Carnation Campaign raises funds, awareness for MS
As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, local volunteers and supporters are set to don their carnations for the annual Carnation Campaign for the MS Society of Canada.
The carnation is Canada’s oldest and most recognized symbol of the quest to end multiple sclerosis, and volunteers here in Victoria will join those in more than 280 communities across Canada May 10 to 12, selling carnations in support of MS research and services.
Because women are diagnosed with MS three times as often as men, the timing of the campaign resonates with volunteers and the community – many of those living with MS are mothers, while others have mothers affected by this disease.
Launched in 1975, the Carnation Campaign has raised more than $45 million since its inception – equal to nine million bouquets of flowers or 27 million individual stems!
For more information, visit mssociety.ca
Victoria’s Sikh Temple marks centennial
The Victoria Sikh Temple is turning 100 this May and the local Sikh community has planned a week of celebrations worthy of the centennial.
The Khalsa Diwan Society of Victoria manages the Sikh Temple of Victoria and its members have planned a variety of events to mark the important anniversary and honour past residents and their contributions. In addition to religious services, traditional “Langar,” or communion meals will be served through the week and displays will celebrate past leaders and events. The celebrations culminate with a special service Sunday, May 20.
Organizers of a May 21 car show at the Langford Costco are seeking support for the fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital, including monetary donations (a tax receipt can be issued), door prizes and interest from those who would like to participate in the car show. FMI: Nicole Gillis, ngillis99@gmail.com or 250-893-0455.
To May 12 – Community Arts Council of Great Victoria LOOK Fine Arts Exhibition, at the Bay Centre, lower level. On-site working artists and performers daily. FMI: www.cacgv.ca
May 12 – Esquimalt Garden Club presents “Under the Arches” annuals plant sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Archie Browning Arena. Geraniums, petunias, impatiens, marigolds, begonias, herbs and herb pots – perfect for Mother’s Day!
May 12 – Mother’s Day Luncheon and Plant Sale, St. Peter’s, Lakehill, 3939 St. Peter’s Rd. at Quadra. Chicken Pot Pie luncheon, $10, plus bake sale and hanging basket sale.
May 12 – 3rd annual International Migratory Bird Day, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Presented by the Victoria Natural History Society, Rocky Point Bird Observatory and CRD Regional Parks, this free event offers activities for birders of all ages, expertise and abilities, including guided bird walks, mist-netting demonstrations, hummingbird and passerine banding demonstrations, live raptors (including demonstration flights in the morning and afternoon), and children’s activities.
May 12 – M&M Meats charity barbecue day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit any M&M Meat Shops location in Greater Victoria and Sidney to support the 24th annual benefit for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Enjoy a hamburger or hot dog, a drink and bag of chips for a minimum donation of $3. FMI: www.mmmeatshops.com or www.charitybbqday.ca/home.asp
May 12 & 13 – Victoria Conservatory of Music Mother’s Day Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $30 from the conservatory, Thrifty Foods’ Victoria stores and various other locations – see http://vcm.bc.ca/tickets-garden-tour or call 250-386-5311.
May 14 – Victoria Fibromyalgia Networking (Support) Group meets, 1 p.m. at First Metropolitan United Church, Quadra & Balmoral (enter from the Balmoral courtyard). Min. $2 donation to cover costs. FMI: 250-381-5202 or 250-381-1182.
May 21 – Langford Costco second annual Park n’Shine Car Show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (doors at 9 a.m.) Registration $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show. Proceeds to BC Children’s Hospital. Bring registration and payment to: Langford Costco and ask for Nicole. FMI: Nicole Gillis, ngillis99@gmail.com or 250-893-0455.
May 26 & 27 – Mt Tolmie Studio, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists include painters, a woodcrafter, a photographer and a potter. Maps available at mtstudiotour.ca, at the Nellie McClung Library, and the Cedar Hill and Gordon Head Rec Centres. FMI: Gerald Fleming, 250-477-8277.
May 29 – The Saanich Emergency Program hosts a free individual and family emergency preparedness session for Saanich residents, 7 to 9 p.m. at Commonwealth Place. Learn to plan and prepare before disaster strikes. Register early at 250 475-7600 (Course #470012).
June 3 – First Open Heart Society of B.C.’s 39th annual Walk for Hearts and silent auction at the Scout Hall in Sidney. Door prizes, food and more. Registration is at 11 a.m. Proceeds to Royal Jubilee Hospital. FMI: 250-595-2123 or www.fohs.bc.ca
