Each month Used.ca sponsors community events here on Vancouver Island and this month we have a great start to the new year! We hope you’ll join us at the following events we’re proudly supporting:

1.) Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase – November 26 – January 2

2.) Victoria Festival of Trees – November 17 – January 3

3.) Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village – December 4 – January 4

4.) Easter Seals’ Chip In for the Kids – January 7-8

5.) Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria – January 20 – February 4

6.) Shine Fashion Event benefitting BC Children’s Hospital – February 5

7.) UVic Vikes Basketball – January 13-14

8.) Our Place Coldest Night of the Year – February 25

9.) 2023 TC10K – April 30

10.) Modern Wedding – March 5

11.) Champagne and Cake Show – February 26

12.) Seeking ‘Previously Loved’ Art Pieces for Art at the Lake – April 2023

13.) Intrepid Theatre OUTstages Festival – January 25 – February 5

14.) Victoria Symphony presents Movies and The Masters – January 28-29

15.) Capital Bike Winter Go By Bike Week – February 6-12

16.) Ginuary Gin Festival – January 29 – Postponed due to weather

17.) Kaleidoscope Theatre Clementine – February 22-26

Shine Fashion Event benefitting BC Children’s Hospital – February 5

The BC Children’s Hospital SHINE Fashion Event takes place on Sunday, February 5, 2023, in the iconic Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.  

This will be an afternoon to remember, including a VIP Bubble Reception, a Spring 2023 fashion show, and a stylish silent auction. Hosted by Todd and Rebecca Talbot, this event will welcome local business leaders and fashion lovers alike. This is an exciting opportunity to support B.C. Children’s Hospital and the amazing work they do to care for B.C.’s sickest kids. Buy tickets here. 

Easter Seals’ Chip In for the Kids – January 7-8 

Easter Seals’ annual Christmas Tree Recycle, Chip In for the Kids, will be happening January 7 & 8, 2023.  People can dispose of their Christmas trees in an environmentally-friendly manner at one of our seven locations on Vancouver Island.  All funds raised from Chip In for the Kids go towards Easter Seals programs and services, including Camp Shawnigan.   

Lions Club members, along with volunteers from Davey Tree Services (Greater Victoria) and Competition Tree Service (Shawnigan, Mill Bay and Duncan) will be accepting Christmas trees in exchange for a donation to Easter Seals at the following locations from 10 am to 4 pm on January 7 & 8, 2023:  

• Tillicum Centre  
• Save-On-Foods – Fort & Foul Bay location  
• Broadmead Village Shopping Centre  
• Westshore Town Centre  

• Thrifty Foods – Mill Bay Location  
• Mason’s Store & Patio, Shawnigan Lake – Saturday Only  
• BC Forest Discovery Centre, Duncan  

Check out more here!   Thank you for supporting Easter Seals! 

Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase – November 26 – January 2 

Victoria’s sweetest holiday event, the Gingerbread Showcase, is returning for its 14th year! The Gingerbread Showcase is Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraising event, and we are proud to be presented this year by the team at Revera Living. From November 26, 2022, to January 2, 2023, grab your friends and family and visit these incredible 100% edible creations in person at the Parkside Hotel & Spa. This year’s theme is “Magical,” as we invite bakers of all kinds to interpret some magic into their creations. Don’t forget to donate to vote for your favourite Gingerbread masterpiece! All funds raised at the Gingerbread Showcase will go directly to helping Habitat for Humanity Victoria provide strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership for Victoria families. We’re looking forward to welcoming you and spreading the holiday cheer! 

Victoria Festival of Trees – November 17 – January 3 

Festival of Trees, presented by Scotiabank, brings local businesses and organizations along with members of the community together in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Trees get sponsored and spruced up to go on display for everyone to enjoy over the holiday season. 

This year, funds will go towards transforming diabetes care for kids in BC. You can participate by heading down to the Bay Centre and voting on your favourite tree. Each vote is a $5 donation to diabetes research at BC Children’s Hospital. 

Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village – December 4 – January 4 

Experience the magic of the holidays at our ninth annual Christmas Tree Village. 

Join us as we transform the Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre into a holiday wonderland, teeming with twinkling lights and delightful decorations. This event is free for the public to enjoy and runs from December 4, 2022 – January 4, 2023. 

View the photo gallery. VOTE for your favourite tree. One LIKE on the photo represents one vote. Voting will take place December 4-17th, 2022. The winner will be announced on December 20th, 2022. 

Special thank you to our community sponsors: 

Lab Health Physio, Country Grocer, Saxe Point Day Care, Used Victoria, Aragon Development, and Sunnyside Café 

Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria – January 20 – February 4 

Image credit:  The Courtney Room Photographer: Dasha Ar

Calling all foodies – Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria returns this January. This foodie festival features multi-course menus at your favourite Victoria eateries, and special hotel rates so you can enjoy a true night out!

Brought to you by Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Dine Around and Stay in Town is Victoria’s most anticipated food event! This 17-day culinary adventure features 50 local restaurants, pubs, and bars, each serving up delicious multi-course, prix-fixe menus ranging from $25 to $65 per person.

Treat yourself to a Victoria staycation and take advantage of special rates at ten local hotels. Soak up some luxury at a great price – hotel rooms start at $139 a night!

Pro Tips:

• Check out all the participating restaurants and hotels here, and start making your reservations today.
• Book your hotel stay, rooms are already filling up!
• Mix things up with a combination of your long-time favourites and new-to-you restaurants.
• Not sure where to start your culinary journey? Check out our handy Dine Around guide here.

Dine Around and Stay in Town: Jan 20 -Feb 5, 2023

Website

UVic Vikes Basketball – January 13-14

Basketball is back in the CARSA Performance Gym at UVic! Hoops fans can catch all the action and cheer on the Men’s and Women’s Vikes teams at their second-to-last weekend of home games.

UVic Vikes vs UNBC Timberwolves:

Friday January 13; Women’s tip off at 6pm, Men’s at 8pm

Saturday January 14; Women’s tip off at 5pm, Men’s at 7pm

CARSA Performance Gym, UVic

Tickets give you access to both Women’s and Men’s games that night.

Get your tickets today at govikesgo.com/tickets

Our Place Coldest Night of the Year – February 25

Coldest Night of the Year: The popular walkathon campaign returns to downtown Victoria and the WestShore on Saturday, February 25. Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association (in the WestShore) for the 2023 Coldest Night of the Year charity two- and five-kilometre walks. Together, we are proud to offer families, faith, work, school and community groups the opportunity to walk in solidarity and raise awareness and funds to help serve the hungry, homeless, and hurting people in our community. Coldest Night has become one of the country’s most successful community action campaigns. People can sign up at https://cnoy.org/location/victoriapandora  for the downtown walk and https://cnoy.org/location/victoriawestshore  for the Langford walk starting at Starlight Stadium. Like other years, we will have warmups, family friendly activities, warm toques and warmer bowl of chili (for those who fundraise).

2023 TC10K – April 30

Join thousands of runners in the 2023 TC10K and push your limits. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to running, this 10K race is a great opportunity to challenge yourself. The scenic course takes you through Victoria’s Inner Harbour and historic neighborhoods, with cheering crowds along the way. Sign up now and be part of this empowering and exciting community event. With training support and a community of runners to motivate you, you’ll be crossing that finish line in no time. Register here!

Modern Wedding – March 5

Modern Wedding is the largest wedding and event showcase of it’s kind on Vancouver Island. Our innovative marketing team works to bring a fresh approach each year making it a “must-attend” event for couples and industry leaders. Modern Wedding is the only Downtown wedding showcase that attracts brides and grooms with high expectations. You will be immersed with breathtaking visual displays from our carefully selected vendors. Attendees should expect nothing less than chic, elegant, sophisticated inspiration.

