Sometimes it’s hard to believe we are lucky enough to call Vancouver Island – and more specifically the West Shore – home.
Especially in the summer, when the trees along the Galloping Goose are lush with leaves, and the delightful squeals of children playing can be heard at Thetis Lake Regional Park, and Langford or Glen Lake parks.
We (and I’m sure many of you) can’t get enough of what the western communities have to offer – from bowling at Langford Lanes to scaling the side of Mount Finalyson, and getting a quick workout in at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre to checking out local boutiques – there’s no shortage of activities and events to keep people of all ages busy.
And there’s even more to explore this weekend and the weeks ahead that includes supporting the local community.
On Saturday, Aug. 11, Colwood resident Alf Todd will be cycling 200 kilometres from Victoria to Sprout Lake to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, as well as funds for programs at Headway Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre on Oak Bay Avenue.
Originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, Todd has dedicated the last decade of his life to organizing fundraising rides to help find a cure.
Car enthusiasts are also in for a treat. As part of the Cruise 4 the Kids event, which kicks off on Saturday as well, two and four-wheeled cars of all shapes and sizes will be driving 160 kilometres from Colwood through Port Renfrew and up to Lake Cowichan.
All proceeds from the event go towards pediatric cancer care and Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp for children and families affected by cancer.
It’s a busy weekend for sports too. The Victoria Shamrocks play the Nanaimo Timbermen in game five of the best-of-seven playoff series at The Q Centre, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday (tonight). If the Shamrocks win, they will head to the Western Lacrosse Association finals.
The Westshore Rebels’ home opener takes place at Westhills Stadium in Langford, beginning at 4 p.m., where it will be an exciting match up between the Okanagan Sun.
With so much going on in our own backyard, there’s no reason to ever leave.