Parksville Qualicum Foundation celebrates 25 years of giving

Host Peter McCully welcomes Rob Duncan, vice chairman of the Parksville Qualicum Foundation; 2024 marks the foundation's 25th anniversary.

Duncan sheds light on the impact of these grants on diverse organizations, ranging from the Society of Organized Services to emergency response organizations, support for hospices, educational initiatives and community engagement projects, emphasizing the local nature of the foundation's efforts.

"During the past 25 years, the total amount of grants and scholarships distributed by the foundation is $1.8 million,” said Duncan. “This represents all the funds we manage for both the foundation and for others.The idea is that all of the money raised in the community stays in the community."

The podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the foundation's mission and impact.

The conversation also highlights the Neighborhood Grants program, promoting community building with grants of up to $500 for individual projects. Duncan encourages individuals to apply for initiatives that enhance social connections and skills sharing, fostering a sense of community belonging.

The Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation's role as an umbrella for various funds and scholarships is explained, offering contributors flexibility in directing their donations.

More information can be found at: ParksvilleQualicumFoundation.com, for more information on grants, donations and the 25th anniversary celebrations.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Jen Bate, the director of the MacMillan Arts Centre, to the PQBeat podcast.

Bate reflects on the success of hosting Canada's National Mosaic conference.

"We welcomed probably 11,000 people to the MAC this summer,” she said. “We drew visitors from all over. We had a wonderful opening cocktail with mosaic artists from all over the country and then proceeded with what was a significant exhibit in the area for mosaics artists and fans out there."

Looking ahead, Bate explains that for BC Culture Days 2024, Parksville has been chosen as the opening city for the province, promising a spectacular celebration of arts and culture.

"Not only are we going to run some great programs that we have done every year but we are going to be the kickoff city for the province."

The episode also touches on the collaboration with the Beach Festival Society, highlighting the anticipation for Rock the Park Festival with a lineup featuring iconic bands and plans for a Route 19A Music Festival in September, showcasing a diverse range of music in various venues.

Bate provides a sneak peek into upcoming Mac School spring classes, offering a range of artistic experiences from block printing to mosaic workshops and shares the story of the Mac Community Garden, a 4,500-square-foot experimental space promoting conversation and education about food security.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Paul Drummond, the recently retired general manager of Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville.

Listeners are treated to a captivating journey of Drummond’s extensive career in the hospitality industry. Using humorous anecdotes and reflections, he shares insights from his 16 years at Tigh-Na-Mara and his adventures across the globe.

Drummond entered the industry at the age of 16, securing a job at the Regina Inn after a brief stint at McDonald's. The conversation weaves through time, traversing his experiences in various locations, including Chicago, Minneapolis and Singapore. Listeners hear tales of encounters with notable figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey during Drummond’s time in Chicago.

Drummond has worked in exotic locales such as Cairo and marvels at the ancient pyramids while sharing heartwarming memories of camel rides with his daughter in the Sahara.

A rapid-fire round of questions reveals intriguing facets of Paul's life, from serving Lady Diana to his favourite regional dishes from Malaysia.

Drummond and his team have been holding the annual Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive for the SOS for 15 years. He reflects on the community's generosity.

"The community has donated over 20,000 toys, $42,000 in gift cards, $107,000 in cash and cheques,” he said. “So absolutely incredible, and I tell you, it's got to put a lot of smiles on kids’ faces that wouldn't have smiles ordinarily."

Listeners gain insights into his future plans, centered around family, travel and the pursuit of a well-deserved retirement.

His advice to aspiring hospitality professionals serves as a fitting finale, underscoring the endless opportunities and rewards the industry can offer.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Patricia Plumley, a seasoned music professional and the musical director for 'A Cappella Plus' and 'Village Voices of Qualicum Beach.'"

From her beginnings in Guelph, Ontario, where her love for music emerged, to her diverse musical pursuits, Plumley shares her experiences as a music teacher and director spanning over 30 years.

McCully asked what impact on music can have on emotional and mental well-being.

"I think it's the big healer”, says Plumley. “I think that people turned to videos and music recordings, virtual recordings. I think that was a huge part of keeping people happy, keeping people connected, keeping people in a humorous state, keeping people appreciative of all the things that were going on to help human beings stay together."

