On the evening of December 9th, over 70 women gathered at Forbes Hall to celebrate the season. There was a delectable (& massive) assortment of nibbles & desserts, with punch and wine to wet our whistles. We sang, we laughed & stories were told.
Special thanks to Gloria, Helen, Dee, Ruth, Lynn, Vicki, Natasha, Cecilia, & Sue for keeping things beautiful, organized, and all done & dusted at the end.
Thanks also to Kaz Bannister, Leah May Howard, Crimson McClellan, & Joey Knowles for keeping the food & kitchen organized.
During the event, Lynn Hunter presented Vicki Walker with the Candlestick Award for all her years of volunteering within our community. Congratulations, Vicki!
Besides the party, we also held a Shelter Drive for Somenos House, finishing up the night with 8 new laundry baskets full of necessities, as well as several bags & boxes. My car was overflowing with gifts when I arrived at Cowichan Women Against Violence offices in Duncan. The staff was THRILLED ~ “Christmas has arrived!” one was heard saying.
There was also a donation box for CWAV. When asking CWAV for a list for the Shelter Drive, I asked if there was any one big-ticket item that was needed for the shelter. They desperately need a new stove and range-hood for Somenos House. Well, our dear little island raised $1,565 for CWAV. One staff member told me, that with their purchasing network, this would certainly buy them what they needed, with lots of funds for other necessities remaining.
So, thank you, Ladies, for having a good time, and giving from your hearts. You have made a huge difference this winter!
Sing on,
Ann Dickie
Photos courtesy of Lynn Hunter & Kelly Bannister