UVic Hope began as UVic Hope for Japan, initially fundraising for Canadian Red Cross relief efforts after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. After having a successful benefit and raffle for Japan this spring, we then transitioned to UVic Hope, an organization that conducts fundraisers for a variety of humanitarian causes. This fall, we’re excited to be fundraising for the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre and Canadian Red Cross humanitarian aid in the drought-ridden Horn of Africa. Our campaign for the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre will include a benefit concert and silent auction at Felicita’s Pub on October 28th, featuring Handsome Distraction and The Split Seconds, and a raffle to be drawn at the end of November; we have prizes from Moksha Yoga, Ali Baba Pizza, John’s Place, Noodle Box, Bikram Yoga Victoria, Fish Hair Salon, Venus Sophia Tea Room, VI Fitness, Il Terrazzo, Shampoo Hair Bar, Butchart Gardens, Renew Massage Therapy, and many many more! We’ll also be selling discount cards in support of victims of the East Africa drought! After a cycle of severe droughts, nearly 11 million people have been affected by lack of food and water, and many have fled their homes and are now without shelter. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed, so we’re looking forward to doing our part by helping to raise funds this fall. We will be selling $10 cards that provide year-long discounts to Flavour, Decade, Rebel Rebel, Little Thai Place, Maude Hunter’s Pub, Electric Brains Computers, Sparrow Salon and Spa, Free Spirit Botanicals, Mary’s Tailoring, Sweet Delights, Barefoot at Heart Yoga, D’Lo Mobile Spa, Island Runner, MokSana Yoga, and Bosley’s Pet Food Plus, with 100% of the net proceeds going to Canadian Red Cross relief for victims of the drought. Email uvichope@gmail.com to purchase concert tickets, raffle tickets, or discount cards, or to get involved!