Today's a pay-it-forward kind of day
December's event listings, and the Bay Street Armoury is getting a new name
Good morning !
It’s Giving Tuesday—a day for acts of benevolence and generosity.
A day where a casual gesture can inspire magnanimity.
Could be anything.
A Double-Double from Timmy’s.
A box of Smarties from the corner store.
Or maybe, you’ll read our first story and be motivated to get more personal.
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Giving Tuesday: here’s one of the most selfless of gifts—a piece of your body
Over the last month, more than 12K BC residents registered to donate some of their organs.
And that’s cause for smiles and a few celebratory bags of… popcorn.
Tomorrow, volunteers from BC Transplant (BCT) will strut into the Royal Jubilee Hospital to deliver small bags of popcorn to health-care teams to thank them for their work in recovering healthy kidneys, livers, lungs, hearts, and pancreases from the failing bodies of generous donors. Popcorn was chosen because it’s easy to source, package, and transport.
In its 34th year, Operation Popcorn began yesterday at Vancouver General and six other BC hospitals. The popcorn pop-in will continue in Victoria today, with stops in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and other centres across the province.
It’s a six-day goodwill tour for transplant recipients and donor families to show their gratitude to the health professionals who do the heavy lifting.
These are the highly skilled folks in the emergency departments, operating rooms, and ICUs who typically only see the tragic side of organ donation. They don’t often get to meet the people at the other end of the special cooler delivery or the patients for whom the priceless cargo has been sent.
“Most British Columbians support organ donation, yet only one in three have actually registered their decision,” says Eric Lun, BCT's executive director.
“For all of us, Operation Popcorn is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of organ donation."
It used to be something you agreed to on the back of your (then paper) driver’s licence.
But the Canada Revenue Agency has added the option to our income tax forms, and last spring, more than one million British Columbians consented to hear more about organ donation.
If you’re one of them, BCT would like you to check your email over the next few days—and if you’re on board with this beautiful, altruistic gesture, to click on the link to register.
You can also verify or register at checkyourdecision.ca or registeryourdecision.ca.
Right now, BCT estimates 600 British Columbians await this most special gift.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Rockland closed at Cyril until Dec. 9: Closure will be in place 24/7; take an alternate route. [City of Vic]
Saanich road closures:
- Iona between Cedar Hill Cross and Broadmead, through Dec. 12
- Reynolds at Cedar Hill Cross, 9am-3pm, through Friday
- Maddock West between Davin and Harriet through Friday
Single-lane alternating traffic: Feltham between Fairburn and Longview. 9am-3pm, through Friday.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Events happening in Greater Victoria this December
December in Greater Victoria is when the holiday season truly comes alive, with twinkling lights illuminating downtown streets, festive markets filling the air with seasonal cheer, and stages across the region showcasing traditions from The Nutcracker to A Christmas Carol.
From intimate jazz performances and candlelit classical concerts to family-friendly films and New Year's Eve celebrations, the capital region offers countless ways to embrace the magic of the season.
Whether you're searching for the perfect handcrafted gift at a local market, enjoying world-class entertainment at the Royal Theatre, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere with loved ones, December brings warmth and wonder to every corner of our community.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🙏 Giving Tuesday. [UVic activities]
🥞 Final call for Pancakes & Pajamas! Afternoon tickets are almost gone. Join us for brunch and help Island kids. Get yours today!*
🚛 The IEOA Truck Parade & Food Drive is this Saturday, 5-8pm.
