Food banks get a lot of attention during the Christmas holidays, but what happens the rest of the year? This question came up years ago during a Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB) Community Relations committee meeting. The Community Relations committee oversees charitable events and volunteer opportunities on behalf of Member REALTORS®.
Six years ago, the group decided that an event should be created to raise funds for food banks during the summer months – a time when people are on vacation, enjoying the weather and perhaps less likely to have an eye on the city’s less fortunate.
This year’s event welcomed the Victoria Soul Gospel Choir, who stepped in to offer a concert featuring their unique mix of Motown, R&B and Afro-American gospel to a sold out crowd. The choir features more than 30 local voices and had a recent addition – VREB’s own President Tim Ayres! Tim joined the choir when he heard of plans for the Christmas in July event and performed at the concert.
“Singing with the choir was a great experience!” enthused VREB President Ayres. “And looking out on the 500+ people from our community who chose to spend a hot summer night grooving along to gospel music to support the local food banks? Wow!”
Volunteers from the VREB Community Relations committee and Directors pitched in to organize, promote the event and were on hand to welcome guests, sell 50/50 tickets and sing along to the chorus when the time was right.
“The music was fabulous, the audience couldn’t help but dance and sing along! What a night!” added VREB Director and Chair of the committee, Tony Wick.
The event raised nearly $3,000 for local food banks. Money was distributed to The Mustard Seed and Living Edge – both services provide meals, food and assistance to those who need it in the Victoria area.
Pictured (below, left to right): VREB Member volunteers Patrick Novotny, Ingrid Jarisz, Veronica Chra, Tracy Menzies, and Guy Crozier.
