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August 30, 2021

Party Prohibition: Construction Leaders give back to the community through virtual tasting fundraiser

Victoria, B.C. – Even in the face of a global pandemic, the Young Builders Network (YBN) still found a way to support one of their favourite local charities, the Help Fill A Dream Foundation.

Now in its eighth year, and their fifth year partnering with the foundation, the network was able to raise $15,000 — an impressive amount given the circumstance.

“We in the construction industry have been fortunate to have avoided many of the financial hardships which other industries are still grappling with, so naturally we felt compelled to give back to the community”, said YBN Chair A.J. Winters. “So many of us have children of our own, and our hearts go out to parents struggling with children who have life-threatening illnesses. We’re proud to contribute what we can.”

Limited by pandemic restrictions, this year’s event looked a bit different than times past. In-lieu of a charity casino, the network opted for a virtual whiskey tasting with samples from Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery, as well as a mixology class from Scott Van Wyck of Swans Pub. On top of that, toss in a silent auction, musical bingo and a dance party and you’ve got a recipe for a good time.

“We are so grateful to YBN and VICA for their continued support”, said Help Fill A Dream Executive Director Craig Smith. “We are humbled by the collective passion, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and innovation of this group. It is a true pleasure to work with everyone at YBN, their energy is infectious. Help Fill A Dream has been making Dreams come true for 35 years and it is thanks to the continuous commitment of groups like YBN and VICA that we have never had to say no to a child that qualifies for support.”

“We’re proud of our networks for taking on initiatives to support local families through community partners like Help Fill A Dream,” said VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “In a year where it was difficult for our members to get together, I commend the YBN group for their creative thinking resulting in a great event.”

Party Prohibition: A Virtual Tasting Event By YBN was held on March 26th, with the $15,000 cheque being delivered this past August.

R-L; Jayna Wiewiorowski (YBN Vice Chair/Communications), Craig Smith (Help Fill a Dream Executive Director), A.J. Winters (YBN Chair)

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Owen O’Rourke, Marketing & Communications

Vancouver Island Construction Association

250.800.1722| owen@vicabc.ca

ABOUT YOUNG BUILDERS NETWORK

The Young Builder’s Network mandate is to develop a young executive’s network to provide an atmosphere of networking to build relationships within the construction community; to present information, professional development and leadership or mentorship opportunities that will benefit the individual YBN members and their respective companies; to participate in community engagement initiatives; and to support and promote career paths in the construction industry.

ABOUT VICA

The Vancouver Island Construction Association is a member-based, industry led association that serves the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. www.vicabc.ca