who come in to talk to the youth about the hospitality business.
"They showed us exactly what it's going to be like when we actually go into a real kitchen," Donald said. "It was really helpful."
Former Victoria council member Helen Hughes, who played a major role in establishing the centre, is helping to organize A Taste of Bingo, a benefit to support the centre's operation.
"It costs $2,000 for each student," she said. "We have to do the fundraising in order to continue it."
To date, the centre has produced 39 graduates aged from 15 to their early 20s. Youth at the centre have a variety of backgrounds, with some simply looking for training and career direction, and others dealing with addiction issues or past troubles with the law.
A Taste of Bingo, set for 6 p.m. Friday at the Crystal Garden, will also raise funds for the United Way's Family & Community Well Being Impact Council. Hughes said the evening will deliver a lot to guests.
"It's appetizers, a dinner by Truffles, bingo and casino games, and strolling magician David Attwood," Hughes said. Tickets are $75. Call 250-598-8330 or e-mail [email protected].
Urban forests
topic of forum
Forests and watersheds in Oak Bay's urban areas are the inspiration for a public forum on Thursday.
The Oak Bay Green Committee and the Friends of Bowker Creek are staging the 7-9 p.m. session at the Windsor Park Pavilion. Both groups are advocates for tree preservation, enhancing recycling and transportation options, and promoting such watershed concerns as stream preservation.
They're particularly interested in the restoration of Garry oaks, and maintaining the associated undergrowth and ecosystems. Among the aims of the forum is to encourage people to get involved. Organizers also want to strengthen municipal and regional commitment to sustainability, along with forest and watershed management.
Arbourist Jeremy Gye will give a presentation about urban forests and Ian Graeme of the Friends of Bowker Creek will speak on watershed issues.
Seating is limited, so preregistration is recommended at
For more details call 250-598-6251.
Firefighters fill their boots for MD
Lower Island firefighters are hoping to fill their boots this week.
Firefighters from a number of local departments will be at malls, businesses and other locations Friday and Saturday for their annual Boot Drive in support of Muscular Dystrophy sa国际传媒. Fire departments across the country have been supporting the organization for over 50 years, and raising money for research and programs to help people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Firefighters collect donations in their boots during their two-day fundraising effort. Last year, their footwear yielded an impressive $65,000.
The firefighters and other supporters are following up the Boot Drive a day later with the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy at Willows Beach.
Registration begins Sunday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the beach's picnic area. Routes of one and three kilometres are fully accessible.
Participants can enjoy a barbecue and prize giveaways. Call 250-727-9911, or register or pledge online at muscle.ca/walk.
Fire department vehicles in tomorrow's Island Farms Victoria Day Parade will highlight firefighters' support for the cause by carrying muscular dystrophy banners.
Air sa国际传媒 retirees hold golf tourney
Air sa国际传媒 retirees who want to maintain their professional connections stay in touch through a non-profit group called the Pionairs.
About 600 Pionairs call Vancouver Island home, and over 12,000 more are spread across the country. Part of the group's community presence is an annual national golf tournament, with this year's edition set to touch down in Victoria. The June 2-3 event is scheduled for Olympic View Golf Course. The cost is $150 for both days.
The public is also invited, said Trevor Baron, the Pionairs' district director. Call 250-472-2222 or e-mail [email protected].
Alpine Club honours park effort
A man who spent years pushing for Mount Arrowsmith to have regional-park status has been honoured by the Alpine Club of sa国际传媒.
Peter Rothermel of Qualicum Beach received his recognition from the club's Vancouver Island members at their monthly meeting at Swan Lake Nature Centre.
Mount Arrowsmith, located partway between Nanaimo and Port Alberni, received its designation late last year thanks to the efforts of Rothermel and others.
The new park covers 1,300 hectares.
Trail maintenance is done by the Alpine Club, the Federation of Mountain Clubs of sa国际传媒 and the Hupacasath First Nation.
