There’s no shortage of celebrations, fundraisers, and local vendors in our communities! This week’s column mentions just a few of the many.
The annual Laberge Christmas light display on Eureka Place in Halfmoon Bay features more than 16,000 computer-animated lights synchronized to music. Homeowner and display creator Paul Laberge proudly told me he now has a website (www.laberge.christmas) and Instagram account (@laberge.christmas). “How long have you been doing this for?” I asked him. The website’s About section explains “How this madness started!”, a light-hearted (pun intended) history of the original 2011 Sugar Plum Salmon display that has grown into the extravaganza it is today. “Encourage people to come into the driveway for a more immersive experience,” he enthused. You can “spread the cheer” by bringing non-perishable items for the Sunshine Coast Food Bank or making a financial donation to the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society at www.sccss.ca/get-involved/donate.
Another organization has selected the food bank as a recipient of their kindness. Trevor Connor, local HMB resident and VP of the Sunshine Coast Disc Golf Association (www.scdga.ca), confirmed that they are holding their annual Reindeer Games fundraiser this weekend. Members participating in the games are asked to bring food and/or cash donations. See more on the Sunshine Coast (BC) Disc Golfers Facebook group.
Run With Soup is hosting an emergency toy run. “[We] desperately need as many toys as we can gather by Dec. 19. Bring them to the restaurant on the 15th between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Let’s fill the stage up to the ceiling!”
I’m a huge home-based vendors supporter. I snagged soup and chili from The Cozy Coop (Sacred Earth Healing Arts on Lohn Road) at the HMB Nursery Winter Market last Saturday. I stocked up on Lucia’s delicious 100 per cent organic apple huney (not a typo!) and convinced the aforementioned Paul that he would not regret buying the huney-soaked pecans. Go to www.folklorenaturals.com to place an order and find recipes. A few days ago, I didn’t waste any time jumping into my car to buy organic kiwis from Denise and Roger Lagasse’s stand on Redrooffs. Baking will be out at Mezzaluna on Redrooffs Dec. 16 and 23, from 10 a.m. until they run out. An enthusiastic customer posted on Facebook that she dreams about the amaretti cookies. It sounds like the earlier you get there the better!
The HMB General Store has in stock beautiful gift cards by local watercolour artist (and web and graphic designer) Tracy Wandling. Drawn to nature’s beauty, the cards ($6/each) feature colourful flowers, bees, and leaves seen through her eyes. Visit her website at www.tracywandling.com.
Bidding for Elly’s quilt, part of the HBCA’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours fundraiser, stands at $400! Place a bid and support the HMB Community School programs. The campaign is well short of its $10,000 target, and I for one would not want to have to tell the kids that their breakfast and lunch program must be curtailed. Ending on Dec. 22; donation and campaign details are on the HBCA’s website at www.halfmoon-bay.ca.
