Fundraising

In order to keep registration fees as low as possible, continue paying for members' meet fees, and to qualify for government grants, the club must fundraise. All swimmers are required to pay a fundraising deposit for each year (we did this during winter maintenance for 2025-2026). The Club organizes fundraising events throughout the year, such as chocolate sales, a Swim-a-thon, a silent auction, music bingo nights and more.  Even though you haven't been charged a fundraising deport for Summer 2026, the club would still love your support!

Current and Ongoing Fundraising Opportunities:

Fernwood Coffee Fundraiser

We all know what gets us through the daily grind - coffee! This fundraiser allows you to choose from five different delicious Fernwood Coffee roasts. 1lb coffee bags are offered for $18 (retail is $21! ). And for each 1lb bag ordered, you will earn $5 towards your fundraising deposit! So you're saving money and helping the Orcas! And the best part? It's easy. You don't have to leave your house. You simply purchase on the Oak Bay Orcas Square store. 

Order by May 22, 2026. Orders can be picked up in South Oak Bay.

Bottle Return

Return-It Express. You collect your returnables. Put them in plastic bags and drop them off through the express option at Hartland Landfill.

Does the idea of going to Hartland seem overwhelming to you? Like you'll get there and not be able to figure out what to do with these returnables?  We've got you covered. We've made a Bottle Return Instructions PDF which has set out a step-by-step process WITH PHOTOS to walk you through. 

Fundraising Opportunities during Winter Maintenance:

Annual Swim-A-Thon 

Every year our club has a goal (in 2026 our goal was $15,000) and we put this money towards purchasing resources, and equipment to benefit swimmers across the program. 

Our Swim-A-Thon will involves all swimmers, MiniPod to Seniors (even our Masters swimmers!), and is typically held during regular practice times for a week in March or April. Swimmers will participate in the first practice attended within that week by completing as many laps as they possibly can within one hour. Younger swimmers, like in our MiniPod, will be offered aids such as kick-boards and fins to help them accomplish this feat.

Please show your support, help us provide the best resources, coaching and programs that we can by helping to raise these valuable dollars that will support our swimming program.

Incentives:

Top overall fundraisers from each coach’s group will get to throw a pie at their coach.

Fundraisers reaching the following milestones will achieve the prizes for that level (prizes are not cumulative, but families with more than one swimmer may pool amounts fundraised towards one larger credit at the highest level raised):

$1000- $150 Orcas gear credit at Hometown

$500- $50 Orcas gear credit at Hometown

$250- $25 Orcas gear credit at Hometown

$150- Orcas cap

Find all the detail at the link below:

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116746/oak-bay-orcas-swim-a-thon-2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our Music Bingo. It was a fun evening raising funds for our summer swimming season!

Annual Music Bingo at the Fernwood Inn

• Gather your friends and family and help us put the fun back in fundraising in support of the Oak Bay Orcas! There will also be many opportunities to win great prizes! 

• Please note that all funds raised in this fundraiser to directly to keeping fees low (and do not count towards earning your fundraising fee back)

Purdy's Chocolate Fundraiser (before Christmas and Easter)
Thank you to everyone who ordered!

Who likes chocolate? Get delicious chocolates and help the Orcas by ordering Purdys! 

• Remember to put your swimmer’s name on your order.

• A portion of your purchase will be applied to your fundraising deposit!