Our Passion: Standing Behind an Important Cause

Advocis Vancouver Island has focused on giving back to the community for many years. With the impact of the pandemic, they recognized that there was so much they could do to help out.

How It Started

“By making our virtual program events free for members, our attendees whose businesses were being impacted by the pandemic could still attend and connect with peers at no cost. For those who could afford to pay to attend, our suggestion was to donate what they would normally pay for the event to a local food bank. We raised over $8,900 for BC Food Banks.”

Why It Evolved

“In late 2020 one of our board members had a family member that was a victim of domestic violence.

This highlighted to the board the greater effects of the pandemic on mental health and the impact of more domestic violence in our community. The board chose The Victoria Women’s Transition House as the 2021 charitable initiative,” says Chapter President Christie Coltman, who issued a challenge to members of Vancouver Island in the last month of the year and her term as president, offering to match donations up to a total of $2000. This match, combined with the support of members and associates who attended their continuing education events throughout the year, enabled Advocis Vancouver Island to raise $6,765 for Victoria Women’s Transition House as well as provide local attention to and awareness of this important social service.

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