Parks and Recreation Foundation of Victoria News

October 13, 2010 - Unveiling of Our Emily, a warm sunny day in Women's History month saw over 400 gather on the lawns of the Fairmont Empress for the remarks by Chief Andy Thomas and Chief Robert Sam, Jan Ross "In Emily's Words", Barbara Paterson, Sculptor, and Host Vicki Gabereau thanking our Patron, Partner, Sponsor, Supporter Donors, the hundreds of Canadians and those from farther away who made honouring Emily Carr with "Our Emily" a reality. Joining in the celebration were Girl Guides from Colwood Group 1 and 2, the Reynolds High School Band Ensemble with Dave Flello Director, and three "Emily's" giving mementos of the day to assembled crowd. The bronze book plaque for the statue was unveiled by twins Chloe and Macey Richards supported with funds from their lemonade stand and Alexandrea Delos Reyes, 12 year old artist whose first ever sale of a painting supported Our Emily fundraising. Our Emily was unveiled Mayor Dean Fortin and the Patron, Partner, Sponsor Donors joining Barbara Paterson and the Foundation President. Following the unveiling slices of the delicious cakes iced with Emily Carr scenes and iced tea were served by the Girl Guides, while the international award winning Garden City Chorus performed some of their favorite songs. This day brought to a conclusion the fundraising kicked off in August 2008. This Foundation project was the largest fundraising effort in its 17 year history, for a total of $440,751.12.

March 2010 - Photos of "Our Emily" in the molding stage at the foundry.

October 2, 2009 - Retired Senator Pat Carney is the new Honorary Chair of the Emily Carr Statue fundraising committee.

August, 2009 - The Emily Carr Statue is ready to be cast in Bronze.

July, 2009 - You can now go online, make a donation and receive a tax receipt immediately - Donate Online - Using the Donate Now through Canada Helps Org.

June 18, 2009 - Emily Carr painting sets record at Heffel auction. Emily Carr's painting Wind in the Tree Tops soared to a record $2,164,500 at the Heffel auction, one of three paintings to top the million-dollar mark.

June 2009 Photos of the Emily Carr Statue in Progress. "Our Emily" Journey from Maquette to Statue.

April 2009 Photos of the Emily Carr Statue in Progress. "Our Emily" Journey from Maquette to Statue.

February 2009 - Latest Photos of the Emily Carr Statue in Progress. "Our Emily" Journey from Maquette to Statue.

November 2008 - Photos of the Emily Carr Statue in Progress. "Our Emily" Journey from Maquette to Statue.

August 19, 2008 - Dedication of the Site for the Emily Carr Statue "Our Emily" and Fundraising Launch. The fundraising launch was hosted by Peter Baillie of the Times Colonist; Ann Geddes, President of the Parks and Recreation Foundation of Victoria and Roger Soane, manager of the Empress Hotel. The sculptor, Barbara Paterson was in attendance. The presentations included: A framed photo of the maquette to the Times Colonist, a framed original sketch of Barbara's concept of the statue to the Empress Hotel, a signed copy of the book This and That to the Hon. Ida Chong. Ann-Lee Switzer, editor of the book This and That, presented the cheque receipt from the proceeds of the book sale to the Parks and Recreation Foundation of Victoria. She generously donated these proceeds for the Emily Carr Statue Fund. The site dedicated for the Emily Carr Statue is on the Empress Hotel grounds at the corner of Government Street and Belleville Avenue. Emily Carr Statue

July 24 2007 - On a lovely summer's afternoon the Heritage Garden adjacent to the Pemberton Memorial Chapel at Royal Jubilee Hospital, a project of the Alumnae Association of the RJH School of Nursing was opened. The donation of the Parks and Recreation Foundation for tree planting was recognized on the large bowl resting atop of the lecturn stand from the chapel The efforts of the Alumnae to raise the money first for the Chapel restoration, then the archives display and storage and finally the development of a garden next to the chapel was acknowledged. The garden provides a place to sit or meander by patients, family or visitors. An oasis in the midst of the hospital's various treatment buildings.

July 26 2007 - Beacon Hill Farm Society received a grant of $ 500 to be used for the roof replacement costs on the "Old Police Barn". The grant was approved upon the receipt and review by the Directors of the request submitted by the Society. The Beacon Hill Farm Society provides children and families with a chance to mingle with small farm animals and birds, while ensuring that the animals are safe and secure in an urban setting.

July 17 2007 - Opening of the Beacon Hill Water Play Park - The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Victoria was recognized as one of the major sponsors of the new Watering Can of the Beacon Hill Water Play Park. Acknowledgements

Archived News 2006-2007

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