Taoking it t t e e r t S e th
Seaside Magazine's
Compassion & Connection:
Making a Difference What is life without compassion? It's true what they say – life really is about the connections we make with other people. It's about helping and supporting each other, and at this year's Taking It To The Street, we got to do it while having a great time. It was a beautiful sunny day, with perfect weather to play some road hockey, and a lively event where Seaside Magazine was able to raise $25,000 (now $125,000 to date) for Help Fill A Dream Foundation. So many people came out to support the event, and everyone was smiling and having fun. A number of hockey teams participated this year, including players from the Peninsula Panthers and the Victoria Royals. "[It's] a good opportunity to support the community and those around us," says Ryan Spizawka, a prospect for the Victoria Royals. Nolan Bentham, a fellow prospect, agrees. "This event's been really cool, [and] it's for a good cause," he nods. Former professional hockey player Doug Bodger, of the Vancouver Canucks, also made an appearance at the event. He lives in the Cowichan Valley and came down to support the cause. "[It's] something you want to be a part of," he says, calling it a "no-brainer." With plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, the day was a big hit. "The kids are really loving the dinosaur stuff," says Jessie Della Vedova, operating the Four Frames Photo Booth sponsored by Dino Lab Inc. "We do a lot of work with Help Fill A by Jesse Holth
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Dream," adds Casey Cathcart. Kids even got to meet a realistic life-sized dinosaur, Velma the Velociraptor, thanks to Raptor4Rent! "I've seen a lot of smiling kids and happy families," says Richard Ostle, part of the organizing team for the event. He says it's a great way to combine "Canada's favourite pastime" with a good cause. "[We love to see] a lot of people having fun." Residents were joined by local businesses and team mascots, including members of Unifor 333BC, the Sidney and Central Saanich Fire Departments, accountants Peggy Yelland & Associates, and mascots like "Grizz" of the Victoria Grizzlies, Marty the Marmot of the Victoria Royals, and Rocky of the Victoria Shamrocks, among others. "It's about supporting children," says local Joachim Ge. "It's a way to give back to the community, and that's important to me." At one of the booths, volunteers with brightlycoloured wigs are handing out cotton candy. "My husband and I started volunteering with Help Fill A Dream eight years ago," says Michele Brooks. "We just really love contributing to our community." Fans were also greeted with an array of superheroes, in full costume. "We're a children's charity group called Superheroes of Victoria," says founder Mark Ashfield. "We've been around for 10 years," he continues. "We're [basically] a free volunteer resource for charities – we work a lot with Help Fill A Dream." He says the kids love to see their favourite superheroes in real life.
[1] A Kirby Kids' Tournament player goes for the goal! [2] Volunteers Lisa Davies and Bruce Musseau [3] left to right: Jennifer Stone, Aman Randhawa, Leah Purcell [4] She shoots! Leah Purcell takes a shot on the net [5] Dream recipient Adam Bolton with sister Lindsay and parents Amy and Curtis [6] Some of the UNIFOR 333BC team [7] Sue Hodgson, Seaside Magazine owner and publisher [8] Tracey, Asher and Nolan Trousdell [9] Musician Johnny Gr4ves [10] Craig Smith, Executive Director of Help Fill A Dream. Photos by Tracey Scott Photography