Monday, November 18, 2019—Victoria BC. From Nov. 18 through Dec. 31, 2019 Fernwood NRG launches the annual Gift of Good Food Fundraiser for the fifth year in a row. The Gift of Good Food fundraiser aims to raise $100,000 which will provide fresh produce to 200 families facing poverty in the Capital Regional District for a year.
“The impact this program has on my life is immeasurable. It is a true blessing to know that my young family and I can eat healthy fresh food and that people care enough to make this program possible.”
-Gift of Good Food Recipient
The Gift of Good Food is organized by local non-profit organization, Fernwood NRG, who uses their food access program, The Good Food Box, to distribute fresh food to local communities. All the produce comes from Michell’s Farms and The Root Cellar. The money raised from the Gift of Good Food fundraiser provides families-in-need access a Good Food Box every two weeks for a year.
“I’d like to see a community where no one is hungry. We have incredible farms and availability of food and it should go to people who need it. So, this is a way we can offer that gift, not just once at Christmas with a special hamper, but all through the year. It’s a gift that gives every month because it is not just at Christmas that families are short on money.”
-Micqualyn Waldie, The Good Food Box Coordinator
The fundraising total is split between 15 community-based organizations, from Sooke to Saanich, who choose families in their neighbouroods to directly benefit from this program. Family resource workers, support workers, and counsellors select families-in-need based on established relationships. Every $500 raised will support a family with Good Food Box every two weeks throughout 2020.
“It is incredible to see how the greater Victoria community comes together—from local businesses, sponsors, partner organizations, and donors—to support a common goal.”
-Melissa Faye Reid, Events & Engagement Coordinator, Fernwood NRG
The difference between this holiday fundraiser and other fundraising campaigns is The Gift of Goof Food offers healthy produce to families all year long opposed to non-perishable foods once a year. By providing families with fresh produce, they empower themselves by preparing and enjoying healthy food.
Give the gift of food this holiday season!
How to Donate
Donations are accepted online and in person at the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone Ave.) Click here to donate online directly.
Host A Fundraising Team
1.) Create a team (invite friends, families, & co-workers to join)
2.) Create a team name (bonus points for creativity)
3.) Decide on a fundraising goal (every $500 supports one family for a year)
4.) Register your team online here
5.) Your fundraising online page is created! Direct donations to your online fundraising team using the drop down menu.
Events
The Gift of Good Food Pub Quiz
In partnership with Benji’s Pub Quiz and Bridges For Women, join us for Gift of Good Food Pub Quiz on Nov. 21, 2019 from 6–10 pm at Northern Quarter. All proceeds raised will be donated to families at Bridges for Women. There will be a silent auction and a portion of food sales will be donated to the cause.
Tickets: $10 at the door. Cash, debit, credit accepted.
Doors at 6 pm
Quiz Starts at 8 pm
1724 Douglas St.
Click here for more event details
The Gift of Good Food: Music Bingo
For all the music lovers out there, head to the Fernwood Inn on Dec. 4, 2019 from 7:30–10 pm for the Gift of Good Food Music Bingo fundraiser. Sing along to your favourite songs, win prizes, and support a good cause! All proceeds raised will be donated to recipients of the Gift of Good Food.
Tickets: $20 through Eventbrite, click here
Doors at 7:30 pm
Quiz Starts at 8 pm
1302 Gladstone Ave.
French Conversation Marathon
Join fundraising team Mange tout en Francais, lead by Tina Price, Sunday Dec. 1, 2019 at Green Cuisine as she challenges herself to complete a French Conversation Marathon. It is Tina’s goal to speak French for 10 hours to raise $1000 for the Gift of Good Food. Come down to Green Cuisine from 10 am–8 pm, speak French, and donate directly to the Gift of Good Food (online, cash, debit, or credit card). Help Tina improve her french speaking skills while supporting a good cause.
