Each year the CSA Christmas Craft Fair is fun to plan, a pure delight to attend and a true honour to be part of. On behalf of the CSA Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone who took part again this year in making this an inspirational Bowen tradition.
The CSA Christmas Craft Fair committee members are; Helen Wallwork, Pernille Nielsen, Sarah Haxby, Courtney Morris, Katie Cooke, Sasha Buchanan, Janina Elliott, Jennifer Pardee, Jules Tweeten and myself. Katherine Gish is no longer on board (officially) but she is always a tremendous help and resource. This group of hard working, conscientious and caring individuals strive to make each year better than the last. Their work is never limited to the weekend of the event, they contribute all year-long and we are a very lucky community to benefit from their dedication and commitment! Thank you for all you do!
Helping with set-up each year we have Tim and Martin from Shaw on banner-hanging, Scott Stevenson on table muscle, Toni Leverett and family on gym set-up and Bonnie Curtis and family on decorations. This year we welcomed Brent Molinski, Diana Zwanenburg and Alex McNeill to our cheery little team and hope they come back for more!
The Christmas Craft Fair is the CSA’s biggest fundraiser and a long-time island tradition (32 years and counting!). The proceeds raised each year go back into the community to support various community groups in their usage and enjoyment of the community school. We couldn’t do it without all of the amazing vendors - who raise the bar each and every year! And of course our volunteers; the elves in the kitchen were Yvonne McSkimming, Gary Ander, Alex McNeill, Jules Tweeten and Monica. Braving the cold December temperatures outside were Jewal Maxwell, Deb Donnelly, Toni Leverett, Jen Ritchie and Mary Coleman who helped manage parking. Thanks to all the parents who made cakes for the Cake Walk - especially Jen Rich, Dayna Purdy, Tanya Sorrentino and Cocoa West who donated the feature cakes for silent auction - you outdid yourselves again!!! Finally, all the Youth Crafters and parents who helped supervise - we clearly have many talented up and coming future crafters in our midst!
And a big thank you to our generous sponsors who make life easier on our volunteer organizers and also contribute in important ways to keeping your donations in the community; The Snug Cove General Store, The Ruddy Potato, Safeway at Caulfield, Fresh Street Market, Cocoa West, Frank Gish & Joanna Mereu, Katherine Gish & Phil Kemp and Greenscape Tree Services. Thank you for your continued support!
To everyone who came out, thank you for your donations at the door, purchase of raffle tickets, participation in the Cake Walk and support at the café. The CSA Board works very hard to keep your donations in our community, such as towards purchasing and maintaining the playground equipment, improving the school for community-use (look for baby change tables in bathrooms soon!) and lightening the financial load of user groups who need space for their events and meetings. To name only a few...
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays,
Sheana Stevenson, Co-Chair, CSA Board and Chair, CSA Christmas Craft Fair Committee
CSA Board: Frazer Elliott, Co-Chair, Shayle Duffield, Treasurer, Hope Dallas, Secretary, Pernille Nielsen, Vice-Chair, Helen Wallwork, Courtney Morris, Sarah Winny, Joseph Cooke, Sarah Cormier, Scott Slater and Sarah Haxby