Modern Wedding encompasses the complete package when organizing a special event or wedding. The absolute opposite of ordinary is the best way to describe the experience we offer. Insta-worthy displays will fill the Crystal Garden. Indulge in mouth-watering tasting booths, incredible swag bags and one of a kind contests & give-aways. The Modern Wedding Show will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Getting married or hosting a special event in 2023? RSVP, YES! March 5 at Crystal Garden for Victoria’s luxury wedding and event showcase. Committed to inspire, impress and influence.

Champagne and Cake Show supporting BC Children’s Hospital

Champagne + Cake Show is a showcase for Vancouver Island events, weddings, and celebration professionals benefiting the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. We are partnering with the SHINE Fashion Event at the Empress on Feb 6, 2023.  

We are pleased to host the Champagne and Cake Show at the brand-new Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion! Come and see the gorgeous water views and take a tour of the oldest North American Japanese Tea Gardens.  

Please join us to sip champagne and eat cake for a good cause! You will be able to visit with Island professionals specializing in event planning & design, decor, and rentals. Meet celebrants, florists, cakemakers, and DJs. Scope out farm and forest venues across the Island. Find out which beaches are best for your event. Find out how to choose your wines and meet alteration experts.  And be sure to keep an eye out for our models showing off local gowns and menswear. You might say yes to a dress! Buy tickets here.

Seeking ‘Previously Loved’ Art Pieces for Art at the Lake – April 2023

Art at the Lake is collecting art – prints, watercolours, pastels, oils, posters – and collectibles – statuary, vases, objects d’art – for a fundraising online auction. If you are downsizing or just tired of looking at certain pieces, you can give your old art pieces new life by donating them to Art at the Lake.

To donate please email jackie.wrinch@shaw.ca or telephone Mavis at 250-361-3236 by March 19. The sooner the better.

Art at the Lake is a fundraiser for the Prospect Lake District Community Association. Proceeds will be used for the maintenance of the heritage Prospect Lake Hall, located in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. The Prospect Lake Hall is one of the last community owned and maintained halls in BC. We thank Steptoe Services for hosting  the 2023 Art at the Lake online auction.

Intrepid Theatre OUTstages Festival – January 25 – February 5

Victoria Symphony presents Movies and The Masters

Capital Bike Winter Go By Bike Week – February 6-12

Ginuary Gin Festival – January 29 – Postponed due to weather

Going to GINUARY 2023? Explore all things gin this Sunday, January 29th, 1-5pm at beautiful & historic St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC.  Meet Vancouver & Vancouver Island Distillers, shop artisan barwares, sample food and beverages, and buy more to take home at this Farmers’ Market-style tasting event.  Support local, craft and small businesses with your ticket purchase.

GINUARY strives to support local makers, crafters and small businesses by providing a twice-annual, unique, shoppable festival to showcase their offerings to the public. Vendors don’t pay fees or profit share with Organizers to participate. Prizes for the best outfits, great giveaways, and a Grand Prize Draw at the Official After Party at Commons | 10 Acres with DJ Primitive 5PM – LATE.

Don’t miss out on this amazing event! Leashed dogs welcome!

Buy Tickets at: https://GinuaryGinFestival.SimpleTix.ca

Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Clémentine: a (true) story – February 22 -26

Whimsical puppetry & heartfelt storytelling help young Clementine navigate tough family changes and find the true meaning of love in the latest production presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre. Bright, bubbly & entertaining, this show for kids and their grown-ups tackles a tricky topic with humour, honesty & optimism.

En route to her family vacation, Clémentine suddenly learns that her parents are no longer in love. Navigating episodes of her everyday life throughout the seasons, with the help of her little sister Laura, Clémentine tames her sadness and finds the strength to mourn the image she had of the “fairy tale family”.

Clémentine: a (true) story plays February 22-28 at Victoria’s Langham Court Theatre
and is recommended for ages 6+. Buy tickets here.

We hope you have fun at these wonderful, local events this Winter! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.