Community spirit doesn’t have a price tag - but a little funding helps.
On Saturday about 100 people had the fortune of having a world class cultural experience at the Cawston Hall.
Laurel Irons, local resident and owner of Okanagan Similkameen Acupuncture, and a team of dedicated volunteers put on a Taiko drumming workshop, meal, and professional drumming performance - all for free.
The event not only taught participants a bit about other cultures but also provided a chance for everyone to get together to enjoy the bounty of the harvest before winter sets in.
The event was funded through the Okanagan-Similkameen Community Foundation - Neighbourhood Small Grants program.
The program provides individuals with $500 to throw an event or group activity that creates a sense of belonging in the community.
Irons certainly accomplished that not only in the workshop where participants ranging in age from five years old to well into the golden years, but also through the harvest dinner which brought many out not only from Cawston but surrounding communities as well.
There were a lot of hugs in the hall that night and many laughs shared.
It’s always a great feeling breaking bread with so many friends and familiar faces.
Irons pulled on resources locally and from the talents of friends she met in Vancouver.
Three good friends who make up the Taiko drumming trio called Onibana Taiko agreed to come and teach a bunch of first timers how to play the drums and then perform for many people who probably had never heard of Taiko drumming before.
It’s an evening anyone who attended won’t forget for a long time.
Bravo to Laurel Irons and her crew for having the vision and perseverance to pull the event off. Thank you to Onibana Taiko for sharing your gifts. Sincere appreciation for the community foundation overseeing the small grants program and supporting individuals in holding these types of community building events.
-T.B.