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Crafty club recognized for giving

OaK Bay club’s knit-wear well known in the region
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Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen and Camille Wood

 

The crafty members of one prolific group at Monterey Recreation Centre had to bask in the limelight during a recent volunteer luncheon.

Camille Wood, president of the Oak Bay Seniors’ Activity Association at Monterey, recognized the members of its Craft Carnival Club, with a certificate thanking them for the years of creative fundraising. Wood presented the award to longtime member, and longtime Oak Bay resident, Audrey Bruce.

“Audrey Bruce has made exceptional contributions for over 30 years as a volunteer at Monterey Recreation Centre,” said Mayor Nils Jensen, who was on hand for the ceremony. “She exemplifies the energy and dedication of the hundreds of volunteers helping at the centre.”

The members of Craft Carnival were awarded the certificate of appreciation for years of dedication and service to the association and Monterey centre.

“This certificate as presented to the Craft Carnival Club members is a very small token of our appreciation,” Wood said.

The club’s knit-wear – baby clothes and well beyond – is well known, from annual bazaars and the ever-popular window display at the centre. The proceeds return to the centre.

In the seven years between 1983 and 1990, Craft Carnival contributed $71,500 to the building fund plus $18,500 towards kitchen renovations, garden court furnishings and a statue, Wood said.

From 1981 to today, 34 years, club members raised and contributed more than $29,000 for purchases such as dishes and kitchen equipment for the centre. In 1992 and 1993 they contributed $30,000 toward the automatic door and furniture. Over the years, the creative club has offered Christmas decorations, poinsettias, Wet Dry Vacs for Woodcrafters Club, mirrors, tablecloths, sound system and chairs.

“As a member of Craft Carnival, I know that sometimes we joke about how we just sit and knit, drink coffee and eat cookies,” Wood said. “But we know better.”