Used Around Town August 2021

Vancouver Island Golf Tournament supporting Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon – August 13

Every year, up to 2000 families with seriously ill children from across BC and Yukon stay at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon when they must travel far from home for their child’s lifesaving care. More than 20% of these families are from Vancouver Island.

The Vancouver Island Golf Tournament presented by RLC Park Services will take place on August 13th at The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa in Victoria. Register online and enjoy a 12 pm shotgun start, on-course food, fun, and festivities, exciting prizes, exclusive golfer gifts, an online 50/50 draw, and more – all while helping local families.

Not a golfer? You can still participate in the online 50/50 raffle. Order tickets: https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/

Please note: To protect the health and safety of our guests and the communities RMH BC serves, all Public Health guidelines and necessary COVID –19 protocols are in place and will be strictly followed.

PET-A-PALOOZA Victoria – The Day of the Dog – August 14-15

Used.ca is proud to support PET-A-PALOOZA Victoria – The Day of the Dog: a pet festival that’s all about the dogs! Saturday, August 14th & Sunday, August 15th from 10 AM – 4 PM at Bullen Park in Esquimalt!

Free admission and, obviously, pet-friendly! Entertainment and amazing vendors to check out for you and your pooch over 2 fun-filled days!

Tons of activities happening including:

Wiener dog races, Saturday, August 14th: 12:00 PM
Puppy stampede, Saturday, August 14th: 2:00 PM
Running of the “bulls” Sunday, August 15th: 12:00 PM
Yoga with Puppies Saturday and Sunday: $15.00 registration (donated to Victoria Humane Society)
Pool Party – Fun in the Summer sun
Everything you need or want for your pet and so much more!

The marketplace features local vendors offering unique pet products and services- check out their website for a full list of vendors who will be there! While you’re there visit with local not-for-profit organizations to find out more about the work they do for animals.

26tth Annual Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – August 14-15

We are delighted to present the 26th Annual Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, to be held on August 14th and 15th, 2021. Historically bringing tens of thousands of people together in the Victoria Harbour, the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is a two-day celebration of arts, sports, and culture. This will include local musical and cultural performances, as well as our annual Lights of Courage campaign to raise funds for BC Cancer. We will also be hosting a series of on-site 50/50 raffles. Due to the pandemic, our 2021 Festival will not include the much-anticipated dragon boat racing component, but we eagerly await its return in 2022

2021 Saanich Fair – September 4-6

The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society is excited to announce that it has started planning for the historic Saanich Fair over the 2021 Labour Day weekend. It may be a scaled-back Fair experience this year, but rest assured, there will be a 2021 Saanich Fair!

You can follow our progress on our website and our social media channels.

2021 Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank – Oct. 2

If you haven’t heard, Victoria has become known as the Cycling Capital of Canada and the Tour de Victoria showcases the best of it! What sets the riding in Victoria apart from other cycling destinations is the scenery and variety of terrain.

Ride the Tour de Victoria and you’ll experience oceanfront riding alongside beaches and cliffs, rolling rural roads through vineyards and farmlands, challenging mountain roads through stunning coastal rainforests, and NO highway riding. Combine this with superb traffic control, ride support, a family-friendly finish festival; the Tour de Victoria is truly a world-class event!

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome!

Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 12

The Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is happening on Sunday, September 12, 2021! Since 2010, the Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the island together for one common purpose; to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Funds raised through this event support the important work of Island Prostate Centre (IPC), the only non-profit that guides and empowers Vancouver Island men and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is a time to celebrate survivors, families, loved ones and remember those we’ve lost. All funds raised stay on Vancouver Island to support men and their families dealing with Prostate Cancer. Despite the challenges we faced with COVID-19, last year’s virtual event was a huge success raising close to $42,000. This year, we are back “LIVE” and have a goal of raising $50,000! Register here.

