Beachfest Society members say it’s their favourite event. There are 19 community groups who likely share that sentiment.
After a record year for attendance, the Parksville Beach Festival Society handed out 19 cheques this week totalling $60,000 to community groups that donated their time this summer during the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition.
These 19 groups provided more than 2,700 person/hours during Beachfest, greeting, counting and gathering feedback from a record 133,430 people who came through the gates to view the works of sand art.
“These volunteers are our partners in ensuring this extraordinary event is a success” Beachfest Society president Cheryl Dill said Monday at city hall before handing out the cheques. “Engagement of local, enthusiastic residents who are connected to beneficial services in our area, is key to our event sustainability and ongoing development.”
The society said its mandate is to not only create fun, family-friendly events close to Parksville’s main beach, “but also to help the community grow.” Since 1999, the Society has donated more than $495,000 to non-profit organizations and community projects, which included construction of the park gazebo and community signs.
The community groups that received money on Monday were: Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Bowser Seniors Housing Society, Errington Therapeutic Riding Association, Forward House Community Society, Knights of Columbus, Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers, Parksville Curling Club, Parksville Lions Club, Parksville Qualicum Elks #589, Preceptor Delta Zeta, Rotary Club of Parksville AM, Rotary Club of Parksville Noon Hour, Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach Sunrise, Royal Canadian Legion Bowser Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion Parksville Ladies Auxiliary and Xi Delta Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.