HEROES – Our heartfelt thanks to Josh and his friend who took time from a fun day on their ATV, to rescue our old dog, Jesse. She had allowed her nose to get her in trouble, crossed the Oyster river, got lost, and spent a very wet and cold night in the forest. Josh came across her, noted our phone number on her dog tag, and contacted us. In the meantime, we had been walking the bush calling and had become convinced we wouldn’t see our old gal again. She was all in, so they put her on the ATV and brought her out to a point where we could meet them. Jesse has recovered and we will be forever grateful to them for their compassion. Good people live in Campbell River. – Dick and Kathy Meston
HEROES – My fabulous neighbours who stepped into action when one of my Saint Bernards bolted through my fence (literally) Halloween Night. They were inside with us until I let them out to go to the bathroom (in my securely fenced backyard) and she got spooked by a fire cracker and took off. I had taken a few minutes to settle my children into bed before I was going back to let them in. I truly appreciate the effort by everyone to find me (through facebook, family and neighbours) and to keep my Phoenix safe until my husband got there. I really, really appreciate it. This is why I love my neighbourhood and thank each and every one of you who helped keep her safe. – Eliza Hay, Phoenix and her sister Melody (who slept thru the whole thing because she’s old and deaf).
HERO – Ray of Island Overhead Doors who travelled out to our house in Black Creek on his day off to rescue us from a garage door that was stuck open. When Ray left, we had a “better than new” door, an understanding of what to do to keep it in good condition and a fine appreciation for the Christmas spirit of this Campbell River Company. – Pearl McKenzie, Black Creek
HEROES – On Christmas Day our family lost a treasured link. A little farm house in Northern Alberta. My sister was one of the 10 that escaped the chimney fire. I would like to thank all the friends and family that helped me raise over $1,000 through a donations and a bottle drive which was held on Jan. 2. I would like to especially like to thank the staff at The Return It Center, numerous school district staff, the loving members at the Bethany Lutheran Church and the supportive Girl Guides of Canada. I am also grateful to the families in the Sandowne School area, The Scrap Chicks and Christian Life Daycare. Many thanks to Mary K, Mary W, Judi, Rhonda and Lorna for countless hours they helped sort returnables, and for their love and support. Found were many cherished items such as books, a clarinet and an equestrian riding helmet. For these I tearfully thank Leslie, Audrey, Dan and Cindy. Your generosity will touch the heart of these children. Thank you to everyone. – Nicole Walker and the Walker Family
HEROES – All who have supported us after the recent passing of my parents Forbes and Terry Brown (House of Forbes Jewellers). It has meant so much to know that others care. – Heather Dirks
HEROES – All who where a part of the Serious Coffee’s “Holiday Concert of Hope” on Dec. 21. The event was very well attended and organized and all the proceeds were promptly donated to our Society – a very nice Christmas gift indeed! A huge thanks goes to Laura Mudge for being the main organizer of this event, your desire to support our cause is a beautiful thing! Thank you to Laura Riddell for holding the concert at Serious Coffee and supporting Laura! Thank you to the musical talent of Sean Hogan, Chandra Booth & Kyell Erickson, Cat & the B-sides, and PeterOut – all of whom donated their time & talent. Thanks to Calvin Kalyniuk for the donation of his sound equipment and expertise. Thanks to Keith Spinks for helping with the tickets and at the show. And finally thanks to all of the theatre talent and also to every person that came out to enjoy the concert! Your support helps our Society continue the much-need End-of-Life & Bereavement support within our community. – Iona Wharton on behalf of the CR Hospice Society