Book Bash – August 1-31

Swim-a-thon, bike-a-thon .. how about a read-a-thon? The Victoria Literacy Connection’s Book Bash challenges readers of all ages to set a reading target and obtain pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages they read from August 1-31. This is a challenge anyone can have fun with, from the 6-year-old who delights their family by reading 100 pages to the keen reader who decides this is the month to re-read all of Alice Munro. Prize winners will be drawn from those who send their donations to VLC by September 19.

Check out bookbashvlc on Facebook and Instagram for social media engagement.

Proceeds will support free literacy programs for children, youth and adults in Greater Victoria. Programs include Reading Partners, a program that pairs adult tutors with reluctant readers, and adult tutoring, a program where tutors work with adult learners on their individual reading goals.

To register, download a pledge form and reading log, and to donate www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/vlc-book-bash/

25th Annual Vikes Golf Classic – August 23-29

Looking to hit the links this summer? Why not make your round count by participating in the 25th Annual Vikes Golf Classic. To date, the Golf Classic has raised just over $1.3 million for the UVic Vikes golf program.

Despite many golf tournaments cancelling this year due to COVID-19, we are proud to provide an exciting new virtual golf tournament experience to help with the continued support of our Vikes golf program.

During Vikes Golf Classic week, supporters can choose their preferred (full 18 hole) golf course to play any day during tournament week. Go virtual! You can even participate & support our Vikes golf program if you live outside of Victoria. Play your home club, wherever you live, even if it’s outside of Victoria.

Date: Monday, August 23rd – Sunday, August 29th, 2021

Visit us online to learn more or to register

VBIS Toss the Boss – October 1

Toss The Boss is a FUNdraising event that challenges teams to raise funds in support of the Victoria Brain Injury Society & the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society. To continue advocating and offering support to brain injury survivors and their families, we are offering you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to do something you have only ever dreamed about…

TOSS YOUR BOSS OFF A BRIDGE!

…With a bungy cable attached, of course!

We are asking local and corporate businesses of any kind to form a company team and nominate their boss for a bungy jump. Through our website, you can register your team including the boss nominee and any teammates wishing to participate in the fundraiser. The team must fundraise a minimum of $500 for the exciting opportunity to watch their boss bungy jump in this fun and unique team-building exercise.

Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 1 – September 16

Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 7th season runs on Thursdays from April 1- September 16 from 430-730pm in The Township of Esquimalt’s Memorial Park at 1200 Esquimalt Road. Join us in celebrating small businesses and supporting local food!

As we navigate through the COVID 19 Pandemic, understand that changes will likely happen often and abruptly. For this reason, it is best if you refer to our website regularly for updated information including times and locations.

As always, EFM is a pet-free market. Thank you for understanding.

As an essential food service, EFM is operating with the regularly updated guidelines as required by the PHO.

Please shop as a single person from your household whenever possible.

Please “shop don’t stop” and avoid touching things before purchase to help keep our Market’s Vendors and shoppers safe.

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, it’s 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!

Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 23 – August 2

Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2021, the Sooke Fine Arts Show is one of Vancouver Island’s premier summer arts events. The virtual 11-day art show will display 350+ works of original island art online at sookefinearts.com, along with a youth art show with works from emerging local artists.

All artworks, whether paintings or sculpture, glass, ceramics or fibre arts will be presented on a free, interactive, professionally designed platform that simulates a physical walk-through gallery experience. Visitors can also enjoy virtual artist demonstrations and talks, an online auction, activities for kids, and entertainment by local musicians.

Home is where the art is, and the annual Sooke Fine Arts Show brings the best into your home. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates!

Hungry Hearts supporting Our Place Society – August 10 – September 18

We are pleased to announce the 8th annual Hungry Hearts gala fundraiser, presented by PwC on September 18, 2021. This high-profile food competition has raised an incredible $900,000 for Our Place over the past seven years and is considered Victoria’s favourite culinary fundraiser. We hope you will consider being a part of the 8th-anniversary event.

