Erin Haluschak
Record staff
They’ve helped collect funds to purchase a stove, television, provide a Christmas dinner and more, and this year Phil Peterson hopes he and his customers can help purchase more for those in need.
Peterson owns Kean Auto Services in Courtenay, and he is entering his third year of collecting donations and supplies for the Stepping Stones Women’s Recovery House.
“The community has been very charitable year over year and have been able to meet a few needs,” he explained.
The idea came about a few years ago from a former employee who inquired about various organizations around the Valley, said Peterson.
“We started making phone calls and we started talking to Theresa (McNicol - program co-ordinator) and she was actually in tears when we asked her what did she need. She said (that year) they couldn’t even afford a turkey for Christmas dinner.”
This year, Peterson hopes to raise enough for a microwave, along with other essentials such as food and gifts.
For a donation, people are able to write their names on Christmas balls, and the donations - along with the named decorative balls - will be given to the recovery house.
While he doesn’t have a monetary goal in mind, Peterson noted he does want Stepping Stones to realize how many people stand behind them.
“The community stands with them,” he added.
The drive will run until Dec. 23, and donations can be dropped off at Kean Auto Services at 180 North Island Highway, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information or to donate to the initiative, call 250-897-3643.