No-Sort Bottle Drive supporting Festival of Trees BC Children’s Hospital – November 14
Save up all your refundable containers! Used.ca is hosting a drive-thru bottle drive in support of BC Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees Sunday, November 14th at the Oaklands Community Centre parking lot.
Simply load up your bottles and cans in your car trunk, drive-through and we’ll grab them with no contact and no sorting. Just drop off and go!
Your bottle donations will help local children in Victoria get the help they need at BC Children’s Hospital, your local children’s hospital. Big thanks to our sponsors The Ocean 98.5 and Oaklands Community Association.
Belfry Theatre presents Serving Elizabeth – Live In-Person – November 23 – December 19, 2021 (Live Streaming – December 7 – 12)
New this season – Pay what you want tickets
Actor and playwright Marcia Johnson was inspired to write this play after watching an early episode of “The Crown” on Netflix. The play premiered in February 2020.
Politics and pop culture collide with unexpected twists as this fascinating new play moves between 1952 Kenya—when an anti-monarchist cook challenges Princess Elizabeth in the moments before she becomes queen—and 2015 London—when a Kenyan-Canadian film student clashes with convention and custom while working on a TV series about the Royals.
The tension between people and politics—imperialism, prejudice, and the irresistible draw of the monarchy—infuses and ignites this exciting new play.
Pay what you want tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or belfry.bc.ca.
Become a Tree Sponsor for 2021 Festival of Trees Victoria – November 17- January 4
Festival of Trees is a cherished community tradition and has become the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in Victoria, now entering it’s 30th anniversary year.
Beginning on November 17th, the Bay Centre will be transformed into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, all thanks to sponsors, local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Guests can bring their loved ones, marvel in the magic of Victoria’s community spirit, and vote for their favourite tree.
As we continue to be in challenging times locally and globally, consumers are looking more and more to spend their dollars with companies and organizations that care about the community. Show Victoria your community spirit by sponsoring a tree and raising funds for the only hospital in BC dedicated exclusively to caring for sick and injured children.
Visit www.bcchf.ca/fotyyj to view a sponsorship package and register your tree.
SMC Club Social Media Strategic Planning Summit – November 17
Before you become too busy in January to actually plan out 2022, join us for our final Summit in the Social Media Camp Summit Series that will teach you how to organize and align your company’s marketing. Our Strategic Content Planning Summit on November 17 will help you develop your marketing plan, organize your social media, set up systems, develop your hashtag and content strategy, review trends for 2022 and more.
Our keynote speakers are Tyler J. McCall (@tylerjmccall) and Ericka Dukes (@socialinkco.com). Tyler is a wealth of knowledge, tips, and more fun. He’ll tell you like it is and will make sure you are inspired moving into 2022. Ericka Dukes is an Instagram Strategist and Coach for businesses and entrepreneurs who seek to attract, connect + convert their followers on Instagram. Going to be an amazing Summit!
Tickets are only $49 (first 100 tickets) and include a morning of live virtual speakers, 10-12 pre-recorded sessions to watch on your own time, and a workbook. https://www.socialmediacamp.ca/strategic-content-planning-summit
KidSport Greater Victoria Play It Forward Online Auction and 50/50 – October 25 – November 5
Inspired by the amazingly successful 2017 – 2019 Jon Montgomery Pizza Pigout, and an ongoing commitment to both local families in need and local businesses who have supported their work over the years, KidSport Greater Victoria is launching Play it Forward on Monday, October 25. Highlights of the event include a large online silent auction, special initiatives at a couple of local restaurants, and KidSport Victoria’s first-ever online 50/50!
Uniquely, Play it Forward has committed 50% of corporate sponsorship to the purchase of goods and gift cards from local businesses that have supported KidSport during better times. These items and more will be on the auction block at www.elevateauctions.com/KidSportYYJ2021, from Oct 25 – Nov 5.
For more information and for 50/50 ticket purchase, visit www.jonmontgomerypizzapigout.com. Funds raised during Play it Forward will be used to directly support local kids and families in financial need, through access to seasons of the sport of their choice.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase – November 20 – January 2
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraiser the Gingerbread Showcase is back for its 13th season. The holiday favourite will feature an all-new walking tour with our host partners The Parkside Hotel & Spa, The Marriott Inner Harbour, The Chateau Victoria, and The Doubletree.
This year’s theme is “The Future of Home” as we invite our Bakers to take a look forward, going beyond the build to consider how we might live and what changes we could make to create a brighter future for everyone. Come and share their hopes for our homes, communities, and the environment in this new future, full of exciting possibilities!
The Showcase will open on Saturday, November 20th and will run until Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. Further details on Habitat’s host partners, route maps, and detailed views of these amazing creations will be made available on our website at www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread2021 .