Plumley has taught students as young as two and as old as 92, emphasizing the universal appeal and impact of music on individuals of all ages.

The discussion reflects on her musical journey across the globe, including tours with choirs to destinations like New Zealand, Europe, China, and more recently, Spain.

The Musical Director shares how the shift to online teaching brought unexpected positives, discussing virtual choir experiences.

The podcast offers two musical selections, Silent Night, performed by A Cappella Plus and Christmas Lullaby, performed by the Village Voices.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Staff Sgt. Travis De Coene of the Oceanside RCMP, who provides insights into his experiences and challenges as a law enforcement officer.

De Coene reflects on his return to the Island, childhood influences shaping his career choice, and a defining moment during a severe storm that tested the resilience of his team in Hope.

McCully asked about the impact of technology on policing.

"Big thing with us is AI hasn't really affected us too much right now,” said De Coene. “ALPR allows us to scan 360; it looks at all the plates, and it can run hundreds and hundreds of plates an hour."

De Coene says recruitment is a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP.

“It's really challenging,” he said. “And of course, it's not just the RCMP, it's every other municipal force in the country that's all vying for that same small group of people."

De Coene also offers valuable advice on recognizing and avoiding potential threats and scams.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Gary Shade, founder of FLED (Find Lost and Escaped Dogs Vancouver Island), who shares the inspiring story of his journey in dog rescue spanning over 15 years. Originally under the radar, FLED became a charity in 2013 and has since grown exponentially.

Gary discusses the challenges faced during the recent attempt to capture a wolf-dog hybrid in the Coombs area, highlighting the limitations posed by authorities and the unexpected obstacles encountered during the rescue mission.

The conversation delves into the motivations behind lost dogs, the use of technology like cellular trail cameras and the unique difficulties in the rescues.

"The best is a cellular trail camera," said Shade. "That's the biggest plus we've had. You can set your trap up or set the camera up, and you can monitor 24/7, even be at home."

Gary also shares heartwarming success stories of reuniting lost dogs with their owners, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these situations.

"We've had a few that have been a long time,” he said. “They're out in the bush for maybe 30 days. We actually got a little border collie. He escaped from Nanaimo, and he went from Nanaimo to Duke Point, to Cassidy, to Cedar, to South Nanaimo, to Parksville, Northwest Bay, Lantzville – and we finally got him after 74 days.”

The podcast sheds light on FLED 's partnerships with animal control, the SPCA, and other organizations, as well as the support received from the community. Shade provides insights for individuals encountering lost dogs and encourages support for FLED 's mission.

More information on FLED can be found here.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Josie Osborne, the MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

In a wide-ranging interview, discussion includes Osborne's background, experiences and insights.

The episode begins with a lighthearted introduction, revealing some interesting facts about Osborne, including her self-description as a pragmatic optimist and her love for Star Trek.

Osborne elaborates on the geographical area of her riding, highlighting its diversity and the unique challenges and opportunities each community faces. Common themes such as housing and climate change impact are discussed, along with the recognition each area has its own distinct issues.

The conversation delves into Osborne's background in marine biology and her previous role as a fisheries biologist. She addresses the current challenges facing the fish farming industry on Vancouver Island, emphasizing the importance of protecting wild salmon and the need for a comprehensive transition plan.

"First and foremost, it's really important to acknowledge that I think everybody, the fish farming industry, First Nations communities, people across BC, really value and treasure wild salmon,” she said.

As the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, Osborne addresses the province's readiness for electrification, discussing the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the need for additional charging infrastructure.

“We are ready for electrification, and we are going to get even more ready,” she said. “B.C. Hydro recently announced that they will be putting out a call for power in spring 2024 looking for about 3,000 megawatts to add to B. C.'s electricity grid."

The podcast offers a speed round of questions, giving a glimpse into the MLA’s personal interests.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Tigh-Na-Mara General Manager Paul Drummond and SOS Executive Director Susanna Newton, who discuss the impact and significance of this community-driven event.

Paul Drummond, in reflecting on the 15 years of the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive, discusses the structure of the event, which includes a hybrid approach involving a traditional breakfast for donors through Cedar’s Restaurant and at the Community Buffet Breakfast on Wednesday, November 29th.

