Ford donates trucks to automotive students

Canadian Ford Motor Company has donated two flood-damaged Ford F-150 trucks from 2020 to Camosun College for its automotive service training program.

The donation is part of a nationwide initiative in which the company is donating a total of 95 vehicles to educational institutions across the country.

The donated vehicles were damaged in floods last year and were not suitable for retail sales. However, they provide a valuable opportunity for students enrolled in Camosun College’s apprenticeship and endowment programs for automotive service technicians to gain hands-on experience with the latest in vehicle technology.

Local Ford dealers, Suburban Motors and Glenoak Ford, cleaned and detailed the vehicles before donating.

In addition to the two vehicles, Ford of Canada is offering automotive service education students and faculty members access to its online automotive career exploration training.

“These trucks are amazing,” said Mark Leroux, a fourth year student. “It’s exciting to be able to work and train on new, updated technologies like this one.”

Go your own way in May to support the Alzheimer’s campaign

People from all over the province can band together to find their own way and support those with dementia.

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is an online fundraiser that runs throughout May.

Funds raised during the event will help fund the Alzheimer’s Society of BC’s online programs, education, and services to people in communities across the province.

While causes and treatments for dementia are still being researched, physical activity can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes – all risk factors for dementia.

“The past year has been full of unprecedented challenges, especially for people with dementia and their caregivers,” said Barbara Lindsay, interim CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, that are needed more than ever. “

After a month of activities that may include running, running, or dancing, attendees will be invited to an online celebration on May 30th for the occasion.

Early supporters of the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s can double its impact as one supporter donated $ 35,000 for all donations made through April 11th.

For more information or a personal donation page to donate, register or set up, visit walkforalzheimers.ca.

Anti-racism initiatives help get the message across in BC

The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network has launched a new website providing its members with information, support and training on how to respond to and prevent incidents of racism and hatred.

The 36 members of the anti-racism network serve in more than 50 communities, including those who provide social services and community development programs, work in the settlement sector, deal with literacy, culture and the arts, and deal with restorative justice.

The Resilience BC Hub is administered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Center Society.

The location is financed by the state government.

“The expanded resource area will help people better understand what it means to be anti-racist and enable them to stand alongside racialized communities as allies against discrimination and hatred,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism.

Other ongoing anti-racism initiatives in the provinces include the creation of an anti-racism law and laws that allow the collection of race-based data.

According to Lisa Striegler of the Nechako Healthy Community Alliance’s Good Neighbors Committee in Vanderhoof, communities in northern BC can connect with members for resources and support that will help them understand, or how to understand the spread and effects of racism Can further advance their anti-racism work. “It also gives us a platform where we can share our work on the ground and pass on our message to the communities in our region and beyond.”

The launch of the new website coincides with the provincial anti-racism awareness campaign, which encourages British Columbians to take action against racism.

Artists to share their visions in showcases in Habitat ReStores

Habitat for Humanity Victoria opens the door for artists to share their vision of a better future during their Open a Door campaign.

Community members including artists, designers and other creative individuals are invited to redesign a door selected from Victoria ReStores.

Doors were chosen for the project because they represent the transition – opening up new possibilities and possibilities, according to the organization.

“As we all look forward to getting back in touch with our friends, family and each other, we want these pieces to demonstrate your hopes and dreams as expressed through your unique style and talent,” said Kelly King, director for Communication and donations at Habitat Victoria.

The finished pieces will be exhibited online and in Habitat ReStores across the region before being offered in an online auction. The proceeds will help build affordable homes for local families.

The door from the ReStore can be any size, material, or type up to a value of $ 100. Participants can pick up a voucher before May 16 and select a door to return the finished work by May 22.

Artist registration is now open online.

The online auction will take place between May 28th and June 13th. More information is available at Habitatvictoria.com.

Lecture on the changing face of indigenous literature

Learn about the changing face of indigenous literature while canoeing the River of Contemporary Storytelling, a webinar presentation given on April 1 by the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria.

Drew Hayden Taylor, a member of the Curve Lake First Nation and award-winning playwright, writer, filmmaker, and journalist, will be the visiting lecturer.

The lecture is made possible by funding from the Orion Fund in Fine Arts.

The lecture is free (capacity limited to 500). It starts on April 1st at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Toonies for Tutoring Drive supports literacy in the Victoria area

Victoria Literacy Connection launches Toonies for Tutoring, an easy way for local book clubs to support literacy efforts in the greater Victoria area.

Book club attendees are asked to donate a toonie or more at each meeting. The nonprofit also suggests reading problems, fines for not reading the book, and silent auctions to increase donations among members.

“The book clubs who are already collecting toonies have made this a significant part of their book club experience,” said Barbara Newton, chairman of the board. “We know that there are many other reading groups in the region who would also like to take part in this initiative. The groups often comment on how easy this is to help others improve their literacy skills. “

The Victoria Literacy Connection offers free literacy programs for children, teenagers, and adults. Adult programs include one-to-one tuition, English tuition, computer literacy, inmate tutoring, and a pen pals program for both children and adults.