At Pacific Carlton, which is a part of VRS Communities, we believe in the power of giving back and building connections, not just within our homes but throughout the communities we call home. Fundraising efforts at our locations have always been about more than just raising money; they’re about creating meaningful opportunities for residents to engage, support important causes, and make a lasting impact.
As we reflect on our 2024 fundraising efforts and look ahead to 2025, we celebrate the generosity and commitment of our residents, staff, and community partners. Together, we are making a real difference in Surrey and beyond.
Why Fundraising Matters
Fundraising provides a sense of purpose and connection, especially for residents at Pacific Carlton. It fosters collaboration, encourages social engagement, and gives residents an opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes. Many residents feel deeply connected to their communities, and fundraising offers a platform to give back while building new friendships and skills.
For local charities, non-profits, and community organizations, the funds raised by VRS locations are a vital source of support. These contributions help provide essential services, improve community resources, and extend aid to those in need. Through these efforts, our residents are not only improving the lives of others but also strengthening the communities they are a part of.
Fundraising Success Stories Across Our VRS Locations
In 2024, VRS Communities across British Columbia and Alberta came together to support a variety of causes through creative and heartfelt fundraising initiatives. Each location embraced unique approaches to giving back, resulting in real, tangible impacts on both local and global communities.
Orchard Gardens – Kelowna
At Orchard Gardens, residents and staff spent 2024 finding fun and meaningful ways to support causes close to their hearts.
- Events:
- Walker-Thon (May): A community-wide event where residents and staff walked together to raise funds.
- Vintage Car Show & Open House (June): This annual event welcomed the public while raising money for local causes.
- Ongoing Efforts: Continuous fundraising through raffle tickets, toonie draws, and the tuck shop.
- Total Raised:
- Approximately $10,000 throughout 2024.
- Causes Supported:
- Over $5,000 donated to the KGH Foundation—a cause close to the residents’ hearts as many spend time receiving care at Kelowna General Hospital.
- Additional funds supported the SPCA, Anna’s House (a cancer home), women’s shelters, and local food banks, addressing a range of healthcare, animal welfare, and community needs.
- Looking Ahead to 2025:
- Goal: Raise over $10,000.
- Hosting the 2nd Annual Walker-Thon on May 14th—seeking sponsors, gift baskets, and volunteers to help make the event a bigger success.
- Increasing community involvement by inviting local businesses, families, and newcomers to participate and support future events.
Pacific Carlton – Surrey
At Pacific Carlton, fundraising is woven into the heart of community life. In 2024, the team worked together on projects that directly supported both local and international causes.
- Events:
- Coffeehouse Fundraiser: Residents gathered for a cozy and meaningful event where they raised funds to purchase 139 pairs of warm winter socks for under-housed community members.
- Additional efforts supported the BC Children’s Hospital and provided aid to those displaced by the crisis in Ukraine.
- Causes Supported:
- BC Children’s Hospital, providing vital medical care for children in need.
- Local under-housed populations, offering warmth and essentials.
- International relief efforts for communities affected by the Ukraine crisis.
- Looking Ahead to 2025:
- Continue to focus on local and global outreach.
- Expand fundraising efforts to engage more residents and families in upcoming events.
- Continue the ripple effect of kindness by organizing more community-centered fundraisers.
Ross Place – Victoria
Fundraising was an integral part of community life at Ross Place in 2024, with residents and staff working together to support a variety of local causes. One of the most significant contributions was their participation in the 31st Annual CHEK Christmas Drive-Thru & Telethon, an event organized in partnership with The Salvation Army. This long-standing holiday fundraiser raised over $116,000 and collected nearly 3,000 toys for families in need across Greater Victoria. Ross Place played a role in this success by hosting a Creative Craft Fair, where proceeds from the sale of baked goods were used to purchase toys for the event. Donations from Ross Place helped fill a large bus with gifts, ensuring that families experiencing financial hardship had presents for the holiday season.
In addition to supporting the CHEK Drive-Thru, Ross Place organized several other fundraising initiatives throughout the year:
- Beverage Container Recycling (All Year): Residents and staff collected and returned 9,000 beverage containers, raising funds for the Parkinson Wellness Project while also promoting sustainability.
- Valentine’s Happy Hour (February): Proceeds from this event were donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, supporting heart health programs and research.
- Daffodil Campaign (April): Funds from a designated happy hour were donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, contributing to cancer research and patient care.
- Hike on Our Site (May): Residents, alongside a representative from Victoria Hospice, participated in a walk around the residence to raise awareness and funds for palliative care services.
- Garage Sale (Sept/Oct): Over 450 items were donated by residents and their families for a community garage sale, raising significant funds for Cops for Cancer. Additional donations were collected throughout the month, and residents had the opportunity to present their contribution to the Tour de Rock riders when they passed by in October.
Total Raised and Impact
Through these initiatives, Ross Place raised over $12,000 for local charities in 2024. The impact of these contributions extended to multiple organizations, including:
- Parkinson Wellness Project
- Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Victoria Hospice
- Cops for Cancer
- Burnside Gorge Community Centre, supporting families in need
- CHEK Christmas Drive-Thru & Telethon, in partnership with The Salvation Army
Looking Ahead to 2025
Ross Place plans to build on its 2024 successes by continuing to support these causes while also expanding fundraising efforts to new initiatives. Planned efforts for 2025 include:
- Increasing support for local food banks, animal rescues, and children’s support programs.
- Organizing bus outings to connect residents directly with the organizations they support, including visits to the Mustard Seed, SPCA, and Jeneece Place.
- Launching a “Fill a Sock” initiative, where residents will collect toiletries, gloves, and warm socks to donate to Our Place Shelter, helping the under-housed community.
By continuing to engage residents in meaningful fundraising opportunities, Ross Place ensures that its community remains an active and generous force for good in Victoria.
The Benefits of Fundraising for Residents
Fundraising has a profound impact on the lives of those who participate:
- Social Engagement: Events encourage collaboration and foster new friendships.
- Mental and Physical Activity: Planning and participating keeps the mind sharp and the body active.
- A Sense of Purpose: Supporting a cause brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Community Connection: These efforts bridge the gap between our locations and the wider community.
For residents at Pacific Carlton, the act of giving back is a reminder that their contributions matter; both within their homes in Surrey and far beyond.
Join the Cause
At Pacific Carlton, our fundraising efforts would not be possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of our residents, staff, families, and community supporters.
If you’d like to get involved, there are many ways to participate:
- Attend upcoming fundraising events.
- Volunteer your time or donate goods for raffles and auctions.
- Share our mission with local businesses and organizations who may want to partner with us.
Together, we can make 2025 a year filled with compassion, connection, and positive change.
For more information or to book a tour and see our community in action, please contact Pacific Carlton today.
Making a Lasting Impact
Fundraising at VRS Communities is about more than just financial contributions; it’s about building stronger connections, supporting causes that matter, and empowering our residents to make a real difference.
Let’s work together to make 2025 our most impactful year yet.