Admire world-class art, stroll through magnificent gardens, challenge yourself to climb new heights and explore Vancouver Island nature, all free of charge in honour of the Victoria Foundation’s 80th anniversary.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, Victoria Foundation Day will see popular attractions throughout Greater Victoria open their doors and welcome the public for free, in celebration of the Victoria Foundation’s 80th anniversary. Attractions as diverse as the Robert Bateman Centre, Boulders Climbing Gym and Abkhazi Garden are among the 25 participating venues.
Victoria Foundation Day celebrates 80 years of connecting people who care with causes that matter. To help mark the occasion, the Victoria Foundation is working with participating attractions to offer free admission, parking and/or other perks, and is inviting Victorians to enjoy a day of art, athletics, nature, history and more.
“Commitment to community is a cornerstone of the Victoria Foundation,” said CEO Sandra Richardson. “So we wanted to mark this important milestone with an inclusive, cooperative event, highlighting the importance of partnership and celebrating all this region has to offer. It’s our birthday gift to the community.”
The Victoria Foundation started in 1936 when Burges Gadsden, a volunteer at a soup kitchen brought to life his vision of a community foundation in BC. Established by an Act of the BC Legislature, the Foundation received its first gift the following year, with Gadsden’s mother, Fannie, donating $20.
Today the Victoria Foundation continues to build a vibrant, caring community for all. They are the region’s largest non-government funder, with assets of over $270 million and annual granting of over $15 million. For the past 10 years, the Victoria Foundation has also produced Victoria’s Vital Signs, an annual community report card.
Participating venues include the Maritime Museum of BC, CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum, Abkhazi Garden, Heritage Acres, the Robert Bateman Centre, BC Aviation Museum, the Gardens at HCP, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Wentworth Villa, Craigdarroch Castle, UVic Climing Centre and Fieldhouse, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, Emily Carr House, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Ross Bay Villa, Point Ellice House, Thetis Lake Regional Park, Sooke Potholes Regional Park, Sooke Region Museum, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Boulders Climbing Gym, Sidney Museum, Saanich Pioneer Society Log Cabin Museum and Archives, Metchosin Pioneer Museum and Metchosin School Museum.