HEROES – Heroes are one way to describe the wonderful people who have so selflessly contributed to very important fund raising projects in support of the fight against cystic fibrosis in the last few months. First, stunning holiday cards with photographs by Erin Wallis and designed by Shannon Andrews, two creative and enthusiastic volunteers have been a big hit with people from all parts of Vancouver Island. Printing was provided by Sure Copy (Ayaz – you’re incredible) and envelops donated by Monks Office Supply. Thank you to Balloons “N” More Party Shop, Appleseed Cottage, Stonehouse Teas, River Sportsman and Gourmet Essentials for displaying and selling these cards at such a busy time of year. And an extra special thank you to Curtis Smith, Pacific Coastal Wilderness and Craig Houston, Grizzly Helicopters for their large orders. Second, our Xmas raffle was made possible thanks to the generosity of prize donators including Bill Black, Bonni Roset and Beulah Carwithen, River Sportsman, Gail Reid, Marg Branchi, Don Kretlow, Frankie Hester, Ken Clark, Jeanne Stoppard and Krista Houston. Thanks also to Walmart, the Sportsplex, and Ironwood Commons for providing opportunities to sell tickets. The third project was a Cranberry Cookbook compiled by Barb Shook with great recipes and photos also by Barb Shook. The book was made possible with help from Lorie Leitz, CF volunteers and published by Kask Graphics. The funds raised from these and other initiatives are making an incredible difference to the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis and their families. – Chris Black, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Campbell River Chapter
HEROES – Our appreciation and gratitude is sent from the organizing committee of The Seventh Annual Kids Only Christmas Shopping Day to our huge team of enthusiastic volunteers. You are our heroes; we couldn’t do it without you! This year, 68 local foster children and youth attended, made a contribution to the CR Food Bank and “shopped” for the perfect holiday gifts for their families. We thank our venue host Audrey Wilson and the staff of Laichwiltach Family Life Society. We also thank the Pioneer Home Hardware folks who provided the fresh popcorn. Our gratitude to our many generous sponsors for their donations of gifts items, door prizes, wrapping supplies and refreshments including Coho Books, Cornerstone Gift Books and Music, London Drugs, Home Depot, McDonald’s Restaurant, Payless Shoesource, Save-On-Foods, Shoe Warehouse, Spinners Sports, Splashes Body Care, Staples Business Depot, Real Canadian Superstore, River City Medical staff, Walmart, Warehouse One and the kind donation from the Brown family. Special mention to the caring folks at Quinsam Coal Union and Quinsam Coal Corporation and to Linda Snagg and the Royal LePage Reality family for their continued big-hearted sponsorship of this event year after year! Of course a huge thank you to Santa who took time from his busy schedule to drop by. The organizers wish to especially note the commitment of the Parnell family who went above and beyond in their support of this event by donating gifts, delivering the door prizes to the draw winners, delivering the food donation to the food bank and the remaining new toys to the Knights of Columbus Hamper fund. – Judy Hollywood Bonnett, Foster Parent Support Service Society
HEROES – On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Altrusa Club of Campbell River sponsored the Sing Along Mamma Mia at the Tidemark Theater. It was a great success and so much fun. We would like to send a boatload of thanks to the enthusiastic people who attended. Great costumes and great participation. Many thanks also to Paula at Balloons ‘N’ More Party Shop, Dan Magor, Tammy Lapointe, Uncle Scotty at 97.3, the River Radio Station, our wonderful emcee, Marcello Sequeira, Alistair Taylor of the Mirror and all the businesses that put ads in our event program. A special thank you goes out to Kim, Mary, MaryAnn, Gord, Barry and all the terrific staff and volunteers of the Tidemark Theater! Such a pleasure to work with you all! We are hoping that next year the Tidemark will be once again be alive with singing and jiving (hint, hint) and fun. Thank you all for supporting our fundraiser. – Darlene Kerr, The Altrusa Club of Campbell River
HEROES – The local businesses and organizations whose important contributions made the National Child Day event on Nov. 23 possible: Royal Coachman, the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, On Line Gourmet, Altrusa, Thrifty Foods, Discovery Foods, The Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire, Fountain Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, Staples, McDonalds, Campbell River Lions Club, Success by 6 and Pacificare. It was a fantastic celebration and demonstration of our community’s commitment to fundamental human rights for children including the right to enjoy their childhood freely. Their generous donations of food, supplies and funds ensured that local children and their families enjoyed a day to remember. We would also like to thank the dozens of enthusiastic volunteers who contributed their time and energy. – Leah Knutson
