Sooke has brought testament to its title of ‘Volunteer Capital of Canada’ after several businesses worked together to provide a Vancouver couple a weekend they’ll never forget.
Jason van der Valk, founder of Discover Sooke, arranged the two-day trip after being touched by a phone call from Vancouver resident, Edward Macallum.
Macallum, 61, and his wife, Cecine Lam, 51, were to be in Victoria for their daughter’s graduation from the University of Victoria on June 14, and were hoping to see the sites west of B.C.’s capital city.
The conversation continued as per usual, until Macallum announced he had been diagnosed with cancer, and was given a prognosis of one year to live.
“Upon hearing this, it impacted me greatly, for you see, our family over the past two years has had a struggle dealing with family members and cancer,” Van der Valk said via email.
“I felt a strong urge to try to give this couple a little gift from the town of Sooke that they would remember,” he said, later stating in a phone interview that cancer affects everyone.
He began to co-ordinate a trip for the weekend of June 15-17, and was met with enthusiasm by everyone he approached. The different businesses offered an overnight stay at both the Sooke Harbour House and Prestige Oceanfront Resort, whale watching with Coastal Explorations and wilderness tour with Rain Forests Tours — all free of charge.
Van der Valk also said it was an honour to provide the gift to a woman like Lam, who helps low-income families and people find housing as a community living support worker.
“We’re just so thankful for the two days we had in Sooke, it was wonderful,” Lam said, adding they will never forget the friendly people in the small town of Sooke.
For both sides, the trip was not a matter about money, but about humanity and good will.
“We can afford it, it’s just good to see that’s out there — good, kind-hearted people like Jason,” she said, adding she hopes one day they can return the favour.
Sooke made such a good impression that Lam said they hope to return.
“We would like to go back some day.”
