A community group has formed to assist morning show host Patrick Nicholson during his battle with cancer.
Friends of Patrick Nicholson is a grassroots local community group and it is launching a 75/25 raffle to help Nicholson with his medical costs.
Nicholson is the “morning guy” on the 99.9 FM radio channel, The Lounge. Recently Nicholson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer and has taken a leave of absence to regain his health.
Nicholson was born on Vancouver Island and spent much of his youth in Port Alberni. He knew from a very early age that he wanted to work in radio. His opportunity came in the early ’60s in his hometown. He learned the ropes by hanging out at the local radio station on weekends. In 1995 Nicholson arrived in Parksville where he worked on the original CHPO which became The Beach 88.5, and in 2005 The Lounge 99.9 signed on. Patrick was hired as morning show host, playing Music with Style.
Patrick has made a huge contribution to the Oceanside area by offering disc jockey services, announcing at community events and being a good friend to many. Faye McKnight of Faye’s Gifts in Qualicum Beach is a friend of Nicholson.
“Patrick and I go back a long way—we grew up in Port Alberni together. We want to do something to help a person who is so generous to our community.”
Raffle tickets will be sold between July 15 and September 15. The winner will be announced on Dave Graham’s radio show, 88.5 The Beach on September 15. The tickets are five for $10 with a maximum prize of $1,250. The balance of ticket sales will be donated to defray Patrick’s medical costs.
To buy tickets contact the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce at 250-752-0960 or drop by Mulberry Bush Book Stores in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, Faye’s Gifts or the Parksville Qualicum Beach News on Middleton Ave. in Parksville.
—Submitted by Evelyn Clark