As the summer sun begins to shine, the shelves at the Sooke Food Bank are drying up.
While the food bank is used year-round, summer is one of its busiest times of year – second only to Christmas.
To help prepare for the busy season, Stephanie Lumley has organized a fundraiser: the Sooke Spring Craft Fair and Artisans Market.
Lumley organizes fundraisers for the food bank every spring, November and December, collecting and donating raffle money, cash, toys, food and more to the food bank.
“The Spring Craft Fair and Artisans Market brings not only hope, but desperately needed funds, toys, hygiene products and pet food to those who desperately need it,” wrote Stephanie Lumley, the event’s organizer, in a press release.
“With the ever-increasing and soaring prices of food and essentials, families are having to choose what to buy and what to leave behind.”
The event is set to feature some of the most talented crafters and artisans – not just from the Sooke community, but from as far as Duncan and Vancouver.
One notable inclusion will be the appearance of Rae O’Keefe, otherwise known as the Sooke Sock Lady. Lumley explained that O’Keefe has been a staple supporter at her events, attending all of them through the years.
O’Keefe, who is in her 80s, uses her own money to make beautiful hand-knit socks, which she sells around the world, donating all proceeds to the Jubilee Hospital Cancer Clinic Lab for cancer research.
“She is committed to helping others in the community and says it not only keeps her youthful, but also gives her a sense of purpose,” said Lumley.
The Sooke Spring Craft Fair and Artisans Market will take place May 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd.
