The Stuart Channel Youth Baseball prospects team received a $1,500 donation this week from the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) as part of the union’s Building Communities Together program.
The team was nominated by Leigh Melnick, who is a member of Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 63 and a union steward. Melnick is currently employed by Pyramid Corporation working in Norman Wells, NWT but he’s keen on helping young athletes in his home town.
"The kids on the team range in ages from 10-12 years old," Melnick said. "All of these kids have a passion to play, but many cannot afford the cost of travel and sports equipment that comes along with playing baseball. Because our community is very small, it is important to find ways to keep kids engaged in sports so they can keep physically fit, have positive activity choices, gain self-confidence, and create healthy relationships."
Seven Cowichan Valley businesses have been named finalists in the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.
The BC Forest Discovery Centre and Hudson’s On First are finalists in the hospitality/tourism category, while Cowichan Sound Cellular is a finalist in the retail business category.
Hatton Insurance has made the cut in the small business category, and Tim Openshaw Contracting of Chemainus is among the finalists in the construction/development category.
Merridale Estate Cidery is in the running for top prize in the agriculture business category, and Cedars Discovery Centre in Cobble Hill is up for business of the year.
"It never ceases to amaze us the scope and diversity of the companies that are nominated for these prestigious awards," says Business Examiner Publisher Mark MacDonald. "There are simply a large number of outstanding businesses on the island, and this event provides a platform to celebrate their innovations and successes."
There are 17 categories in all. Winners will be announced Thursday, Jan. 22 at a ceremony at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort.
See www.businessvi.ca/events for gala tickets.
