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‘Our Resilient Community’: Businesses contribute to help vulnerable PQB residents

Calendars on sale through Jan. 31
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A 2021 calendar entitled ‘Our Resilient Community’ features images captured by professional photographers in and around the communities during the unusual summer of 2020. (Photo submitted)

Numerous Parksville Qualicum Beach businesses and photographers have come together to support an initiative that will assist residents in need, but there’s also a big prize up for grabs.

“We’re very fortunate to have had such great support with our calendar fundraising initiative,” said SOS executive director Susanna Newton. “Tigh-Na-Mara is one of our sponsors, and the resort has provided an incredible package that we will give away to one lucky calendar purchaser on Feb. 1.”

A 2021 calendar entitled ‘Our Resilient Community’ features images captured by professional photographers in and around the communities during the unusual summer of 2020. Although many residents felt scared as the threat of illness, job loss and uncertainty loomed, there was also something wonderful happening. Residents were assisting one another with warmth and kindness. Images of front-line workers, service providers, hospitality workers, grocery store clerks, first responders, volunteers and residents getting through another day of the pandemic with optimism, are all featured in the calendar.

Hollie James, manager of Ocean Liquor, revealed why she wanted to get behind the project as a sponsor.

”We’re very grateful to be a part of this community and we see the value in the contributions given to the more vulnerable residents through SOS services,” she said.

READ MORE: Delivering joy to Parksville Qualicum Beach families

Sponsor Tammie Toriglia, co-owner of Parksville Pharmasave, had a similar sentiment. She said the community supports her business, and she and co-owner Lonny Barr agree that supporting SOS is a great way to give back to the community. Other sponsors include Raymond James Qualicum Beach Branch, Coastal Community Credit Union, Quality Foods and Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre. A number of businesses also came on board to support the project and sell the calendars. Tigh-Na-Mara has been partnering with SOS for many years to make life better for local residents, and general manager Paul Drummond said the resort was pleased to be able support the fundraiser with the prize package.

Every calendar has a number on the back, and on Feb. 1, the winning number will be announced on the SOS website, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. The winner will receive a two-night stay for two at Tigh-Na-Mara, a Soak, Sip and Savour package in the Grotto Spa, and a $100 gift certificate for Cedars Restaurant and Lounge.

All proceeds from the purchase of the calendars support SOS programs and services. The calendars can be purchased at the SOS Thrift Shop, the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville, and a number of local businesses. For a list of retail locations, visit the SOS website, www.sosd69.com.

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About the Author: Parksville Qualicum Beach News Staff

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