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Win a scooter, help the cause

Big event in Parksville to raise funds for the Oceanside Accessibility Committee is scheduled for Friday
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Local accessibility advocate Albert Ruel and city councillor Bill Neufeld heading out on the Oceanside Accessibility Committee’s wheel-walkabout last year

With June 1 recognized across the province as Access Awareness Day, the Oceanside Accessibility Committee is hosting an inaugural annual fundraising dinner and auction this Friday.

The new fundraising event includes dinner, guest speakers, an auction and door prizes to support the work of the Oceanside Accessibility Committee, formerly known as the Measuring Up Committee.

Held at the Quality Resort Bayside in Parksville, the guest speakers are local accessibility advocate Albert Ruel and Jim Milina, the first quadriplegic to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ruel is an EATI Super Navigator, helping people with disabilities access personal supports, a certified social service worker, passionate about learning, personal growth and helping people connect with their goals.

Milina's Kilimanjaro summit set a world altitude record, a feat which helped garner him a B.C. Community Achievement Award. He is also a Rick Hansen Foundation ambassador and former Olympic athlete who understands the importance and benefits of accessible tourism for individuals, communities and the world.

The auction will include a motorized scooter which should be a great deal for someone looking for a scooter for a family member or friend, which city council liaison Marc Lefebvre called worth the price of admission alone.

The $40 tickets can be purchased from OAC members, at the door or through Marc Lefebvre at janetmarc@shaw.ca or 250-248-2292. For more on Access Awareness Day check www.sparc.bc.ca/access-awareness-day.