On March 14, B.C.’s largest restaurant fundraiser will reach an astounding 25-year milestone. Dining Out For Life is a one-day event during which more than 40 B.C.-based restaurants will contribute a quarter of their entire food sales to A Loving Spoonful, an organization that provides nutritional and emotional support services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS and co-existing illnesses across North America.
Approximately six people become newly infected with HIV every day. Although not as grim as it once was, there are still over 63,000 people living with HIV in Canada today, and recentl, the diagnosis rate has unfortunately increased. Over the last 25 years, Dining Out For Life has raised over $3.75 million for A Loving Spoonful and an average of 100,000 meals and snacks every year since its inception.
"This one day event is so important to our organization," said Lisa Martella, Executive Director of A Loving Spoonful. "We only receive approx. 20% government funding so all the funds raised enable us to continue providing healthy meals and nutritional support to those most vulnerable in our communities."
From Whistler to White Rock and across the Lower Mainland, there are plenty of places to spread love to those who need it most. Dining out at participating restaurants like Joe’s Grill, Wildebeest, all Burgoo locations, and many more directly supports this noble cause, with every $3.55 raised providing a healthy meal to someone in need.
"We only expect this event to keep growing as new restaurants sign up to participate every year," Martella said. "It's also the easiest fundraiser for people to take part in. All they have to do is find a participating restaurant and dine there on March 14th, it doesn't get easier than that!"
