Who says carving pumpkins is just for kids?
Thanks to UB Diving, the annual pumpkin-carving contest will benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.
Of course, the catch is that carving will be done underwater by divers blowing bubbles at the Fanny Bay dock Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to Shellie Smyrichinsky, co-owner of UB Diving, “It’s a fun way to raise money, with the $20 registration fee going straight to the Cancer Society.”
She added, “We have goodie bags for everyone participating and lots of prizes from local businesses and dive equipment companies, including Oceanic, Aqualung and Oceaner Sporting Goods. Pumpkins are donated by Shamrock Farms in Comox.”
For individuals who want to support the event but don’t dive, spectators are welcome; UB Diving has also created an online donation page or make donations in person. Call the store for details or see their website — www.SeashellDiving.com.
In addition to the “Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest” that day, UB Diving has co-ordinated making an impact for another cause. While the divers are underwater, they can participate in another community project co-ordinated by UB Diving — Project Awares “Dive Against Debris” Project.
Divers will each have a bag to pick up underwater trash and will deposit it into a dumpster provided by the Fanny Bay Harbour Authority when they are done.
Whites Drysuits is sponsoring the barbecue and will also have drysuits for those who wish to demo them.
So that UB Diving knows how many pumpkins to get, advance registration is appreciated. For more information or to register, contact Shellie at UB Diving at 250-338-0161 or see UB Diving’s page on Facebook.
UB Diving is a full-service dive centre with a lot going on in their new 1,100 square feet. They offer charters, instruction, drysuit and regulator repairs, retail sales, air fills and tank inspections. They stock and special-order an array of the latest dive equipment — from fins and masks to drysuits and underwater cameras for sale and for rent.
As the Comox Valley’s only PADI Dive Center (internationally-recognized SCUBA certification organization), they offer a comprehensive training program in their new classroom. Their PADI affiliation also allows them to provide students with high school credit for scuba courses.
— UB Diving