Leave it to a creative tech firm to come up with some innovative ways to raise money for charity.
Helm Operations, formerly Edoc Systems Group, raised $9,000 for the Mustard Seed in a three-week period during the Victoria Advanced Technology Council (VIATeC) Foodbank Challenge.
Among their fundraising vehicles were a sumo wrestling championship, a silent auction, sales of eggnog lattés and a grizzly, cowboy, ninja competition – a twist on the rock, paper, scissors game. Staff also got to throw their CEO into the chilly waters of Fisherman's Wharf.
“One of our core values at Helm is ‘fun,’ so I wasn’t really surprised when all of these cool ideas came up,” marketing director Rodger Banister said in a release. “The Mustard Seed does an incredible job helping people in our city who really need it, and we’re happy that we can help in some small way.”
The Foodbank Challenge, which ended Dec. 6, brought in more than $81,000 in cash and 3,440 pounds of food, which the Mustard Seed calculates out roughly at another $8,600.
"As the largest industry in Greater Victoria, our members feel it's important to support the broader community and give back to those in need," said VIATeC executive director Dan Gunn.
"For over a decade we've seen local tech companies rally to the cause and make a sizeable difference. We couldn't be more proud of their enthusiasm and generosity."
The Mustard Seed and other local food banks are still accepting donations. Visit mustardseed.ca for more information or drop off food to 625 Queens Ave.