Free
10 am–8 pm
Green Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant
Market Square, 560 Johnson St
Latte Art Throwdown
Curious how those baristas make such beautiful art on your coffees? See them in action at the Latte Art Throwdown presented by Discovery Coffee Thursday Dec. 5, 2019 at Discovery Coffee’s new roastery in Rock Bay. Proceeds from the competitor sign-up and drink sales will be donated to the Gift of Good Food fundraiser. Check out Discovery Coffee’s roastery while tasting drinks, eating snacks, and enjoying friendly competition.
Tickets: $5 for coffee artists to compete, free for general public
Doors at 7:00 pm
Competition starts at 7:30 pm
2550 Rock bay Ave.
Yin for a Cause
The Yoga Den is hosting a yin yoga class Saturday Dec. 7th from 3-5 pm with proceeds from the class going to the Gift of Good Food Fundraiser! Along with your good karma, you will receive a canvas Gift of Good Food tote bag to keep with special goodies and coupons inside from local businesses including Hearth, Yoga Den, Maya Health and more.
$40/ person
Dec. 7th from 3-5 pm
Fernwood Yoga Den, 1310 Gladstone Ave.
Markets
Owl Designer Fair
The Gift of Good Food tote bags are back and available to purchase at the Owl Designer Fair Nov. 22 and 23, 2019 at Fernwood Community Centre. Enjoy handmade or upcycled works by local designers and artists while learning more about how you can support the Gift of Good fundraiser. Buy a tote bag and donate to the cause!
Tickets: Adults $3, Children free, Full Weekend Pass $5
Friday Nov. 22, 6–10 pm
Saturday Nov. 23, 1–5 pm
1240 Gladstone Rd.
Click here for the online event page
Oaklands West Coast Winter Market
The West Coast Winter Market is back and The Gift of Good Food will be selling tote bags and spreading awareness about the fundraiser. Come chat with us to learn more about the fundraiser, how you can support, and buy a tote bags for your holiday gifts.
By donation: suggested $3
Saturday Nov. 30, 10–4 pm
#1-2728 Belmont Ave.
Click here for the online event page
Partner Organizations
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, Bridges for Women Society, Burnside Gorge Community Association, Esquimalt Nation, James Bay Community School Centre, Oaklands Community Association, Quadra Village Community Centre, Saanich Neighbourhood Place, Songhees Nation, Sooke Family Resource Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Victoria West Community Association, and Island Health.
Business Supporters
The Gift of Good Food is supported by a variety of business including Do250, Northern Quarter, Hoyne Brewing Co., The Fernwood Inn, The Martlet Publishing Society, Discovery Coffee, Luna Collective, The Fernwood Yoga Den, Part and Parcel, Gladstone Brewing Co., and many more!
Interviews
The Gift of Good Food co-coordinator, Melissa Faye Reid will be available for interviews during the campaign. Please choose from the times below, or contact Melissa directly to schedule a time. Contact information below.
Tuesday, Nov. 26: 10–12 pm
Monday, Dec. 16: 10–12 pm
Tina Price, manager of fundraising team Mange en Tout Francais, is hosting the French Speaking Marathon at Green Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant on Dec 1, 2019 and available for interviews. Please contact her directly.
Tina Price
tina.r.price@gmail.com
250-514-2983
-30
Media Contact
Melissa Faye Reid
Events & Engagement Coordinator
Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group
250-381-1552 ext. 118
melissa@fernwoodnrg.ca
About Fernwood NRG
Fernwood NRG is a social-enterprising, non-profit organization that has provided childcare, family programs, and recreational activities since 1979 at the Fernwood Community Centre. Fernwood NRG is run by, and for, the residents of the Fernwood neighbourhood. In 2004, Fernwood NRG played a vital role in re-invigorating the neighbourhood by working to re-establish a strong sense of community, recovering a previously condemned building—the Cornerstone building—as the heart of Fernwood, bringing in locally-owned businesses, rejuvenating Fernwood Square and building & providing affordable housing. This organization continues to work towards establishing Fernwood as a neighbourhood we all want to live in.
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
info@fernwoodnrg.ca
250-381-1552
The Fernwood Community Centre
1240 Gladstone Ave.
Victoria, BC
Canada
V8T 1G6
