TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2013
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
BCYCNA
Gold 2012 General Excellence
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM
SETTING UP SHOP IN ERRINGTON
French Creek farming family opens its gates in appreciation
Our business profile today tells the story of an experienced mechanic‘s move
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LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED
Donations are down SOS concerned it won’t reach its goal this year
With less than two weeks to go before Christmas, and with funds at less than half the amount required, the Society of Organized Services is concerned about meeting the needs of the community this year. “We have close to 1,000 households registered for our Caring for Kids at Christmas Program,” said Renate Sutherland, executive director of SOS, “and we are concerned because donations are down from what they have been in previous years.” SOS is hoping to raise $115,000 this Christmas in order to purchase grocery store gift cards for low-income families and individuals in the Oceanside area. This is up $5,000 from last year due to economic conditions and the increased demand for support, says the SOS. People have been registering for their Christmas Program since Nov. 18, and distribution of gift cards, plus toys from the SOS Toy Shop was set to begin Monday. “We give grocery store gift cards to families and individuals, so that they can purchase the kinds of foods that are meaningful to them during this season, whether it is a certain cultural food or a special once-a-year treat,” said Sutherland. “Most of us can remember eating something each year that speaks to our memories of this season. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy those things that bring meaning to them.” “Every year, we have people who ask about sponsoring a family for Christmas. Donating to the SOS Caring for Kids at Christmas fund may not be the same as choosing the gifts and foods for a certain family, but it’s almost more personal, because the people who receive the gift cards are receiving your gift of dignity.” See AN INCREDIBLY GENEROUS, page A4
LINDA MATTESON-REYNOLDS PHOTO
MILNER MAGIC: The lights are spectacular this year at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Milner Christmas Magic is a family festival of light and music. It is open from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 18-22 (Wednesday through Sunday). Admission is free but donations of $5 per adult, $2.50 for children or $12 for a family are suggested.
ON LITTLE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Cougar encounter close to city AUREN RUVINSKY
writer@pqbnews.com
A cougar sighting on Little Mountain near Parksville is a good reminder to be aware of the animals and report all incidents, according to conservation officer Ben York.
A Little Mountain resident told The NEWS he was out for his regular walk on Saturday morning with his mid-sized, husky-mix dogs on a leash when a full-sized cougar, larger than his dogs, appeared beside him. He shouted at it and backed away
but the cougar just followed them along until he found a big stick. The resident, who didn’t want his name used, said he just wanted to warn people since they are commonly used trails. See SOMETIMES, page A4
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