"Unbelievable, isn't it? You look back and, yeah, 15 years ago, we started this event, and it's grown and grown and it's just, it's remarkable’, said Drummond. "It's the start of Christmas, and they (Staff) really feel like they're doing something very big and important for the community."

Susanna Newton talks about the impact of the Toy Drive, "Last Christmas, we saw over 1,000 local adults, including many seniors, and provided gifts for over 1,000 children and youth. So, it has significant impact for the local community.” And stressed the importance of financial donations, which assist in providing essentials like food, rent, gas, and prescription medications for those in need and seniors. The community's generosity is vital, especially in a time when many people are struggling due to the high cost of living”.

From Nov. 13 to Nov. 24, Mon. – Fri., bring a new, unwrapped toy, gift card or cash donation to Cedars Restaurant during breakfast hours, and receive a free Traditional Breakfast. On Nov. 29 from 6:30 am – 10 am, the Toy Drive Breakfast event will take place. There will also be a drive-through donation drop-off from 7:30 am – 10 am.

The event allows people to contribute by donating cash, gift cards, or new unwrapped toys.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Sarah Neal of Lantzville, who shares her remarkable journey from having a background in the frozen food industry to creating her unique business, InstaCake Cards, located in Parksville.

Neal recently struck a deal with Dragons Robert Herjavec and Arlene Dickinson on the TV program 'Dragons' Den,' a significant milestone for any entrepreneur.

The cards began with a simple idea: sending birthday cards with a birthday cake. Her innovative solution was to create a product that combined a cake mix, frosting, a candle and a card in an easy-to-ship package. Her background in the food industry and a eureka moment inspired her to turn the idea into reality.

Neal emphasizes the advantage of thinking differently due to her dyslexia, which has made her more creative and allowed her to see opportunities where others might not.

"I've actually now turned it around,” she said. “I think it's an advantage. For anybody out there, don't take it as a disadvantage, especially young kids who have learning difficulties. Turn it around, make it your strength, because it makes you see things differently."

The episode also explores her appearance on 'Dragons' Den’, where she sought investment to take her business to the next level. She wanted to partner with Dragons who could offer valuable guidance. The surprise came when Herjavec and Dickinson offered her a deal with a lower percentage than she initially asked for, which left her in shock.

The podcast also highlights the uniqueness of InstaCake Cards and the heartwarming stories from customers who have used the product to celebrate special occasions.

Neal offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of following your dreams, listening to your instincts, and not letting anyone deter you from pursuing your vision.

"If I don't do this, would I regret it on my deathbed?” she said. “And if it is, then you must do it because I knew that if I let InstaCake go, I was going to regret it."

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Host Peter McCully welcomes world-class athlete Michelle Stilwell, recently inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.

The Parksville resident humbly acknowledged the company of her fellow inductees, including Chantal Benoit and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Their collective accomplishments have made significant strides towards inclusion and employment for individuals with disabilities, a testament to the power of advocacy.

Stilwell’s Paralympic career has taken her to various corners of the world, from Beijing to Switzerland, France, Australia, New Zealand and many more. While her busy schedule often limited sightseeing, her time training in Australia holds a special place in her heart.

Reflecting on her time on the podium, Stillwell shared that those moments are not just about national pride but also personal achievement, adding “I wish I could bottle those feelings and sell them.”

The former Parksville-Qualicum MLA (2013 to 2020), Stillwell empowers and motivates others with her storytelling. She connects with her audience by sharing her experiences, showing them hope and inspiring them to make positive changes in their lives. She has been in demand as a public speaker, once addressing a group at NASA.

The podcast delves into Stilwell’s role as a supporter of the Pacific Autism Family Network, a cause close to her heart as her son Kai is on the autism spectrum. Kai's remarkable journey from a young child with challenges to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of support and understanding. He now runs a gourmet popcorn business and actively participates in the community.

Stilwell's story is a poignant narrative of resilience, determination and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

"Obstacles are just something that's meant to get around. Something that stands in your way and you have to find a way to get around it,” said Stilwell.

The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here. 

You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). 

You will find more podcasts here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.