By Lissa Alexander
Crew members from the hit TV series ‘Chesapeake Shores’ dropped off five racks of clothing, many with store tags still on them, to Parksville’s SOS Thrift Shop this week.
“I think you guys do a lot for us, helping us with filming, everyone is so nice to us,” said executive producer Dan Paulson. “We really like to give back when we have an opportunity.”
The funds raised from the sale of donated goods to the SOS Thrift Shop go back into the local community, including funding more than 30 local programs and services for residents.
‘Chesapeake Shores’ is one of the most-watched original series in Hallmark Channel’s history. This is the fourth season that crews have been filming in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, and the season wrapped up on May 24.
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Over the years ‘Chesapeake Shores’ has purchased furniture, shelving and props from the SOS Thrift Shop. Two years ago, crew members purchased $1,000 worth of books to create a bookstore on set.
Producer Matt Drake said it is important for the show to support the local economy when they’re here.
“Donating clothes is another way of giving back to the community after we’ve been here for so many years,” he said.
Crews also make sure the locations they film at are taken care of after they leave, he stated.
“We want to be good neighbours,” added Paulson.
Producer’s assistant Thomas Emann said they won’t know if the show will be picked up for a fifth season until the fourth season has finished airing.
“But we have every intention and hope to return next year,” he said.