June 9, 2022
- Local support for Ukraine
- QB’s international floral champion sign returns
- QB’s Rotary Clubs merge
- Outdoor Movie Night in the East Village – June 17
- Qualicum School District International Student Host recruitment drive
Local support for Ukraine
Many QB residents are concerned about the invasion of Ukraine, the effect on millions of Ukrainians whose ordinary daily lives have been instantly shattered, and the catastrophic and ever-expanding global impact.
People are donating to the many groups providing support to Ukraine, others are displaying flags and some have started local fundraisers to help support Ukraine in their hour of need.
One of QB’s local businesses, the Bargain Bazaar at 691 C Memorial Avenue, is raising money through a raffle. The prize is an exquisite hand-stitched throw featuring a colourful, intricate Ukrainian pattern. The raffle draw will be held on July 1. Tickets are $5. Drop by the store or contact the proprietors at qbbargainbazaar@gmail.com.
The Canadian Bar Association is also pitching in. Lawyers in the Immigration Law Section are spearheading an initiative to provide services, without charge, to individuals affected by the crisis in Ukraine who wish to come to Canada.
These services include legal consultations and advice for those seeking to take advantage of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s facilitative initiatives and programs to bring eligible Ukrainian nationals to Canada.
Individuals affected by the current crisis in Ukraine who want to take advantage of these programs and are seeking legal advice can find the list of volunteer lawyers on the CBA’s Pro Bono Initiative – Crisis in Ukraine website page. — LS
QB’s tribute to past floral glory has returned!
Driving into Qualicum Beach on Memorial Drive last week, we were thrilled to see that, after many years sitting somewhere in purgatory, the sign acknowledging QB’s Community in Bloom international and national awards has been dusted off and prominently displayed.
In April 2021, we wrote the following about the stark differences between QB and Parksville in Chamber of Commerce erasing QB from the tourism map.
“Leaving Parksville, we noted a road sign proclaiming the city’s national Communities in Bloom awards. And then it clicked. Where was QB’s sign?
“Qualicum Beach has a longer and more illustrious record as a winner in that prestigious competition, and until a couple of years ago, a similar sign was proudly displayed on Memorial Avenue as drivers entered the town.
“QB’s Communities in Bloom sign has since been removed. If Parksville can retain and maintain such a tribute to its community, should Qualicum Beach not be able to do the same?”
It’s nice to see our community’s achievements are being publicly recognized once again. — LS
Qualicum Beach Rotary Clubs merge
Recent announcement from the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach Sunrise: “As of May 31, 2022 our Sunrise club has merged with the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach which we fondly refer to as the evening club. Most of our members have made the switch and we are looking forward to combining to provide even greater service to our community and the world.” — GS
Outdoor Movie Night in the East Village – June 17
Appearing in QB’s East Village! John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John will deliver lots of campy fun and nostalgia in their classic movie Grease, playing at a free outdoor event in QB’s East Village on June 17.
The Qualicum Beach Collective is organizing this event to kick off Father’s Day weekend In partnership with Fern and Cedar Brewing and True North Distilleries.
They are promising music, food, swag and community spirit available all evening long!
Location: 680 Berwick Road South in Qualicum Beach, event starts at 7 pm and movie starts at 8:30 pm. — GS
Scene around Town – Qualicum School District International Student Host recruitment
The Qualicum School District is interested in speaking with Qualicum Beach and district residents who may be interested in hosting an international student through the International Student Program. Many families who have school age children have hosted international students, as well as empty-nesters whose children are now making their way in the wider world. It’s both rewarding and enlightening, for the young adults as well as their hosts.
Former Kwalikum Secondary student Reece Koch whom we profiled in April 2021 QB grad paves her own path to the world stage, remarked that she became best friends with an international student her family hosted.
Reece graduated with her home stay friend and other students from foreign countries whom she says have remained friends even as they pursue their careers around the globe: Nicole from Korea studying business in Montreal, Grace from China studying engineering at University of Alberta, and Itsaso, who is back in Spain.
For further information, contact the Qualicum School District at 250.951.0857. — LS