The annual event is back and promises to be a fun filled afternoon! The Odd Fellow Poker Invitational Fundraiser brings 75-90 players each year for an opportunity to show off their skills while raising money for an organization or family in need. In partnership with our friends from the Irish Times (a member of Victoria Pub Co.), this is a fun and full day of mixing the local community together and making new friends.
The big tournament prize? Bragging rights that you helped such a great cause… and that you beat everyone else.
This year, Columbia Lodge #2 is once again joining forces with Bastion Lodge #4 and we are working with the Victoria Foundation to support two grant applications as part of Victoria Foundation’s Make it happen! program. This partnership with the Victoria Foundation will ensure that every dollar raised this year will go to worthy charities in our community.
You can read more about the Make it happen! program here: www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/help-us-make-it-happen
The Odd Fellows Poker Tournament has always had a focus on supporting youth and families in our community, hence the “Poker for the Kids!”. With this in mind, the two grant proposals that we have chosen to raise funds for are the “Little Woods” Natural Playground proposal for Saanich Neighbourhood Place and the Outlet Program, through the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society. These projects are a part of the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between the Victoria Foundation, the Government of Canada, and Community Foundations of Canada.
Saanich Neighbourhood Place (www.saanichneighbourhoodplace.com)
Established in 1993, Saanich Neighbourhood Place is a non-judgmental center that supports the well-being of families and individuals while recognizing the diverse nature and needs of our community. Building on the amenities of Pearkes Recreation Centre, originally constructed with funds celebrating Canada’s 100th anniversary, Saanich Neighbourhood Place and other members of the community will reclaim a neglected green space in the neighbourhood and create a low impact, natural play setting that encourages play, exploration, learning and stewardship or the natural environment. The project will highlight the need for protection and preservation of natural spaces and educate about native flora and fauna. It will also actively seek the engagement and participation of the diverse community.
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society – Outlet – an LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In (www.vyes.ca)
Outlet is an LGBTQ+ drop-in space and mentorship program that empowers youth to build healthy community connections and to feel sage and appreciated within their communities. In 2016, Outlet has offered 14 drop-in/activity sessions and two workshops and has served nearly 50 participants. Funding will support the 35 sessions planned for 2017 as well as an appreciation event for the fall of 2017, where community agencies and funders will be invited to celebrate the program’s growth and development. This event will be organized and led by the youth with support from volunteers and facilitators.
Funds donated to the Victoria Foundation will be earmarked in support of these two grant applications. All grants are subject to the approval of the Victoria Foundation’s Board of Directors. Tax receipts for eligible donations will be issued by the Victoria Foundation. If you have questions about how tax receipts are issued for events like this, click here for some answers.
The event also includes a silent auction to raise additional funds for other local Odd Fellows charities. If you are interested corporate sponsorship of this event or making a donation to the silent auction, please contact Russ Campbell at [email protected].
ODD FELLOWS POKER 2016 CHARITIES
EVENT PARTNERS
