One of the beloved traditions at Communitas are our annual BBQs, held each August, on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley. Usually, these events happen outdoors at the beach or in a park but sudden changes in the weather meant that both events had to change location last minute. But the people we serve proved that mere weather cannot stop us from celebrating each other!

Gathering in Campbell River

On North Vancouver Island people gathered at the Brandon Centre, our office and meeting space in Campbell River. It was very cozy but everyone who attended enjoyed the music provided by Inclusion, whose cover tunes had people singing along.

Many participants had their faces painted by Cathy from Magical Faces, or had their photos taken at the special 50^th anniversary photo booth. The meal was catered by Johnny’s Catering and included a fantastic BBQ and salads. A delicious cake decorated with the Communitas 50^th anniversary logo was offered for dessert – something Nick was very excited about.

“My favourite part is the cake,” he said enthusiastically.

The office staff who had to prepare the small space for nearly 100 attendees took the situation in hand with grace and good humour. Lindsay Morris, who serves as the receptionist at the Brandon Centre, said she was grateful for way everyone pitched in. Her mantra was “It’s a great day to have a great day!”

Changing it up in Abbotsford

The weather took an unexpected turn for the worse in Abbotsford and so the BBQ that was to happen at the park in Matsqui Village needed an indoor location. Staff were  eagerly hunting for a venue and found one at Sevenoaks Alliance Church, who offered their chapel for the event.  With over 400 people attending, it was an answer to prayer to have an accessible space come up so quickly.

People danced along to the great music provided by the band Horizons and enjoyed putting on temporary tattoos celebrating 50 years of inclusion. The 50^th anniversary themed photo booth and animal balloons created by Michelle Evans of Balloons with Bliss, were popular attractions.

Just as popular was Andrew Dalziel, a local magician, who had people spellbound with amazing card tricks. Klassic Catering provided a terrific meal and a cake and cupcakes provided by Little Sprout Café and decorated in Communitas colours were a hit.

Karla attends the event every year and enjoyed having her photo taken with Sheral, who manages the Brain Injury Drop-In in Abbotsford.

“It’s so good to see everyone again,” Karla said.

Ryan agreed. He loved the music and the food but it was the people that made the difference.

“My favourite part was seeing my friends and the Communitas staff,” Ryan said.

Memories Made

While both BBQs did not go as expected, they were still an opportunity to celebrate our 50^th anniversary with the people we serve, our staff, and all their families together. At both events, people had the opportunity to put their signatures and well wishes on a large photo matte. The matte will surround a collage of images that commemorate each specific event and will hang in the Communitas offices in Campbell River and Abbotsford.

Matt Dirks is the chief innovation officer for Communitas and attended the event with his family. He says that he looks forward to these annual every year.

“I always walk away thinking it’s one of the most uplifting, inclusive, and celebratory annual events I attend,” he said. “This year was no different!”