Kickstart Fitness of Parksville turned its annual members' Christmas Party into a festive occasion for Inclusion Parksville this year, raising $2,000 in a silecnt auction for the non-profit, social services organization.
The event, held Nov. 18 at the Parksville Conference and Community Centre, was the brainchild of Kickstart staffers Stacy Williams and Micaela Cameron.
"The two of us were organizing the party and decided that, instead of just having our Christmas party benefitting members, that the community get something special out of it, too."
Between contributions from members and from the local business community about 50 items were donated for the silent auction.
"We're extremely honoured they chose us for their donation to go to," said Ainsley Moore, vocational counsellor with Inclusion Parksville. "This will enhance our existing programming, including a cooking class and other community programming."
Kickstart Fitness owner Beth Alden said the business has previously collected donations at its staff party, normally items for the Salvation Army Food Bank.
This year, with Kickstart planning an Open Your Heart for the Food Bank program for Valentine's Day in February, Alden said she was happy her employees came up with another local charity to benefit this month.
"We got very generous donations from the community," said Alden.
Inclusion Parksville is a registered charitable society that provides programs and services to assist people with developmental disabilities with the goal of promoting independence and equality in the community. Its programs include a supported work program, self-help skills training, semi-independent living, a customized employment program and a young adult program.
In researching a list of local organizations, Williams and Cameron noted Inclusion Parksville's programs also include fitness and recreation opportunities for its clients.
"We really appreciate this," Moore told the Kickstart staff as she accepted the $2,000 cheque from Alden this week. "It's pretty special."
Find out more about Inclusion Parksville at www.inclusionpv.org.