Deirdre Roberts has a long and generous history of philanthropic support in the greater Victoria community. After years working at the BBC in London and the CBC in Vancouver, Deirdre is not one to remain idle and she has been involved in our community since her arrival in Victoria in 1996. Local organizations have been impacted by her hard work and dedication including the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria Hospice Foundation, the Aga Khan Foundation, Canada.s World Partnership Walk, the Executive Committee of the Friends of UVic Libraries, and the Victoria Foundation. Her biggest passion though, is painting. She spent the 2010 season with Pacific Opera (POV) as Artist in Residence, working behind the scenes with POV.s performers, production team, and technical artists. She produced 18 paintings which were exhibited and sold with the proceeds raising close to $25,000 for POV. Deirdre is a person who cares deeply, lives life fully, and provides an inspirational example of what the generosity of spirit truly means.

Deirdre Roberts with event co-chair Sandra Richardson

Christina is the founder, chief organizer and heart and soul of the Christmas Spirit Community Dinner (CSCD). Nearing its 21st year, the CSCD has become a special day for the roughly 1000 people who attend the dinner and the hundreds of volunteers who help put it on. Christina and the numerous volunteers she directs create a magical Christmas dinner for Victorians who may be homeless or in need, may be alone and lonely, or may just wish to enjoy Christmas in a truly festive manner with other like-minded folks. The dinner is a massive undertaking, and it is the energy and leadership that Christina brings each and every year that makes this dinner possible. Not only does Christina put in innumerable hours throughout the year to organize the CSCD but she also essentially shelves her own business from the start of October until Christmas day and beyond, to attend to the hundreds of tasks that are required to facilitate the dinner. With thanks!

Christina Parkhurst with Steve McKerrell Board Chair of the Victoria Foundation

The members of the Royal Canadian Legions, Poppy Fund Committees and Auxiliaries have devoted thousands of hours over the years to raise funds to support veterans. and seniors. care. The red poppy dotting citizens. lapels every November stands as one of the greatest tribute fundraising efforts. It is synonymous with remembrance, honour, and respect. The Poppy Fund drives are the epitome of fundraising campaign organization and management. Coin boxes are deployed to hundreds of local businesses. Veterans stand proudly with coin drop boxes in public places. Hundreds of volunteers organize, distribute and collect the boxes and more hours are spent reviewing applications, making grants and visiting beneficiaries who are often in care homes. The Legions and Auxiliaries also manage raffles, craft sales and events. These clubs are masters at recruiting, managing and motivating volunteers.

Rasool Rayani with award recipient David Sinclair, representing the Royal Canadian Legions, Poppy Fund Committees and Auxiliaries

Island Savings has a long and proud history of community giving by providing leadership, sponsorship, financial, and in-kind support to community groups. The partnerships of Island Savings ensure that they can continue to support organizations that reflect the values of both members and staff. Partnerships are based on three principles: Collaboration, Development and Supporting Island families. Not only do they give more than $1 million annually to the community but they also empower branch staff members to make decisions that will ultimately have a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Each individual branch has the opportunity to provide support to community groups and organizations. Island Savings staff members take a great deal of pride in their involvement in the community and we thank them.

Valerie Kuehne of Uvic with Steve Chubby from Island Savings