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A coming together of hearts

Once again the ripples of the social media network have helped to motivate and focus people who want to make a difference.

“If I wasn’t already nine months pregnant…” was the beginning of Meg Cursons’ Facebook status.

Within minutes, virtual first responders were messaging, and by the end of the week a “decentralized community action plan” was well underway. The result is Acts of Compassion, an all-day fundraising event for the Canadian Red Cross.

The event will happen next Friday at the Courtenay Legion from noon to 11 p.m.

Everyone is invited for a coming together of hearts, hands and community spirit to show appreciation and financial support for an organization that offers the compassion of Canadians to the world, whenever and wherever those disasters happen.

This community-wide, all-ages collaboration will include 11 hours of live music acts, a silent auction, hands-on art activities as well as food and beverages.

Hands-on arts and crafts activities with Robin Rivers and Our Big Earth will happen between 2 and 5 as well as the making of thank you cards for disaster relief workers and volunteers who have been called into action in Japan and other wounded places on our planet. Our Big Earth, is an appreciated community resource that offers a positive online network through their website (www.ourbigearth.com) and strives to empower families and build community with inspiring resources, family activities, and ideas.

Between 4 and 8, kids can join Lindsay Mallette and the Comox Valley Kickers women’s rugby team for craft activities.

“The CV Kickers consist of women from all walks of life, joined together by love of rugby and the drive to see the sport grow in our community,” offers Mallette. “We know that we’re among the luckiest in the world to live where we do, but also realize how easily terrible tragedy can strike anywhere. When it does, it seems that everyone is looking for a way help.

"The Kickers women are honoured to be doing our small part to make this event a huge success.”

There are plenty of ways to be involved! If you’d like to volunteer at the event, contact Pamela at info@pamelatessmann.com or 250-650-6655. To donate items or services to the silent auction, contact Judy at judy@wingcreative.ca or call 250 897-0423.

If you’re a supplier who can offer food donations or if you’d like to volunteer for the concession, contact Tom at trclarkson1957@live.ca or call 250-334-2208. Most important, help spread the word!

Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and look for the Acts of Compassion event on Facebook to invite your local friends and encourage silent auction donations.

Drop in at the Courtenay Legion any time April 8 between noon and 11 to donate whatever money you can afford to, enjoy some live entertainment, bid on your favourite items, and have dinner out for a good cause.

Even if you have no funds to contribute you can still come down to make or sign a card for a relief worker or volunteer and share our love and appreciation for their acts of compassion and courage.

A complete list of activities, performers lineup, schedule and silent auction list will be posted at www.islandmusicfest.com.

Additional musicians are welcome to play April 10 at the Backstreet Pub for an extended open mic between noon and 10 p.m., with a first-come, first-play roster. Collected donations for the Canadian Red Cross will be added to the funds raised at the main event.

— Acts of Compassion