Land and Sea Restaurant Competition – August 10-September 7: We are looking for Victoria’s favourite halibut and mushroom dishes. Check back here to find the list of 16-20 participating restaurants. Find your favourites and then go to the Times Colonist contest page to vote.

Amazing Auctions: August 28-September ?: Bid on amazing items from businesses all across Greater Victoria and beyond. https://hibid.ca/events/hungry-hearts-2021

The Hungry Hearts Broadcast on CHEK Television and livestream – September 18: The one-hour livestream will be hosted by CHEK News Anchor Joe Perkins and will include:

A cooking demonstration from Executive Chefs Peter Zambri and Takashi Ito
A special band performance
Stories of strength and determination from people who have faced poverty and addiction
The awarding of this year’s Hungry Hearts champion based on the Land and Sea competition as well as some behind-the-scenes fun from our culinary judges.

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.

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/

Join Social Media Camp Club!

Did you know that Social Media Camp, Canada’s longest-running social media conference also has a membership club to keep you learning about social media all year long? Each month SMC Club not only hosts webinars on topics around social media and marketing, but they also provide 30 Day Challenges to make sure you stay on track with your social media. They even provide “how-to” videos! Previous months have included IG Stories and IG Reels.

August in the Club includes a social media audit challenge plus two webinars. This month’s webinars are “How to Develop a Marketing Plan You Will Actually Use” with Tami Tate, 365 Day Media Group and “3 Ways to Grow on Social Media, Without Posting” with Katie Malone, a social media strategist. At just $20 per month, and access to over 30+ videos, it is your perfect social media solution. Learn more – https://www.socialmediacamp.ca/smc-club

Fibrations Festival – September 19

Join us for the 10th anniversary of Fibrations, an annual free event and community celebration of fibre artists! One beautiful day, with workshops, more than 60 exhibitors, demonstrations for everyone, hands-on activities for kids, a toonie raffle and a Felt-A-Thon with all funds raised going to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a maker, a crafter, or just keen to learn more, make Fibrations 2021 your September bright spot – we can’t wait to see you there!

Victoria Fringe – August 13 – September 24

The 2021 Victoria Fringe returns with live & online shows, plus free digital events from August 13 to September 24. There are 13 LIVE shows from local artists and 7 ONLINE shows from artists from Germany, Japan and across Canada and USA. Plus, free digital events hosted online.

The website and tickets launch on Wednesday afternoon, so stay tuned to victoriafringe.com

The 15th annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit – Virtual Conference – Oct 27-28

The VIEA Economic Summit is an annual gathering of business, community and government leaders sharing ideas, asking questions, networking, learning about new initiatives, and exploring opportunities.

This will be a hybrid Summit so you can attend online and/or in-person at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. In-person networking is back and there will be virtual presentations for maximum flexibility for everyone participating. The Summit will adhere to all government-mandated safety protocols.

Both virtual and in-person registration options include four plenary presentations, twelve concurrent sessions on a wide range of themes important to the ongoing transformation of our Island economy. Watch for updates as we announce our 2021 lineup!. All Summit delegates receive a complimentary 7th annual State of the Island Economic Report.

Registration is open. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

It’s never been more important to connect. Be part of shaping the future of our Island economy.

Esquimalt Ribfest – September 10-12

We are back! We have booked six ribber teams and twenty musical acts, and our local brewers are ready to go!

Rules now allow for outdoor seated gatherings 5,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, or whichever is greater. The B.C. government will re-evaluate restrictions after the Labour Day weekend.

An exciting new addition will be the Blue Buffalo Saloon a tent that can seat up to 100. It can be booked by companies, grad reunions or other groups.

Provincial health guidelines will be followed, with social distancing, hand washing and masks for unvaccinated people recommended, even though Ribfest is an outdoor event. Check out all the details here.

Bay Centre and Used.ca Fall Clothing Swap – September 25-26

Our Clothing Swap is back!

Join the Bay Centre, Used.ca and the Makehouse for our Clothing Swap on September 25^th & 26^th! Registered participants will leave with up to 10 new to you items, just in time for the fall season.

