December 23, 2020 – Home for the holidays might have a different meaning this year, but when that home is Sooke – simply put – it is a pretty special place. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the holiday cheer we have shared this December… From the District of Sooke, wishing you and yours, peace and health this holiday season.
‘An angel in this community’: Sooke restaurant owner gives away hundreds of turkey dinners
“A Sooke restaurant owner has pushed through the obstacles brought on by COVID-19 and continued a tradition of providing hundreds with a free turkey dinner.
Cathy Gouk, the owner of Cathy’s Corner Cafe in Sooke, began her turkey dinner giveaway 10 years ago as a way of saying thanks to those who help keep her doors open.
But over the years, the event has since developed a more significant meaning.” (Chek News)
- Watch the story featured on Chek News here.
- Read about Cathy’s Corner Cafe in the Sooke News Mirror here.
40 volunteers make the Sooke Santa Run possible
Decorated with bright and colourful Christmas lights and playing festive holiday music, four trucks loaded with Santa and helpers drove through neighbourhoods to spread holiday cheer on December 12th:
Community raises $36,757.87 through Sooke Firefighter’s Association and IAFF Local 4841 FIll-a-truck Campaign for Sooke Food Bank
Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce honours top businesses
“The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce found a unique way to ensure local businesses’ hard work was recognized this year.
Like many other events, the annual Business Excellence Awards were impacted by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. So, this year voting and presentations moved online. And instead of a juried selection process, the Chamber partnered with the Sooke News Mirror to offer online voting.” (Sooke News Mirror)
- See the story and winners here.
Mayor Maja Tait wins $3000 from Fortis BC and AVICC to contribute to the Sooke Food Bank
Meanwhile in Sooke Community Facebook Page raised over $12,000 for Sooke Food Bank
Community campaign surpasses $10,000 goal to raise $12,580 for Sooke Food Bank through Canadahelps.org Campaign.
Photo credit: Meanwhile in Sooke Facebook page
Progress being made on Sun Run Trail, which aims to connect Sunriver to town core
A new 275-metre trail connection from Willowpark Way to the Sunriver Nature Trail is the next step in the District of Sooke enhancing the walkability of the community, read more.
Site preparations for new Sooke community recreation facility begins
Thanks to an $892,778 Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture, and Recreation Program grant and $400,000 contribution from Sunriver Estates, the District of Sooke and SEAPARC are set to begin the development of a multi-use sports box at 2430 Phillips Road in Sunriver, read more.
Whiffen Spit Elves
Whiffen Spit, a popular park and destination for walkers, sightseers and nature lovers, and home to a magical tree that is trimmed each year with decorations from members of the community.
Around December 1st, the ornaments adorn the tree and as magically as they appear, early in the new year they are removed, only to return the following year. It has become a community marvel as one resident recently shared, “viewing the tree has become a family tradition. I hung a home-made ornament on my first visit several years ago and to my amazement, it is still there today!”
- Read more in this community story.
Sooke lights up with holiday Spirit
This list is not complete; it captures a few of the many remarkable stories in our community this December. Do you have other highlights? Share them online with the hashtag #SookeSpirit as we connect virtually, celebrating the spirit of the community safely.
Again, from the District of Sooke, wishing you and yours, peace and health this holiday season.