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Normfest in Nanoose raises thousands for charity

Event surpasses last-years total with $20,000 in donations
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The Enablers perform at Normfest on Saturday, Aug. — a Nanoose Bay event that ran as a fundraiser for the Obakki Foundation (which builds water wells and schools to communities in need) and Kiting for Kids with the BC Children’s Hospital. — Adam Kveton

What started out as a party with friends with a funny name has grown into a major fundraiser in Nanoose Bay.

Normfest was held on Saturday, Aug. 26, bringing family, friends and neighbours together once again for food, music and fun.

But for the second year in a row, the event started by Valerie and Norm Rinehart ran as a fundraiser, including a silent auction and more.

Last year, the party raised $12,000, and this year’s goal was $15,000 to $20,000, said Valerie.

The event managed to reach the upper limits of that goal, with totals of $18,000 to go towards the Obakki Foundation, which provides wells, schools and does other projects in communities in need in Africa.

Another $2,000 went to Kiting for Kids, which assists B.C. Children’s Hospital.

“It’s great,” said Valerie of the totals, adding that the annual event will support the Obakki Foundation every year, with a new local charity chosen to receive 10 per cent of the funds raised each year.

With the amount of money raised increasing, Valerie said, she’s hoping that more and more people grow interested in the event, either to attend or to volunteer.

But no matter how big it gets, Valerie said Normfest will keep it’s friendly, fun atmosphere.

And its name, of course.