VICTORIA, BC (May 10, 2023) - The VIATEC Foundation Food Bank Challenge normally kicks off in November when the community has that “giving-back holiday spirit,” but due to the unforeseen fire that took place at the Mustard Seed Food Bank on March 27, 2023, VIATEC launched the challenge early on Monday, May 8th. 

“We look forward to seeing the local tech community come together every year for this special fundraiser, and we’re extremely thankful it’s been moved up to help us replenish over 40 pallets of food, hygiene products, clothing and shoes that had to be thrown out due to smoke damage,” said Colleen Sparks, Director of Development for The Mustard Seed Street Church. "We're overwhelmed with gratitude by the long-standing support of Greater Victoria's tech community."

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 by June 2, 2023. Teams can sign up at any point in the challenge, but the sooner they do, the more they can help raise, and the more competition they can drum up. Since its inception, $2,478,741.72 worth of food and cash has been donated to the Mustard Seed Food Bank through the generous companies participating in the challenge. For those that simply wish to contribute a donation, they can do so on the main campaign or select a team page to contribute to. 

This challenge brings together the most enthusiastic companies in Greater Victoria every year in fun and creative ways such as cook-offs, silent auctions, skill draws, CEO to CEO competitions and more. This year, the teams who raise the most overall and per employee will be recognized at Discover Tectoria on June 2nd at the Crystal Garden, with attendees getting the opportunity to donate during the event as well. This event marks the first showcase of Victoria’s #1 sector since February of 2020. Guests can expect 0ver 75 of Victoria’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies, career talks, keynotes, ground-breaking local research and product demonstrations. 

“Times are tough, but our spirit is tougher!” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “The demand at the food bank has skyrocketed, and we're all feeling the pinch. But we can make a difference together, no matter how small our contributions. That's why we're calling on our amazing tech community to jump on board the VIATEC Food Bank Challenge. Let's show some love and lend a hand to those who need it most. Trust us, every bit counts! We're incredibly grateful to everyone who joins this incredible mission. Your support will touch lives and put smiles on faces that have been struggling with hunger. Together, we've got the power to make a real impact!”

VIATEC encourages local companies of all types to register a team and join them to show the world how Victoria companies can work together to create positive change. 

More Information:

• 2023 VIATEC Foundation Food Bank Challenge
  
• Discover Tectoria, June 2 (Any media wishing to attend can email Dan Gunn below)

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Gunn, CEO

VIATEC

dgunn@viatec.ca

250-882-2820

www.viatec.ca 

ABOUT THE VIATEC FOUNDATION:
The VIATEC Foundation was founded to encourage, support and enable the generosity of the Victoria tech community by bringing them together for greater impact, coordinating their efforts, collecting and sharing the amount and impact of their philanthropic activities, and reducing the time and effort of individual tech companies reviewing requests for support. It focuses its support on initiatives directed at Diversity and Inclusion, Access to Innovation, Social Impact through Innovation, Food Security and Education. Click here to see the projects and organizations supported through the VIATEC Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSTARD SEED FOOD BANK:
The Mustard Seed operates the largest food bank on Vancouver Island, situated in Victoria’s downtown core. They provide fresh vegetables, dairy, nonperishable food items and hygiene products. They serve 1250+ hampers per month. It’s their mission to ensure that anyone in need of food can access the groceries they need without feeling shame, guilt or fear, including the 50,000 “hidden hungry” individuals in Greater Victoria.