On September 21, eight of Victoria’s top chefs and 250 of the region’s business and community leaders will join Our Place for the 10th annual Hungry Hearts gala. A culinary competition and gala fundraiser, this year features dishes from Marilena Café & Raw Bar, House of Boateng Café & Catering , Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, Boom + Batten Restaurant & Café, Inn at Laurel Point, Fireside Grill, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and Virtuous Pie.
This year’s milestone gala provides a crucial opportunity to break the cycle of addiction on Vancouver Island. Hungry Hearts is raising funds to open the first long-term addiction recovery community for women on Vancouver Island. This groundbreaking program will launch at Our Place’s New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community this fall. Mirroring the successful men’s program that has been operating for the past six years, this new initiative will provide the same level of support and transformation for women.
“Women in long-term recovery often have profound effects on multiple generations,” explains Our Place’s Director of Philanthropy, Janice Kalin. “Breaking the cycle of addiction for women on Vancouver Island is not only going to save lives today; it’s an investment in the future health and prosperity of our communities.”
Returning as lead sponsor for the 10th year in a row, PwC views their Hungry Hearts sponsorship as a natural extension of their values. As Corrie Barclay explains, “PwC’s purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. Therapeutic recovery communities are one of the most effective pathways out of addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. We see this recovery community as a solution to some of society’s most challenging problems.”
Businesses like PwC recognize that supporting nonprofits is not just about generosity; it’s about building a sustainable and thriving community where residents and businesses flourish. By actively addressing social issues, businesses enhance their communities, boost employee morale, and foster customer loyalty and relationships.
Returning sponsor Odlum Brown echoes this sentiment. Pete Jando explains, “Doing what’s right with a long-term view is how we have built a successful business for over 100 years. Our team and clients value knowing that we are working towards a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and the next generation.”
Studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) support this, showing a clear link between community involvement and business success. One study concluded that a commitment to CSR can reduce employee turnover by as much as 50%. Investing in your local community also boosts consumer trust, with one poll indicating that 88% of consumers are more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues.
Returning sponsor, the Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, found the focus of this year’s Hungry Hearts gala to be particularly impactful. “If you help a woman there is a very good chance you help a family” explains Nicola Brailsford, “We look at how many people we can positively impact with our dollar and we see an incredible positive impact for women, families, and the broader community through Our Place’s recovery community.”
A long-term community approach is essential for lasting recovery, but currently local women are forced to leave their communities to seek treatment on the mainland. Returning sponsor, Coast Capital sees the value in changing this. “Women who seek long term treatment are nine times more likely to remain abstinent” explains Sammi Lamm, “but separation from children, family, and community deters many women from seeking treatment. Having an effective local recovery community for women is going to save and change lives on Vancouver Island.”
Our Place is deeply grateful to be part of such a generous and supportive community, with so many sponsors returning year after year to assist in their work. “We are humbled by the overwhelming show of support from our community following the announcement of our goal to open the only long-term recovery program for women on Vancouver Island. We would not be where we are today without the dedication and generosity of our wonderful community,” says Kalin.
A strong, supportive community is essential for recovery. The men at New Roads are inspired by the support of the broader community, which motivates them to succeed. The community built within New Roads is also remarkable, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and growth where long-term recovery rates are almost double that of short-term programs.
Creating nourishing food is at the heart of the program at New Roads. Working together in the gardens and kitchen, the residents grow and prepare food that provides comfort, community, and transformational healing. In this spirit, the dishes prepared at Hungry Hearts 2024 will reflect on the theme of healing through food.
Join Our Place this fall to celebrate healing and transformation for women on Vancouver Island. Learn more and reserve your tickets today at www.ourplacesociety.com/hungryhearts.
