Residents smash $20,000 fundraising goal to support of BC Cancer

On March 22, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour formally kicked-off its fundraising campaign to support the new BC Cancer – Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion at a special “Hearts for Giving” event.

While the community expected to make an excellent start to its fundraising campaign, they “smashed” through their initial $20,000 goal, raising more than $24,000 as residents, employees, friends, family members, neighbours and BC Cancer representatives celebrated the wonderful achievement.

“It’s incredibly humbling to see the residents and our community come together to support this cause,” says Amber Reis, General Manager. “ We couldn’t be prouder to support their efforts.”

The BC Cancer – Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion, which will be located just steps from the main cancer centre, will create a separate space for supportive care services for cancer patients, including patient and family counselling, psychiatry and hereditary counselling. These expanded services are expected to have a tremendous impact on the experience of patients and families from Victoria and across Vancouver Island as they navigate their cancer journey.

Tapestry at Victoria Harbour residents have a long history of harnessing the generosity of their fellow residents and the surrounding community. Other recent fundraising efforts have benefited the Victoria Hospice, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, and displaced Ukrainian nationals located in the Victoria area.

Carl and Sandra are two people living at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour who have been involved in organizing and promoting this fundraising effort. Both cancer survivors, they say most people they know have been affected by the disease – if not personally, then through a family member or friend. According to BC Cancer, one in two people in our province will face cancer in their lifetime.

In addition to being a retired surgical nurse who has experience with cancer patients, Sandra also has close family members who received a cancer diagnosis. “It’s close to our hearts,” Sandra says.

Carl says there is life-changing value to having improved local cancer treatment and services. His own experience with cancer was many years ago and Carl’s treatment included only surgery. However, at that time and for his type of cancer, up to as many as 30 radiation treatments could be required. With the research and improvements since then, the number of radiation treatments has been lowered to two to three, reducing the physical impacts of treatment and meaning less travel for those from outside of Greater Victoria.

Although the community is off to an amazing fundraising start, they are continuing to encourage everyone to make a donation today online.

An anonymous donor has offered to match all donations made until the end of April 2024, up to $75,000, further increasing the impact of everyone’s contribution.

BC Cancer – Victoria’s overall fundraising goal to purchase and renovate the new facility is $11.3 million.

If you want to learn more about Tapestry at Victoria Harbour’s fundraising campaign or are considering a move to our unique, active aging community, contact us today and enjoy a private tour and complimentary lunch.