Our Place Society

Our Place Society is a community service provider for the poor, disadvantaged, and homeless of Greater Victoria. Having grown from a unique inner-city community centre to numerous locations, Our Place serves Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable, including people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, the working poor, and impoverished elderly. Individuals and businesses provide over 50% of the financial support for its programs and services. From its Pandora Avenue location, Our Place Society runs a variety of life transforming services, including meals, housing, health and wellness, education, and practical care.

The Society serves over 1,200 nutritious meals and 1,000 snacks per day, while providing a safe and dignified environment for people to shower, receive clean clothing, find their place in the community, and connect with experienced, professional support staff. It is a vital lifeline for many people dealing with mental health, addiction and housing challenges.

As the largest provider of emergency meals in the Greater Victoria region, the rising cost of ingredients has become a major challenge for Our Place.

“We need to find $175,000 this year alone just to purchase protein,” says Kitchen Manager Brian Cox.

 

Hungry Hearts Gala

Our Place hopes to make a significant dent in food costs through its signature fundraising campaign, Hungry Hearts Gala. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over a million dollars in support of vital programs and services provided to those struggling with poverty and homelessness in Greater Victoria.

“It’s exciting to think that nine years ago, Hungry Hearts started out as a simple soup and sandwich competition amongst 5 local restaurants,” explains Our Place CEO, Julian Daly. “Now it has grown into the region’s favourite culinary gala fundraiser.”

The full list of acclaimed Chef Competitors will represent:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
• Fairmont Empress
• House of Boateng Café & Catering
• Inn at Laurel Point
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Sysco Victoria
• Virtuous Pie
• Zambri’s

Tickets are now available for the gala at www.hibid.ca or by calling 250-940-5064.

Meanwhile, item viewing for Our Place’s Best of the Region online auction, with over 200 great items (including restaurant, hotel, health, beauty and pet packages) begins in late August also at www.hibid.ca. Bidding begins Aug 31 and Auction closes on Saturday, Sept 9 at 8:30 pm.