Knox United Church Soul Choir Concert

Our neighbour Cathy is in a local church Soul choir, so we went along to their annual Concert.

The church is modern, welcoming and warm, and we were warned to get there early as it is always well attended. We took advice and arrived early and were amazed at the number of people already waiting to go in.

We did not have to wait long for the entertainment to commence. We were captivated by a local youth choir which sang a selection of carols, accompanied by a young pianist with outstanding talent.

After their selection came the main attraction. We were slightly taken aback, as although the clue should have been in the title, we were not expecting so much Soul in the soul choir! There was a great deal of audience participation encouraged, and we all got up to clap and sing along to some of the numbers, much to Tracy's acute embarrassment. She was well out of her comfort zone.

Nevertheless we enjoyed the programme and were pleased to support our neighbour and new friend.

Grandmothers to Grandmothers Christmas Extravaganza

Today we helped at the Christmas Extravaganza. Where every ones hard work and effort making the crafts and things to sell is paid off. The hand made items were of such high quality. There were some beautiful items on display.

The event is held over two days, Friday and Saturday, and is held in the lovely home of a local
resident. The house overlooks the Parksville bay.

Checkout Girls!

Because of our banking experience we were put on checkout duty!! Our cover was blown almost immediately when we dealt with our first customer. We were unable to identify any of the coinage without really peering at it. We learnt new terms for Canadian coins such as Twonies (2dollars) Loonies (1dollar) dimes (10cents) and quarters(25cents). We did eventually pick it up, Della stuck to the wrapping and left Tracy to work out the money!


We helped on the Saturday afternoon, it was very well supported and people spent a great deal for the good cause. There was a choir singing on the balcony above which was a great introduction to
the festive season.

Everyone involved had put a great deal of effort into the planning and running of the annual event and the event raised over $10,000.

Jan selling those priceless angels!

Della was very pleased to see the angels that she had made being bought for $7 ! By the end of the two days they had all been sold.

For more information on the charity click the link below
http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/grandmothers.htm

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

Whilst out walking Angus at one of the local parks (which are delightful not least because there are trails that go on for ever through some of the most beautiful pine forests), we noticed a poster asking for volunteers at the local SPCA.



Given that we are time-rich and we are fortunate enough to be based here for another 4 months we decided to commit some of our free time to this worthy cause.

We were required to attend an Orientation session on Saturday (21/09), and at this session we met some others who were also up for volunteering along with the staff who run the shelter and some other volunteer workers.

Owing to the recent success of the centre's adoption programme there are currently only 2 dogs at the shelter. A delightful Norwegian Elk hound called Richard(!) and a sweet labrador collie cross called Dakota. There are also a number of cats who need rehoming.

Our Orientation session involved familiarisation with the centre and the various buildings, location of treats, leads, towels, poo bags etc and a general Q & A session - it was very informative and we are looking forward to our first stint which we hope will be some time next week when we will have an introductory lesson with a "buddy" or seasoned volunteer.

Our Orientation session concentrating on the cats is scheduled for tomorrow (25/09) - watch this space for more news and updates!!

www.spca.bc.ca
www.spca.bc.ca/branches/parksville-qualicum-beach/