In an unprecedented move, the Cowichan Valley’s Rotary Clubs (South Cowichan, Duncan, Duncan Daybreak, Chemainus and Ladysmith) have teamed up to support a cause. The task at hand is to fundraise for the Rotary Gardens at Cowichan Hospice House, which is slated to be constructed at Cairnsmore Place.
“The five Rotary Clubs in the Cowichan Valley have a little more than a year to raise a total of $325,000 in cash and in-kind to build the Rotary Gardens at Cowichan Hospice House,” said spokesperson Gerry Giles. “It is important to know the gardens have been designed and will be constructed to accommodate beds being wheeled outdoors into the tranquil space provided. The gardens will also provide areas for visiting families and friends and will have a magical garden space for children.”
But, being service clubs, they first need to raise the money to be able to turn around and give it back to the community.
“Our first major fundraising event will be the Red Neck Barn Dance being held on Saturday, May 4,” Giles said.
The event will be held in the Woike family barn off of Herd Road and feature band Row of Crowz as the main entertainment.
“The Barn Dance is sure to be great fun with entertainment by the Row of Crowz and Matt Lemay. Delicious Rotary Chuckwagon Food and libations will be available on site,” Giles said. “I’m also told there will be an opportunity to participate in something called, ‘Chicken Poop Bingo’.”
Giles said tickets to the 19+ event are $20 and they can be obtained through Eventbrite or by going to the Rotary Gardens at Cowichan Hospice House on Facebook.
“We have been deeply touched by the stories that we have heard that have helped us understand why it is so important to open Cowichan Hospice House and we have been honoured by the wide-spread community commitment to the project,” said Cowichan Hospice executive director Gretchen Hartley.
If you can’t make it out to the dance, there are still a number of different ways to support the cause. Rotary is planning a variety of other fundraising activities in support of the Hospice House Rotary Gardens.
These upcoming events include: a raffle featuring, among other things, two tickets for anywhere in the world that Westjet flies, a casino night, a bike ride, traveling Rotary Garage sales, and a musical night at the Chemainus Theatre, Giles noted.
“The Rotary Clubs are being joined in their fundraising efforts by the Kitchen Sisters who are hosting three events to raise funds for the gardens, the first of which is a card making workshop held at the Cobble Hill Hall on June 8,” Giles said.
But first, to dance!
For more information on the Barn Dance email redneckbarndance@gmail.com