You know the inaugural Grand Parade fundraiser in Sooke got off on the right foot when the amount raised easily toppled expectations.
When Mary Dunn, vice-president for the Sooke Region Community Health Network (SRCHN), first inquired about participating in the Sept. 21 event, a national fundraising initiative sponsored by the Blue Sea Foundation, she was told raising $20,000 for The Sooke Gathering Place was a reasonable goal.
"We raised close to $27,000, so it was a huge success and a lot of fun," said Dunn, lead organizer for the Sooke Gathering Place, part of a project to be built on Wadams Way which will be housed within an elders complex. It will include up to 76 affordable housing rental units, and a multi-generational activity centre on the ground floor for socializing, recreation, and enrichment.
Dunn expressed her gratitude on behalf of SRCHN to the 95 walkers, 25 volunteers, sponsors Silver Streak Boats, Sooke News Mirror, Western Foods, Village Foods, and Dr. Chris Bryant and his staff for helping make the event a success, as well as musicians Ben Goerner, Christie McPhee, and Philip Robilotto.
"And a big thank you and all the donors for making our first Grand Parade so much fun and a huge success," she added. "The vibe was so upbeat, costumes were fun, food was delicious, and the music was great. We've already set Sept. 20 as the date for next year's Grand Parade."
Other fundraisers are in the works as well, Dunn noted.
'Our Sooke Spectacular Seniors contest is starting again," she said. "You can make your favourite senior very happy by nominating them to win the crown this year. Stay tuned for dates and places to make your nominations. Only those nominees that agree to be part of the contest will have their names shared publicly so they can compete to win the most donations."
Dunn also wanted to remind people that it's time to polish up their favourite dancing shoes in preparation for the next fundraising dance on Nov. 16 at the Sooke Legion.
You can also donate by taking returnable bottles at the Sooke Bottle Depot at 2032 Idlemore Rd.
"When you take your returnables in, and before they tally them, say that you want the money to go to the Sooke Gathering Place," said Dunn. "It's a great way to get rid of your empties."
The current total raised for The Sooke Gathering Place is $177,282. That does not include the total for the Grand Parade because those funds will not be available until the end of the month.
Anyone who wants to donate to the Grand Parade can still do so until Oct. 31. Feel free to contact Dunn at mary.dunn@sookeregionchn.org if you have any questions.
All photos from the event are available at https://www.facebook.com/sookegatheringplace.
