Volunteers at the Lake Cowichan Seniors’ Centre erected a sign last week to remind people that pennies are being collected for the Nichole Stock Penny Drive year-round.
Local youngster Nichole Stock started the penny drive in 1991, raising money for sick kids through the Variety Children’s Charity. Stock died in 1999 from complications after undergoing heart surgery, just shy of her 18th birthday.
The funds go, specifically, to the Sunshine Coaches, which are specially-equipped vans that transport children in comfort and safety to places of education, recreation, and therapy.
Pennies are collected year-round in businesses throughout the Cowichan Lake area.
The Seniors’ Centre took over the charity last year.
If anyone would like a jar for their business, for their jar to be emptied, or for other fund-raising questions, Seniors’ Centre manager Bruce Bunting can be contacted at 250-749-6121, before 3 p.m. on week-days.
Last year’s Penny Drive raised about $7,265.