The generosity of Oceanside residents and businesses in donating items for the upcoming Child Haven International dinner is gratifying, says organizer Edith Kenny.
The eclectic mix of donations includes artwork, birdhouses, upholstered headboards, wood carvings and baskets — lots of baskets, everything from traditional decorative wickerwork to the more familiar golf baskets, wine baskets and even an Indian food basket.
However, what really impresses Kenny is the amount of time and effort her team of 90 local volunteers are putting into the event, which raises money for orphanages in Third World countries.
“They work very, very hard,” she said. “They are so generous with their time and with their labour.”
Kenny noted the team will have traditional Indian saris for sale, as they did last year and she’s hoping many of the people who bought them at last year’s event will wear them this year, adding to the exotic and colourful nature of the Child Haven dinner.
To help ensure this flavour gets a full airing, she said organizers are planning to rent saris for the evening, in exchange for a donation to Child Haven International.
“We have four Indian ladies who are coming to help dress people this year,” she said. “It can be a bit of a struggle, even for us, and we wear them quite a bit.”
Tickets for the Oct. 28 event, slated to be held at the parksville Community and Conference Centre, are going fast, she said. Those that are available can be picked up for $35 each and are available at Fireside Books in parksville and The Shoe Inn in Qualicum Beach. Because of the strong demand, Kenny said there will be no tickets sold at the door.
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