Fundraisers
Our annual year-end fundraiser is a celebration of the upcoming release of our animal ambassadors, and our beloved community!
Each year we change up the theme of our fundraisers to keep things fresh, fun, and full of surprises. This year’s event, Weird & Wonderful – A Celebration of All Things Funky, Freaky, and Fantastic, takes place on Saturday, November 8. The event will run from 7:00 - 10:00 at the Ucluelet Aquarium, and then there will be an afterparty at ANAF Branch 293 from 10:00-1:00! Tickets are sold separately.
Inspired by the delightfully quirky social media page Bowiebranchia, we’re inviting guests to show up in outfits inspired by their favourite weird and wonderful sea creatures.
Expect live music, fantastic raffle prizes, delicious drinks, and plenty of fun—all in support of our work.
Fundraising plays a crucial role in sustaining our operations and implementing impactful projects. The proceeds from our year-end fundraiser directly support various initiatives, including:
Educational Programs: We provide educational programs for schools, community groups, and visitors, fostering a love for marine life and its ecosystems in visitors of all ages. One of our educational programs, the Healthy Harbour project, is looking at the health of the Ucluelet harbour and its eelgrass habitats. The Salmon Trail is another educational program dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of salmon ecosystems through a self-led educational adventure between Ucluelet and Tofino.
Exhibit Enhancement: Donations help us create and maintain innovative and informative exhibits, ensuring that visitors have a memorable and educational experience during their time at the aquarium.
Community Outreach: We organize community events, workshops, and volunteer programs to engage the local community in understanding more about the marine life in their backyard.
Our Lovely Staff: We’re committed to being a living wage employer because our team is at the heart of everything we do. Ucluelet is a stunning place to live, but it also comes with high living costs. To retain passionate, knowledgeable staff, we need to ensure they’re financially secure. Our team of 10 year-round, full-time staff bring expertise, enthusiasm, and a touch of nerdy joy to every visitor interaction, while maintaining the high standards of animal care we’re known for. By supporting staff wages, you’re helping us keep this incredible team thriving.
If you are an individual or business who would like to support a future fundraiser through raffle item donation, food or drink donation, or are a musician, please contact alana@uclueletaquarium.org. If you are interested in volunteering at an event, please email anna@uclueletaquarium.org.
Tickets go on sale starting Monday September 8 and include admission, live music, snacks, and an entry for a door prize. $40 presale, $45 at the door. Purchase your tickets in person at the Ucluelet Aquarium during business hours, call us at 250-726-2782 to purchase tickets over the phone, or find us at the front of the Ucluelet Coop on September 30, October 9, 16, 23, 28, and November 6 from 5-7pm.
The tickets for the after-party with DJ Grape will be sold for $15 at the door of ANAF only.
Both events are 19+.
We hope to sea you there!