VPS Mentorship Program – https://victoriapridesociety.org/mentorship-program/
Get free 1-on-1 support to reach your full potential! The Victoria Pride Society Mentorship Program matches LGBTQ2S+ individuals seeking non-judgmental support with established members of the community. Starting a new career? Thinking of coming out? Need someone to talk to about sexual orientation or gender identity questions? Apply to be a mentee! Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor who can provide a safe space to ask questions and get advice. Victoria Pride Society mentors are an amazing group of talented, ambitious, independent, courageous, and diverse individuals striving to fulfill VPS’s vision in which “all people, through education, equality, and safety are empowered to lead full, authentic lives.”.
VPS Local Queer-Owned Business Directory – https://victoriapridesociety.org/resources/
Getting married? From officiants to photographers, we have you covered. Need your windows cleaned? Help is just a click away in Household Services. Is your puppy needing a spa day? Look under Pet Services for someone to pamper that pooch. From Health & Wellness to Entertainment & Culture, its all here in one spot. And if you’re a local LGBTQ2* business owner, and you want to be included in the VPS directory, all you have to do is complete your application here (https://victoriapridesociety.org/vps-business-directory-application/). It’s free to list!
Toonies for Tutoring
The Victoria Literacy Connection invites book clubs to participate in their Toonies for Tutoring fundraiser, an easy way for book clubs to become literacy heroes.
To participate, Book Club members donate a Toonie at every book club meeting; the Victoria Literacy Connection uses those funds to help provide literacy tutoring to a wide range of learners. Reading challenges, “fines” for not reading the book, and silent auctions are just some of the fun ways book clubs can increase their donation.
Click on the link below to read more about the fundraiser and download a PDF.
The Victoria Literacy Connection provides free literacy programs for children, youth, and adults all over Greater Victoria. 1 in 5 Greater Victoria adults need better literacy skills to fully participate in society. And many children need better literacy skills to keep up in school.
https://www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/toonies-for-tutoring-fundraiser/
Victoria HarbourCats Baseball – WE WILL BE BACK!
Despite the cancellation of the 2020 and now 2021 seasons due to COVID-19, the Victoria HarbourCats are gearing up for what will be a celebratory season and a return to West Coast League baseball in 2022. Season tickets, 10-game flex packs, gift cards, and merchandise are now on sale through the HarbourCats offices at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or by calling 778-265-0327. Merchandise, gift cards, and 10-game packs may also be purchased online through “The Cat Shop” at https://victoria-harbourcats-official.myshopify.com/.
Try us again for the very first time! Help support the best summertime sports entertainment in the City and lock in your 2022 tickets today! Offices open 10-5 Monday to Friday.
Note: Thanks to all our fans who purchased 2020 and 2021 game tickets or flex-pack vouchers! Please keep them in a safe place and we will happily exchange them for tickets or vouchers to any regular-season game in 2022 once the schedule has been released, likely in the fall of 2021.
For more information, follow the HarbourCats at www.harbourcats.com or at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/harbourcats.
2022 Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria – January 20 – February 6, 2022
Easily one of Victoria’s most anticipated culinary events, Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria gives locals and visitors alike the chance to indulge in some of the destination’s finest restaurant offerings by choosing from a $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 set menu.
If you opt for the drink pairing, consider making a night of it at one of the participating hotels offering a special Stay in Town rate. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly, or luxurious, you’ll find an array of options available.
Enjoy 18 days of culinary bliss from over 50 participating restaurants who have thoughtfully paired their Dine Around menus with wines of B.C, craft spirit cocktails and B.C.’s finest in craft breweries.
If you’re a serious foodie, you’ll want to take an advance peek at the menus and plan to try as many of Victoria’s top spots as possible over the 18 days from January 20th through February 6th, 2022. Visit Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria to plan your culinary adventure.
West Coast Winter Market – November 20
𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Saturday, November 20th
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 10am – 4pm
The West Coast Winter Market is one of the Oaklands Community Association’s annual events held right here at the Oaklands Community Centre.
This family friendly event features local vendors selling fresh produce, prepared foods, art, crafts, services and more.
Come bring your family and friends and join us for some great food from our food trucks, Christmas music, local vendors creating beautiful products and a great community vibe!
Grab some Christmas gifts and enjoy a day strolling the market!
Christmas Tree Festival and Market – Nov 27-28 & Dec 4-5
Come enjoy the holiday season at our 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Festival & Market
Our Christmas Tree Festival & Market will feature artisan vendors, wreaths & decor, food trucks, free hot cocoa, & entertainment.
November 27 & 28 – 10am – 4pm
December 4 & 5 – 10am – 4pm
Can’t make it to the market? Every weekend from November 20th until Christmas there will be free hot chocolate, wreaths & fresh-cut Christmas trees to buy, and a warm fire to cozy up to!
1096 Derrien Place, Metchosin (Victoria), BC
Intrepid Theatre Merry and Bright Online Holiday Auction – November 22-28
Our annual fundraiser Merry & Bright returns in 2021, with an online edition! Restaurant gift cards, theatre tickets, staycations, gift packages, and unique one of-a-kind experiences will be up for auction and make the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday list.