Clothing Swap appointments will be first-come, first serve. Although you do not need to book an appointment to drop off clothes, you will need to be a registered participant in the Clothing Swap prior to donating clothes.

Stay tuned for updates for online registration opening in September 2021 here.

Greek Fest Victoria – August 27-29 & September 3-6

Join us from August 27th to 29th and September 3rd to 6th for our annual Greek Fest at 4648 Elk Lake Drive (in front of Commonwealth Place)! We are happy to announce that the new covid regulations have made it possible for the festival to happen in person, with some additional health and safety modifications. Food will be both dine-in and take-out. Online ordering for take-out orders will open 2 days before the event, with a priority pickup line. To go to the take-out site, click here. We have put together a comprehensive health and safety plan to keep guests safe, including an event capacity, social distancing measures, and sanitization stations. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory. To view all the health and safety protocols, please click here.

Church tours will be at 2:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. daily. The museum will be open from 11:30-8:00 P.M. daily. Check here for more info.

We are so excited to host the Victoria and Vancouver Island community once again!

Saanich Fair – September 4-6

While this year’s Saanich Fair will be a scaled-back version of our traditional fair, we will still offer our guests the opportunity to celebrate our rich agricultural heritage though displays, demonstrations, 4H, food, music and more. We are excited to welcome back visitors to the Fair, but we are also mindful that the COVID-19 virus is still active in British Columbia. We want to assure you that we have a communicable disease plan in place, developed in cooperation with Island Health and Workplace BC.

Here’s some of the favorite things the public has come to enjoy about the Saanich Fair:

First Class Entertainment (formerly West Coast Amusements) will be operating the midway from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Saturday September 4 and Sunday September 5^th, and from 9 AM to 6 PM on Monday September 6
Although not all of their concessionaires are able to return this year, they have 14 concessions providing a great array of sumptuous fair food for fairgoers to enjoy. The main dining room located in the Main Hall will be running again this year (9AM – 7PM Sat/Sun, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday)
Rotary will be at the Fair providing fun fair games (fishing pond, ball toss, wheel of fortune, etc.)
The Direct Farm Market will be in full swing allowing fair goers to purchase local farmers’ products that they have grown and/or produced. A great place to purchase local fruits and vegetables
Commercial Booth section with over 40 local vendors
Essential Workers Display, Antique Buggies and Tractor Display in the West Ring
Kidz Zone from 9 AM – 6 PM on Saturday to Monday
Kids Farm Games from 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday, located next to the Sheep display
All your favorite farm animals: Goats, Chickens, Cows Horses, Pigs, Donkeys, Llamas, and Alpacas
Entries in the Main Hall: Flowers Vegetables, Preserved Foods, Honey and displays of Baking and First Nations Crafts
Entries in the Gallery Building: Photography, art, displays of Looking back in time
Entries in the RCMP Barn: Junior Section display of chickens and eggs
Heavy Horse Show, Mainstream Vaulters and Dog Agility will be featured in the Wallace Ring
Light Horse Show will run all weekend in the Saanich Ring
The Entertainment Stage will be packed full of Local Talent from all over the city. Check out the webpage Saanichfair.ca for the listing of events on the Main stage.
Headliners this year will be Leeroy Stagger on Saturday from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM and Quadra Sound on Sunday from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Buy BC Programme info on their website: Saanichfair.ca
Online Entries and ticket purchase: Saanichfair.ca

MS Bike – September 18

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. When you register, fundraise, and ride in the MS Bike you are taking meaningful action in supporting people living with MS. You join thousands of cyclists across the country who are helping raise funds to invest in research and services that are fundamental to changing lives.

Go the distance and make a difference, from anywhere for a world free of MS. Join the virtual rally with the MS Bike community from across the country on September 18, or by participating in your own MS Bike event on any date you choose.

For more information visit msbike.

Phone:778-402-3038| sheron.chrysler@mssociety.ca