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Coming up in Cowichan: Whole kids weekend coming to Forest Discovery Centre

A taste of what’s coming up in Cowichan
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Families enjoyed a range of activities during Kids Days at the BC Forest Discovery Centre over the BC Day long weekend in 2021, including two-year-old Charlie Snider of Brentwood Bay who gazed out the window during a train ride. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is celebrating kids over the BC Day long weekend.

It will be three days of fun for families in and visiting the Cowichan region.

“We haven’t been able to hold this event for three years but now we are ready to have some fun and have extended the event to a three-day weekend,” said Chris Gale, manager at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. “Train rides, entertainment, imagination station and activities for the kids, prize draws, our almost famous barbecue, mini donuts, and a great educational experience, are only a few reasons for kids of all ages to come out to the event.”

There will be a reduced admission rate of $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children from three to 18 years, and two years and under get in free, making it an affordable day for the whole family.

The Centre will be open from Saturday, July 30 to Monday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last train departure at 4 p.m.

Other events for the BCFDC for 2022 in the planning stages include Labour Day, Halloween and the Christmas Express. Investing in membership includes a season’s pass allowing entry to the facility, the train, and all special events throughout the year, with the exception of Halloween and the Christmas Express which are fundraisers.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit museum and relies on sponsorships, donations and memberships in order to continue its operations. Special event and membership information can be found at www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com or by calling 250-715-1113 extension 23.

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The 1st Annual Vancouver Island Run for Homeless Vets will drive from Duncan to Victoria on Saturday, Aug. 6.

The motorcycle cavalcade will muster at OK Tire, 6482 Norcross Rd., in Duncan at 9 a.m., and organizers expect a big crowd on two wheels.

The group will proceed to the Legion at 761 Station Ave., Victoria, Langford Branch.

A $25 donation is appreciated from those wishing to attend, which includes barbecue. Net proceeds will be donated in part to Homes For Heroes, Cockrell House and the legion, to support homeless veterans on Vancouver Island.

Anyone with questions should contact Thea Squire at 250-616-7573 or email VIRunforhomelessvets@hotmail.com

The event is sponsored by Legion Branch #91.

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The Freedom from War Coalition is holding an information picket event at Charles Hoey Park on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Starting at 11 a.m. next to the train station, the event marks the day the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Attendees will make origami cranes.

“It is vital we never allow this act of brutality to go unacknowledged,” said a press release for the event.

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Canadian Blood Services is asking Cowichan Valley residents to step up in August and donate blood and plasma at events in Duncan and Shawnigan Lake.

“As the August long weekend approaches, Canadian Blood Services is asking for long weekend heroes in Duncan to support patients this summer,” said a press release. “We know summer is short in Canada and everyone is eager to soak up sun and fun, but let’s not forget about the many hospital patients who rely on donors for lifesaving treatments.”

The numbers are stark. One in two Canadians is eligible to donate, but only one in 81 people do.

There are dozens of spots to fill at Duncan events at the Cowichan Community Centre, which run from 2 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily from Aug. 2 to 4 and Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

There was a big dip in donors due to the pandemic, but a recent request and drive in June has brought numbers back up. It’s still not enough, though, and summer months are especially challenging.

“We are grateful for those donors, but many more are needed to support patients now and in the future, especially with the unpredictability of the pandemic,” CBS said. “We need more than 100,000 new donors in Canada this year to keep up with demand.”

There are also 20 open spots to fill at a blood drive in Shawnigan Lake. Being held at the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, the drive takes place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 8.

Book now at blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).



Andrea Rondeau

About the Author: Andrea Rondeau

I returned to B.C. and found myself at the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
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