Love Gratitude Hope

I don’t know about you, but I am finding that the upheaval to our lives and the corresponding uncertainty is causing many mixed emotions for me through the day. I feel for the families who have lost their jobs and all the kids who are stuck at home not understanding why they can’t play with their friends. I am disappointed that so many great community initiatives have been postponed. I am also very concerned for our business community. Our village was finally full (with many businesses looking to expand or move in), but now the reality is that some may close and some may not return when we are “back to normal” (a great reason to support local as much as you can). Even with all of these concerns, here in Shawnigan a few things are shining through: Love, Gratitude and Hope.


Right after we got the news that non-essential services were to close the community wanted to help. Many in the community were very concerned that schools were not going back and concerned some of the supports provided by school would also be cancelled. Many community members were reaching out wanting to give and wanting to know where there was a need. The decision was made and the Hearts lawnsign was created to show our community spirit and cheer on the efforts of our frontline workers, while raising funds to support food programs in the valley: Nourish Cowichan and the foodbank to be specific. The Shawnigan Residents Association picked up, pitched in and made it happen overnight. The first weekend we exceeded our weekend goal of $5,000 and we were quickly moving towards our campaign goal of $20,000. It ended as quickly as it started and after 4 weeks it was over. Thanks to the SRA, many volunteers and the generosity of so many the campaign was a huge success.


Here’s what the community had to say;


Thank you Shawnigan Lake. This will definitely bolster the spirit of the troops. Shawnigan is truly a wonderful community that we are proud to serve.


- Sargent Tim Desaulniers, RCMP Detachment




The Hearts campaign was beautiful and brilliant. I heard many nurses and doctors comment while I was in the hospital about their appreciation, and the fact that donations were going to Nourish made it even more special. Personally I love the message so much I might leave my heart at the end of my driveway forever.


- Deana Robertson, Physician and Chair of Nourish Cowichan




It was a pleasure to help and especially heart-warming to be welcomed at so many homes by appreciative people (from a distance of course).


- Volunteer sign installer




Thank you to all who helped out, and the delivery folks for doing such a great job, a huge act of kindness that you let many share in. 5 stars for all of you!


- R. Cuthbert, Resident



During these unprecedented times it is challenging to deal with the unknown. I hope you are safe and with your loved ones. If I can offer a message of wellbeing: Now, more than ever, it is important to get outside and enjoy our many parks and trails. To come together to support each other and to support our local businesses.


Although I am on Zoom more often than not, my phone still works, please reach out. As our lawn signs declared, I too wish love to the whole community, gratitude to the frontline workers and hope to all for our future as a world and a community.


Sierra Acton
250-715-6763
Sierra.Acton@cvrd.bc.ca
iloveshawnigan.com