🧑🎄 The Sooke Santa Parade is this Sunday, starting at 5pm.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Victoria city council approves changes to councillors’ code of conduct
Under the amended code, a councillor will no longer take part in a meeting discussing a complaint against them or if they’re the complainant, but they will be able to appoint someone to speak on their behalf. Coun. Marg Gardiner says the code, established in 2023, has been used as a “weapon,” and that the changes greenlit last week don’t make the process any more transparent. Coun. Chris Coleman said the code will evolve. [Times Colonist]
Moss Street Market and SD61 face staffing challenges
The popular market has been running on Saturdays since the early 1990s, and in the winter, most vendors are indoors at Sir James Douglas Elementary on Moss. SD61 requires a custodian on-site when a school is rented for community use, something it couldn’t provide on some of the days the market was to open. The staffing shortage could lead to some cancelled dates, which would be the first in the market’s 10-year history of providing produce during winter months. [CHEK]
Bay Street Armoury to be renamed the Gen. Sir Arthur Currie Armoury
A ceremony will be held this Friday, 150 years to the day Currie was born in Ontario, before he moved to Victoria when he was 19. Currie was a teacher and sold insurance and then rose through the military ranks to become the first Canadian-born commander of the Canadian Corps, a force of 100K men. He was the architect of Canada’s First World War victory at Vimy Ridge, a defining moment in Canada’s development as a nation. The armoury on Bay was built as the war broke out and is recognized as a federal heritage building. [Black Press]
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🗓️ Things To Do
🎄 Christmas Tree Village: The Recreation Centre transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with decorated trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations from local groups and businesses. Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Today-Jan 2. 12:30-10pm. [Info]
🎼 Harmony Choir Practice: Join weekly rehearsals for German-language singing followed by Kaffee and Kuchen in the club hall. Victoria Edelweiss Club. Today. 1:30-3:30pm. [Info]
💡 Lights of Wonder: Downtown's free outdoor celebration features twinkling lights, live music, food trucks, and seasonal activities. Ferris wheel rides begin Dec. 19. Centennial Square. Through Dec. 31. 4-9pm. [Info]
😃 Holiday Wreath Making Workshop: Create your own botanical wreath with expert guidance from facilitator Lise-Lotte Loomer in a cozy, heated barn setting. Bilston Creek Farm. Today and Dec. 9. 6:30-8:30pm. [Info]
🎶 Young Artists Academy Senior Chamber Concert: Advanced teenage classical musicians from the Victoria Conservatory of Music's audition-based programme showcase their refined chamber music skills and collaborative artistry. Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Today. 7-8:30pm. [Info]
☃️ White Christmas: This beloved musical follows two showbiz buddies and a sister act as they stage a Christmas show to save their former army general's failing Vermont inn. McPherson Playhouse. Fri-Sun (multiple showtimes through Dec. 7). Evenings 7:30pm, matinees 2pm. [Info]
🍸️ December Mixer with the Township of Esquimalt: Celebrate the final mixer of 2025. Enjoy networking, festive cheer, and light refreshments. TCAC Gallery Space, Town Square, Esquimalt. Tomorrow. 5:30-7:30pm. [Info]
🎵 Postsecondary Chamber Music/Chorale Showcase: VCM and Camosun College postsecondary students present an eclectic mix of classical chamber music and choral repertoire to close out the term. Victoria Conservatory of Music. Tomorrow. 7-9pm. [Info]
🖊️ Amnesty International Write for Rights 2025: Along with hundreds of thousands of people across 200 countries and territories, participants in Victoria will gather to write letters in support of eight individuals or groups whose rights are at risk. Christ Church Cathedral. Dec. 6. 10am-2pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Sunday’s headlines: BC may appoint housing adviser to North Saanich; Weekly roundup; Spectrum strikes deal for new sports field. [Nov. 30]
New policing deal: Oak Bay and Saanich reach an agreement. [CTV]
The number of drug charges by VicPD was declining before decriminalization, says report. [Times Colonist]
Recall: Angelbliss Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib. [Health Canada]
Oak Bay residents near Lansdowne and Beach asked to check camera footage after at least $5K in mischief damage. [OBP]
Have your say: BC Transit’s handyDART survey and upcoming open house dates.
TINA—The Tina Turner Musical is coming to Victoria Jan. 6-11.