While we won’t be able to eat, bid & be be merry in-person this year, we hope you’ll find some exciting auction items to add to your list. You can also make a donation online to top-up your auction spend and support Intrepid Theatre.
Online registration opens November 19. Bidding opens November 22, 1pm. Bidding closes November 28, 7pm.
A full auction catalogue will be posted November 19. Items can be picked up at Intrepid Theatre’s office, #2 – 1609 Blanshard Street, between 10am and 5:30pm November 30 – December 3.
Lights of Wonder presented by Starlight Investments – December 16-31
Photo by ClickHead
Experience the magic of Lights of Wonder this holiday season!
Light Up the City – November 15-December 31
We are EXCITED to bring back Light up the City 2021 and optimistic that our BELOVED Santa’s Light Parade will be back in Full Festive Force this year! No matter what happens though, we are determined to spread as much Christmas JOY & LIGHT as possible. The Greater Victoria Festival Society is thrilled to once again be hosting a 5-week long “Light up the City” campaign from November 15, 2021 – December 18, 2021. Please note that our Annual Christmas Lighting Competition will be accepting SUBMISSIONS between November 15-December 6, 2021. WINNERS announced December 13, 2021. As ever, Stay Tuned for more details!
Greater Victoria Festival Society Santa Light Parade – November 27
The much loved parade is the Miracle on Government Street and kicks off Christmas on the Westcoast ! This year, together with the IEOA truck convoy and Esquimalt Light Parade we are working together as a community to Light Up The City! We will be extending the parade route a few blocks for 2021 as recommended by our friends at Vancouver Island Health Authority. Masks are recommended but not mandatory and we ask that this year, take the time to respect each other, be kind, be polite and enjoy the event together.
Our Place Society’s Coldest Night of the Year – February 26, 2022
Our Place Society and Pacific Centre Family Services Assn (PCFSA) are hosting the Coldest Night of the Year; a family-friendly walk-a-thon that brings the region together to show care and support for the most vulnerable members of society. Join us in Victoria, the WestShore or participate in your own neighbourhood. Make an impact as you lead the community for a brighter tomorrow. Sign up your family, business, community or faith group and walk with us!
Last Chance Christmas Craft Show- December 11-12
Come enjoy a day with family and friends at the Mary Winspear Center as Last Chance Christmas Craft Show celebrates it’s 32nd year! Presenting an array of unique inspirations from our talented West Coast artists and artisans. Choose from delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home furnishings, seasonal decorations and custom clothing. When you step through our doors, you will find fashionable jewelry, luxurious body and spa products, ceramics, fiber art, glasswork, candles, wearable art, leather work, sculpture, metal crafts, woodwork and much more. Local wines, spirits and all sorts of delectable food items will also be on display at this holiday event. Whether you are looking for a gift for someone special, stocking-stuffers, or wanting to inspire holiday spirit, we offer it all under one roof!
Saanich Predators Buddy Check for Jesse Fundraiser – December 3
The Preds are excited to be hosting a Buddy Check for Jesse Fundraiser at our December 3rd home game against the Victoria Cougars. Teams will be showing their support with green tape on their sticks and will also be fundraising for the mental health program that was created by Saanich resident Stu Gershman in memory of his son Jesse.
The program was developed for coaches to deliver to their teams to create an environment where teammates are more aware of potential mental health issues and are prepared to step in with support when they see a teammate, friend or family member struggling.
Please join the Preds at their home rink at Pearkes Arena to support this important cause on Friday December 3rd. Stu will be on hand to say a few words and take part in a ceremonial puck drop at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the door.
To learn more about Buddy Check for Jesse and download resources for coaches, visit their website. To help the Preds reach their goal of raising $2,500 in support of this important cause, visit their Canada Helps page to make a donation. All donations – large or small – are greatly appreciated!
Nerdy Day of Christmas Craft Fair – December 4-5
Nerdy Days of Christmas is a quaint and nerdy craft fair in Market Square, downtown Victoria on December 4-5 from 11-4. Beautiful makers and artists all with a nerdy flair. Nerdy crafts, art, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more. Fun for the whole family and for a great cause! Entry is by donation and 100% of the proceeds go to Victoria Hospitals Foundation – Victoria General NICU!
IEOA Light Convoy and Food Drive – December 4
IEOA Light Convoy and Food Drive – Saturday, December 4, 2021
Hospital Hero Week – November 22-26
Local Businesses Support VHF’s Hospital Heroes Week (November 22-26)
Our hard-working Hospital Heroes continue to give their all and their efforts are felt throughout our community—every hour of every day. They deserve to be recognized for the expertise and compassion they bring inside our Victoria hospitals.
To help acknowledge them during 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, more than 40 local businesses have stepped up to provide over 115 caregivers with a special gift to enjoy on their day off. Thank you to these businesses—your generosity will go a long way to make our caregivers feel recognized.
Learn more: victoriahf.ca/hospital-heroes-week
