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Our Community: B.C.’s top doctor added to portraits of influential women

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has been added to Our Place’s Admired: Portraits of Influential Women fundraising campaign.
Bonnie Henry portrait
Artist Elfrida Schragen with her portrait of Dr. Bonnie Henry. Courtesy of Our Place.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has been added to Our Place’s Admired: Portraits of Influential Women fundraising campaign.

Henry volunteered to sit for artist Elfrida Schragen and her portrait is now part of a exhibition of influential women of Greater Victoria.

“I painted these portraits to honour women in my community whom I, and others, find admirable and effective in whatever they do in life,” Schragen said.

People can view the portraits and read each individual’s story at hibid.ca/events/admired. Visitors can then decide which of the women they would like to pay tribute to by making an online donation to Our Place.

Each portrait has a fundraising goal of $1,000. Henry’s portrait is also on display at Central Art Studio Gallery on Fort Street.

All the money raised will support the work Our Place offers Greater Victoria women who are struggling with poverty, mental or physical challenges, or homelessness.

The portraits are free to view. Bidding ends Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Pacific Cycling Centre athletes gird for Everest of riding tests

Two Pacific Cycling Centre athletes are aiming to cycle the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest as part of a charity challenge for the MS Society of Canada on Saturday.

Alex Amiri and Caleb Bender will ride a hill multiple times until they reach an cumulative elevation gain of 8,848 metres — equivalent to the height of Mount Everest.

The event is part of the Virtual MS Bike campaign, which raises money to help fund leading-edge research and support programs.

The pair will cycle up a 1.3-kilometre section of Goldstream Heights Drive, south of Shawnigan Lake, that has an average nine per cent grade.

They will repeat the climb 73 times in order to reach their target elevation.

Amiri said he hasn’t been able to spend much time with his mother, who has MS, saying they have been limited to window visits. “It’s difficult to see her some days, and now I feel I can really make a difference, no matter how small or how large.”

The cyclists are asking for donations and encouraging anyone in the area on Saturday to cheer them on.

They hope to start between 6 and 7 a.m., depending on the temperature.

For more information or to donate, go here.

B.C. Transit honours drivers for safety records

B.C. Transit has recognized the long-term commitment to safety by five Victoria Regional Transit System drivers with a Million Miler Award to each person.

Established in 1978, the Million Miler Award is for drivers who have driven 20 consecutive years without a preventable accident — the approximate equivalent of driving a million miles safely and without incident.

“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and providing 20 consecutive years of safe driving is an amazing accomplishment,” said Erinn Pinkerton, B.C. Transit president and chief executive officer. “I’m proud of the dedication to safety shown by these five drivers, and the rest of the team responsible for safely getting our customers where they need to be.”

The drivers being recognized this year are: Randy Cruickshank, Glenn Dickie, Coralie Leslie, Jose Morais and Robin Robinson.

The Million Miler club now has 40 members in Victoria.

How to register for Easter Seals’ camp in August

Easter Seals is opening day camp options for youth and adults with disabilities in August.

The City Adventure Day Camp will take place in Victoria throughout August with eight weekly sessions available to age groups 12-18 years old and 19-49 years old. Participants can choose one or more days.

Sessions will be in groups of six with two counsellors. Daily activities include arts and crafts, visit to parks, game days and talent shows.

Lisa Beck, president and CEO of Easter Seals B.C./Yukon, said the organization was disappointed it had to cancel overnight camps this year.

“We’re hoping these day camps will provide some social interaction and physical activity that [participants have] been missing.”

Beck said strict protocols will be in place to keep participants, staff and visitors safe.

Camp registration is $60 per day, with the remainder of the cost subsidized by donors and sponsors.

Participants will meet at the Uptown outdoor mall on Saanich Road each morning before heading out to their activity.

To register, go to the Easter Seals site.

Rainbow sidewalks to show love has no boundaries

Island Health will paint rainbow sidewalks at three Vancouver Island properties to show that love is healthy — whatever a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Sidewalks at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and North Island Comox Valley Hospital will be painted by the end of August. Black and brown stripes will be included in the rainbow to represent communities of colour.

“Island Health is committed to addressing discrimination against people because of who they are or whom they love,” said Leah Hollins, chairwoman for the Island Health board of directors. “Rainbow sidewalks make this commitment visible and recognize the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ2S+ community.”

Island Health provides health care and support services to more than 800,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait and mainland communities north of Powell River.

You can still sign up for Sidney run/walk

There is still time to save on early-bird registration for the Sidney by the Sea Run/Walk, taking place this fall.

Participants can sign up to walk or run 10, eight or five kilometres, or have their kids take part in the Kids Run. Instead of one big event, people will complete their walk or run on their own, any time between Sept. 20 and Oct. 18.

Registration supports the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.

Every participant will receive souvenir socks and a finisher’s medal. You will be sent a downloadable race number to print off and wear during your event.

Early bird registration (until Friday) is $40 adult, $35 youth 19 and under and $25 for children 10 and under. For more information, go to sidneyrun.com.

parrais@timescolonist.com

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