SOOKE NEWS MIRROR - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012
www.sookenewsmirror.com
More need help in cold weather
Up Sooke SURELY IT’S IN SHIRLEY SUNDAY, NOV.18 SHIRLEY CHRISTMAS CRAFT Fair 10 A.M. – 4 p.m. Shirley Hall.
Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
ALICE WONDERS THE SOOKE HARBOUR Players present Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. on stage at EMCS this weekend, Nov. 16, 17, 18. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. FAMILY FRIENDLY.
OOPS, WRONG WEBSITE THE CORRECT WEBSITE to view Katie Bennett’s photography is: https://www. facebook.com/ KTBPhotog
Pirjo Raits photo
Volunteers help with the planting at the wetlands pond at the Sunriver Allotment Garden.
Volunteers help with wetlands pond at the Sunriver Allotment Garden Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
FOODIES UNITE THE CULINARY ARTS class at EMCS is holding their annual buffet on Nov. 15, tickets are $25 and are available at the program office at EMCS.
Thumbs Up! TO ALL THE veterans and local residents who took the time to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies.
NEWS • 3
Dozens of people were scrambling around the far end of the community garden at Sunriver last week pushing wheelbarrows, planting shrubs and mixing dirt. Sixteen horticulture students from Camosun College were at the garden volunteering their time and getting some hands-on experience at the same time. They were there to help prepare a wetlands pond and build a fence. The wetlands pond will provide another aspect to the community garden which already has garden plots and an orchard with heritage fruit trees. “A good garden takes a long time,” said Phoebe Dunbar, one of the original people to
propose an allotment garden in Sooke. The land was an amenity provided to the District of Sooke by the Sunriver development. The plants being planted on Nov. 7 were bought through fundraising efforts, like the annual Lily Walk up to the Kludahk Trail. The wetlands pond project at the community garden received a $3,500 grant from the District of Sooke and an unsolicited donation. “People loved what we were doing,” said Dunbar. “Good ol’ Sooke.” Lisa Greig, a Sooke resident and instructor at Camosun, said “This is one of the most beautiful community gardens I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen beauty and progress just before my eyes.” Grieg is no stranger to gardens, she is one
of the horticulture instructor at Camosun. She has toured community gardens in many places in North America and what she says she noticed at the Sooke garden is “a huge warmth and throughtfulness.” The Sunriver Allot-
ment Garden had over 65 volunteers last season and as the popularity of gardening grows, so will the numbers who come out to help. The Sunriver Allotment Gardens is a initiative of the Sooke Food CHI and the District of Sooke.
With the winter rains and cold weather on the horizon there are people in Sooke who have to choose between paying their hydro bill of buying food. There are others who do not have warm winter clothing. It’s a sad situation and it is getting worse for those who have the most basic of needs. The Sooke Crisis and Referral Centre on Church Road is a place where people go for help. It may be for a little food to tide them over until they get paid, or it may be a place to go for morning coffee and a small snack. “There is an increase in need in the past year,” said Liz Johnson, a volunteer at the centre. “It’s really different than it used to be, the prices have gone up and the income has not. Sometimes it’s the hydro bill or groceries.” At this time of year there is a special need for warm winter coats, toques, scarves, gloves
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and especially socks. Johnson said many needy folks get their feet wet and they have no where to wash or dry their socks, they just change them. “Socks are a huge thing,” she said. Another need for those homeless in our community is for sleeping bags and blankets. Johnson said there is “always a need for those.” The crisis centre serves a need in the community and at minimum 20 to 30 people come every day for help. Some come by the centre for companionship and coffee, while others come for emergency groceries. The shelves at the centre are not laden heavily with goods and they give what they can, often soup or beans. “We always need food, canned goods and we always need money,” said Johnson. The crisis centre accepts donations at 2043 Church Road. For more information on hours call 250-642-0215.
Did You Know? I believe this year will be a different holiday season for most people. We are tightening our belts, reanalyzing how and why we spend our money. 6 weeks until Christmas which means 3 paydays. I am going to try and do the majority of my shopping in Sooke. By supporting local merchants and small businesses you are giving back to your community and your neighbours.... Buying or selling call me!
MARLENE ARDEN
“Living Sooke.... Loving Sooke... Selling Sooke”
250.642.6361 www.sookelistings.com
P H A R M AC Y S U P P L I E S We also carry the following products and services:
Ron Kumar Pharmacist/Owner
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Specialty veterinary compounding Ostomy supplies Catheters Wound care products, post surgery dressings Sports braces Insulin pump supplies Full line of incontinence products Crutch Rentals Nebulizer supplies Compression stockings Full range of diabetic supplies and training Walkers, canes wheelchairs Bathroom aids... elevated seats, bath benches, tub rails
***We can also special order most home health care supplies as well...call us to compare prices***
HELPING PEOPLE LIVE BETTER LIVES
Cedar Grove Centre 250-642-2226