LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
A fundraiser this weekend where people can purchase locally crafted art and watch live metal-sculpting demos, will directly benefit the two families affected by house fires in Nanoose Bay recently.
Dave Kaspric of Red Cod Forge is holding the fundraiser at his home in Nanoose Bay and other artists in the area have also dropped off items to donate to the fundraiser.
Kaspric said he heard about the first fire because it was a friend with a young family, and he wanted to help him out. The next fire happened shortly after, affecting a single mother with two young children.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds from purchasing the donated artwork and Kaspric’s pipe scupltures will be split between the two families affected by the fires, the Hawleys and the Snyders.
Kaspric said people helped him out when he was down from a motorcycle accident some years ago, and it really helped him turn the corner.
“I know how hard it is,” he said, “and sometimes if someone gives you just a little bit of help it goes a long way.”
There will be jewelry from Affinity Stone and Jewelry, pottery by Dee and Larry Aguilar as well as Jane Murray-Smith, blown glass by Ted Jolda, Inspiral Art Jewelry by Ruth LaFontaine, art glass by Christoper M. Smith and photography by Rolf Phillips. People can also enter to win another of Kaspric’s Red Cod Forge creations that he crafts over the weekend.
The fundraiser happens Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10. Red Cod Forge is located at 2155 Spur Pl. in Nanoose Bay, near the Rocking Horse Pub. There are Facebook pages set up for both families, called Help the Snyders and Help the Hawleys, with more local events.