The Home Depot store in Duncan has launched this year’s Orange Door fundraising campaign in support of the Cowichan Community Options Society.
Until July 2, customers can donate $2 at the store’s checkout in exchange for an orange paper door.
All donations will help the CCOS provide free counselling, employment mentorship and support services to youth.
The Orange Door Project was established with the goal of eliminating youth homelessness in Canada. One hundred eighty-two Home Depot stores in Canada are taking part in this year’s campaign
The Duncan store raised more than $6,000 for the cause last year.
“In neighbourhoods across Canada, kids as young as 13 are experiencing homelessness for the first time,” said Home Depot president Jeff Kinnaird.
“Together, we can shine a light on this serious social issue and inspire our friends, family and neighbours to take action to help.”
Golfers hit the links for ALS
On June 8, Richard Ingle, Andy Hajer and Jayme Young from Cobble Hill’s Arbutus Ridge Golf Club will golf as many holes as possible to raise awareness and funds for the ALS Society of BC.
The Arbutus Golf Club is one of 36 golf courses across B.C. that are participating in the 12Th annual PGA of B.C. Golfathon for ALS.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles.
Proceeds from the Golfathon for ALS provide crucial support services to ALS patients and their families, friends, and caregivers.
“On behalf of the association, I am extremely excited for the PGA of BC’s decade of participation with Golfathon for ALS, benefiting the ALS Society of BC’s patient services,” said Donald Miyazaki, executive director of the PGA of BC.
“In our eleven years of involvement, the efforts of our members have generated over $1.3 million. We have also assisted the tens of thousands of individuals in British Columbia affected by this deadly disease.”
Timmy’s Camp Day tops $17,000 in the Valley
The Tim Hortons locations in the Cowichan Valley raised more than $17,000 on Camp Day on May 31 to help send local kids from low-income families to camp this summer.
On the last day of May each year, 100 per cent of proceeds from coffee and Camp Day bracelets sales at participating Tim Hortons Restaurants across Canada and the U.S. help send thousands of youth to camp.
The Cowichan Valley Tim Hortons have been participating in this program for 17 years and, in that time, has sent more than 70 local children to camp.
The selection process is conducted by local school teachers and the local branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“The Cowichan Valley Tim Hortons believe strongly in sending deserving local children to camps that will help them build confidence and self esteem,” said owner Greg Adams.
“We are proud to have sent over 70 local kids to camp over the past 17 years.”
Damali celebrates 10 years
Cobble Hill’s Damali Lavender & Winery will hold its 10th annual Lavender Festival on July 15.
Damili’s new owner, Kennedy Saville, has owned the facility for less than a year, but it’s not his first Lavender Festival at the site.
He said he knew he would buy the business at the time, so he participated so he could learn the ropes to pull off the event successfully again this year.
“More than 500 people attended last year and everyone had a great time,” Saville said.
“I decided to continue the annual tradition and am really looking forward to the festival this year. It’s fun for the whole family.”
There will be a wine garden, live music, delicious foods and artist vendors at the festival, as well as essential oil distilling demonstrations and free lavender crafts for children and adults.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Damali site at 3500 Telegraph Rd.
Admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids and seniors.