VICA Members donate over $25,500 in toys and groceries to Vancouver Island Families

Giving back to the community is something that the construction industry has always prided itself on, so in a year where a helping hand is needed most VICA Members answered the call. Through our inaugural Virtual Christmas Luncheon and our annual Toy Drive, VICA Members from across the Island donated $25,625 to help support of communities were we work and live.

“While we weren’t able to gather and celebrate like in year’s past, that did not stop our members from expressing their generosity”, said VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “We in the construction industry have been fortunate throughout this pandemic having not experienced the historic downturn which other sectors have endured, and I believe we are seeing a result of that with this record donation.”

$13,000 will benefit our Kids in Need initiative, where we purchase grocery gift cards and give them to principals of local elementary schools, who then distribute the cards year-round to families needing help alleviating the burden of keeping food on the table while living paycheque to paycheque.

Recipient schools include George Jay and Oaklands in Victoria, Tillicum in Saanich, Ruth King in Langford, and Georgia Avenue Community School in Nanaimo. Each elementary school principal received $2,500 worth of grocery gift cards to give to families in their communities that need it the most. 

In addition to the funds raised through our Virtual Luncheon, $12,625 was donated in cash and toys for our annual Toy Drive. This amount almost doubles last year’s total with thirty-four member companies participating, with donations going to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, the Ladysmith Resource Centre, Nanaimo Toy Drive and Holiday Hamper Drive in Courtenay. For a full list of those who donated, visit www.vicabc.ca/toydrive.

Media Contact

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca
*Photo’s included below. High-resolution photos available on request