Reservations at some of Vancouver Island’s top restaurants are filling up fast, in anticipation of Dining Out For Life – a fundraising event supporting AIDS Vancouver Island on April 25.
More than 80 restaurants up and down Vancouver Island have signed up to donate 25 per cent of their food sales which, along with donations, are expected to raise more than $40,000 in support of people living with HIV/AIDS on Vancouver Island.
“Many restaurants have told us reservations for April 25 are already coming in, so we are encouraging diners who are hungry for a new restaurant experience, or who want to support their favourite restaurant, to be sure to make reservations,” said James Boxshall of AIDS Vancouver Island.
In Nanaimo, more restaurants than ever before are participating in the event including: Acme Food Co, Extraordinary Organics Restaurant, Firehouse Grill, Gina’s Mexican Café, Hilltop Bistro, Lighthouse Bistro, Longwood Brew Pub and Restaurant, Real Food, Red Rhino, Smokin’ George’s BBQ, The Nest Bistro, Thirsty Camel Café, and Tina’s Diner will donate a quarter of their sales.
Many establishments offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in support of the event.
Diners who participate will also have an opportunity to win a prize package including a night for two at the Chateau Victoria and a $750 voucher at Expedia Cruiseship centres.
Other prizes will be given away on the event’s Facebook page, for diners who post memorable photos of the event online. Organizers are also using Twitter to promote the event, with the hashtag #DOFLVI.
Donations to AIDS Vancouver Island will also be encouraged, to support the organization’s food and education programs across the island.
“The support we receive from Dining Out For Life means the world to us and helps us to sustain the work we do, feeding people and educating them to stay HIV-free – every donation counts,” said Katrina Jensen, executive director.
The full list of participating restaurants is posted at www.diningoutforlife.com/vancouver
island.