Thanks from the Errington Farmers’ Market!
2022 is behind us, and we need to plan for 2023 – our 50th year as the Errington Farmers’ Market! Before we begin to plan for 2023, I would like to thank all the people who worked so hard for the market in the past.
The Errington Farmers’ Market has had a few rough years, and we would not be able to function well, if not for our volunteers and the support from our community (paid and unpaid). The loss of one of our most outstanding volunteers, Bob Herbison, was a big blow for our Market and we miss him dearly.
Thanks to our manager, Araby, who had to deal with Covid and pivoted many times in the past 2.5 seasons. And, as if Covid wasn’t hard enough, the building of the playground added another dimension to having the Market run smoothly. Thanks to our marvelous assistant, Shirley and 2022 Co-Manager Beverly. Thanks to our cleaner, Dawn, who really went the extra mile to meet the new challenges that the pandemic presented. Also many thanks to our hardworking book keeper, Kelly. These women were employees but they all put in many hours of volunteering as well! Thanks to our Board, dealing with Market issues and meeting (in their already busy lives). Thanks to the folks who put out the signs weekly. Thanks to the Errington Hall who let us use their coffee machine and give us space for meetings. Thanks to the folks in the community who showed up on clean up day (some as far away as Ladysmith), the fellas who helped with the cement and repairs needed to our market stalls. Thanks to Bruce who arranged for the materials needed for the repairs. Thanks to the folks who came out when we encountered big problems: flooding and sabotage/vandalism: thanks Cory and Brock.
Special thanks to the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation for the extra funding of the Nutritional Food program, and Mid Island Co Op for their ongoing support. Thanks to many enthusiastic customers who support us weekly. Thanks to our community, who by supporting our market, help us to promote local farmers, meat growers, bakers, and local artisans.
What I am trying to say is the Errington Farmers’ Market could not function without the support of volunteers and the community. Thanks to all of you.
Linda Thomas
2022 EFM President