VICTORIA—Thanks to the Brothers and Sisters of Vancouver Island District Council, the holidays will be a lot warmer for at-risk youth in the Capital region this year.
Donations to the VIDC’s fourth annual Socks for Kids drive on December 8 yielded 479 pairs of socks, which were delivered to Sanctuary Youth Centre in Victoria—a timely donation, as Sanctuary staff had indicated that the sock supply had run out in late October. Now the shelves are restocked for another year.
CUPE Local 374, which began the sock drive tradition for Sanctuary, contributed more the following week. Members donated 305 pairs of socks, two pairs of slippers, four toques and $665 in cash, for a total VIDC donation of 784 pair of socks. Meanwhile, an anonymous CUPE 374 executive board member made a $525 personal donation. The VIDC would like to thank all individual members of each Local who coordinated and encouraged members to donate this year—without whom this annual drive would not be the success it is.
Sanctuary Youth Centre provides a safe haven, meals, clothing, a place to shower, and a welcoming environment for Vancouver Island street youth. Sanctuary is made possible by the generous giving of people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth in Victoria’s downtown core. During the winter months, hoodies, warm coats, boots and runners are always in demand. CUPE members who have any of these items that are clean and gently used are encouraged to bring them to any VIDC meeting and give them to Sarah Fairbrass, who will deliver all donations to Sanctuary following each VIDC meeting. (For more information, send her an e-mail: vpcupe374@gmail.com.)
As the needs don’t stop when the Christmas season ends, CUPE 374 hopes to continue supporting Sanctuary throughout the year. They are always in need of donations to supply clothing and personal hygiene products.
VIDC’s generosity this holiday season has not stopped with Sanctuary Youth Centre. The council has also delivered food donations to the Mustard Seed food bank and personal toiletry items to Peers, an organisation that provides support, resources, and programs for past and current sex workers.
