The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation (SJDFHF) has found luck with a new fundraising initiative and now hopes to use it to make life more comfortable for seniors at Ayre Manor Assisted Living.
SJDFHF, an organization operating from East Sooke to Port Renfrew, helps fund health projects throughout the region.
“What we are about as a health foundation is we're developing a fund that will allow other charities to make grant applications, as long as it's health-related, and that includes mental health,” said Nan Hundere, co-chair.
While the fund is the organization's main operation, it has also launched a new initiative: a series of 50/50 draws that raise money for items used by local health organizations.
Participants purchase tickets, priced at $2 each, and a winning ticket is selected. The winner receives half the proceeds, while the SJDFHF donates the other half.
The foundation plans to hold six draws in 2025.
Thanks to the first draw in February, the SJDFHF raised $3,200, with $1,600 going toward a prenatal program at the Sooke Family Resource Centre: a strong start for a campaign based on selling $2 tickets. While Hundere said “it wasn’t easy” getting the project off the ground, so far, it’s been worth it.
“Because it's a $2 ticket, it gets people to participate and be involved,” she said. “It’s a way for us to raise awareness for our organization, and it raises awareness for all these other organizations – and they’re all thrilled.”
Hundere hopes it can become an "easy" long-term fundraising strategy for the foundation.
The second draw, held April 30 to support Ayre Manor, is to purchase a new mobility chair for residents, to improve comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Linda Quigley, director of care at Ayre Manor, said the foundation has been a "great supporter" for several years.
“They understand the needs of seniors in our community, as well as the facilities that house them. It’s wonderful to know that Ayre Manor has them for any support we may need.”
Given the Manor's recent lack of grant funding, Quigley said the draw is especially impactful.
“With the political situation, as well as the financial restraints we’re presently experiencing, our grants from the health authority and the provincial government will not be occurring,” she said. “This opportunity to have money to assist with the purchase of this specialty wheelchair is both heartwarming and extremely appreciated.”
Hundere said she hopes the 50/50 draws help grow the foundation's reputation in the community and lead to new types of fundraising events.
“We’re not a group that’s going to do a gala – that’s not our way,” she said.
“What I hope to do is some small group meetings where we have a speaker talk about something pertinent to the community — some health-related topic — and it can be another way we introduce ourselves.”
Those interested in entering the 50/50 raffle can get tickets now until 3:30 p.m. on April 30 at sookehealthfoundation.rafflenexus.com/.
