Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in Parksville

Thanks to SOS Chair Paul Ruffell, Executive Director Susana Newton and the board, staff and volunteers for inviting me to attend their annual volunteer luncheon in Parksville. My office works hard with SOS to help get seniors the benefits to which they are entitled. Susanna told us: "Since last June MP Gord Johns office and the SOS have helped seniors in need receive $130,000 in pension benefits owed to them." The society of Organized Services is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs and improving the lives of Oceanside residents. It was established in 1968 and its thrift shop draws thousands of customers from all over Vancouver Island and beyond each month. The revenues from the Shop along with community fundraising and government support flow to important community programs and services. Its more than 200 volunteers contribute their time and labour which would cost more than 1$ million annually if SOS was a for-profit enterprise. If you can volunteer for the success of our community, whether it's just one hour or several hours every week/month, give SOS a call at 250-248-2093 ext. 230 or email [email protected]. They would love to have you as a member of the family! 

Latest posts

Tla-qui-aht Two Cedar Dugout Canoes

Thanks to master carver Tutakwisnapšiƛ (Joe Martin) and his daughters Gisele and Tsimka for taking time to show me the two cedar dugout canoes they are working on, commissioned by Tla-qui-aht First Nation. In the Nuu-chah-nulth Tla-qui-aht dialect, dugout canoes are called čapac. Joe has written a book about the art and responsibilities of this traditional craft which he learned from his father at a young age. I asked when they started to work on these canoes and was moved by the response: “the carving started in February although it really began 800 years ago when the first seedling started to grow.” Klecko Klecko to Joe, Gisele and Tsimka for keeping this important work alive.

Redd Fish Restoration Society

May be an image of 2 people, fish and chips and text

I stopped by this week to check in with Jen Dart, my co-worker from my days at the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce ten years ago. Jen is a great champion for our communities and is now a part of the Redd Fish Team in Ucluelet, which has a new store-front location where visitors can come by to learn about salmon restoration, lots for kids to do and they also serve great coffee! 

Redd Fish Restoration Society is a charity focused on restoration, research and education and thanks to its dynamic leadership over 28 years, it has had a massive impact in the restoration of watersheds and fish habitat. We chatted about the Watershed Forum they are hosting in November with a focus on their work with First Nations and the strength and impact of their community partnerships. Redd Fish is well worth the visit when you are next in Ucluelet. Go here for more information: https://reddfish.org/

Change of Command Ceremony- 19 Wing Comox

Thank you to Col. Jean-Philippe Gagnon for inviting me to 19 Wing Comox to attend the Change of Command Ceremony as he relinquished command to Col Christopher Shapka in July. It was an honour to pay tribute to Col. Gagnon's command and to convey best wishes for a successful command to Col. Shapka along with my colleague MP Rachel Blaney. I took the opportunity to thank Col. Gagnon for his important outreach work in the Comox Valley, working closely with the CVRD and RCMP; and, for brining back the airshow. It was a pleasure to meet up with Parksville Councilor Amit Gur who is an air force reservist. Thanks to all for your service to Canada. 

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