Village of Hope Stories – Victor

A DONOR’S STORY: VICTOR INSURANCE

Victor Canada has been supporting the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre for nearly two decades. Alongside the Y.M.C.A. Second Stage Housing, these two charities were carefully chosen by the company and its employees to make a positive impact on vulnerable youth in the community.

“To this day, with the help of Victor Canada’s Charitable Giving Committee, Victor Canada employees continue to raise money for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre in a variety of ways. Fund raising have included activities such as paint night, 50/50 raffles, “Chase the Ace” draws, sales of baked goods and the auction of unique items such as hand-crocheted shawls and specialty wine,” said Karin Watson, Co-Chair of the Victor Canada Charitable Giving Committee.

“We organize events, like Karaoke, where we charge a small entry fee, and employees would vote for their favourite performer. We have also sold items like hockey tickets and will be participating in a paint night event this year to support the construction of a new treatment centre,” added Karin.

In addition to monetary contributions, Victor Canada employees have also provided educational bursaries and holiday gift bags filled with essential items like gift cards, socks, hats, and toothbrushes for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre’s clients.

Even with the shift to hybrid work, the Victor Canada Charitable Giving Committee has adapted by utilizing online channels, such as selling chocolates, to continue raising funds. Employees are provided with information and links to the homepages of the charitable organizations, encouraging them to learn more and stay connected.

Karin emphasized the deep trust and generosity of Victor Canada employees, stating, “We’ve been supporting the centre for so many years now. There’s a lot of trust there. Victor Canada employees are very generous with their support of the centre. They know they are making a real difference.”

To date, Victor Canada and its employees have raised more than $200,000 to support the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.

Karin Watson is Executive Assistant to the President and Co-Chair of the Charitable Giving Committee at Victor Canada.