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Congratulations 2019 Christmas Crackers Ring Winner – Teresa Laws!

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The ring, and the whole story, were a perfect fit for this year’s winner of the YANA Christmas Crackers grand prize.

Longtime Island resident Teresa Laws and her husband had lived in both Gold River and Saltair before making their home in the Comox Valley about 2 years ago. As newcomers to the community, they had heard amazing stories of the help and support YANA provides to local families. When Teresa heard the account of how YANA had helped her own daughter’s friend when they were in need, Teresa knew for sure she wanted to help support YANA however she could.

The notice of the YANA Christmas Crackers going on sale went out, and Teresa excitedly made a trip to 40 Knots Winery to pick 20 crackers up for their family’s dinner. She ended up arriving before the delivery of the crackers had even made it there yet, so she asked them to put some on hold for her. In the two days until she went back in to pick them up, she started talking to friends and family about what an awesome idea the Christmas Crackers were, and ended up putting another 25 on hold to pick up for others too.
Teresa and her family gathered to share a beautiful meal and a wonderful time together, and as the excitement with everyone opening their crackers started to build, Teresa’s son-in-law decided to record the fun.

What an awesome AWESOME moment they captured!!

When Teresa came in to pick up her beautiful new ring, it became even more clear that this win was meant to be. Not only is the gorgeous centre stone ruby her birthstone, but the ring was a perfect fit!

Congratulations Teresa, and THANK YOU for your support!  

Thank you as well to our sponsors Paul Ardron and Kirk Campbell from IG Wealth Management, our volunteer campaign coordinator Robbie Rusk, and to every purchaser, seller, donor, and crafter who made this fundraiser possible.  Together, you have raised over $15,000.00 for YANA’s accommodation and family funding programs that help local families when they need it most. 

Comox Fire Rescue recycling trees for YANA

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Originally published by MyComoxValleyNow.com – Dec. 9, 2019

Comox Fire Rescue is not only recycling your Christmas trees but also raising money for a local charity.

Comox Firefighters will host their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 4th and 5th with 100 percent of the proceeds going to YANA (You Are Not Alone).

YANA provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment for a child under 19 or for a pregnant mother.

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner says the initiative is a win/win for everyone.

“We run (the trees) through a chipper and we recycle those malts into the parks department here in Comox and then we ask for people to donate cash which goes 100 percent to our local charity YANA,” said Schreiner.

He added that it’s also a great way to make sure the trees get taken care of responsibly.

“In years past some people would burn them or leave them outside their homes so this is a good effective way to get rid of that product.”

You can donate your tree by dropping it off at the Comox Fire Rescue station during the first week of January, or by calling the department to schedule a pickup.

Last year, the Christmas Tree recycling project raised more than $4500.

Who just turned 95?  Central Builders! And to celebrate they held an Anniversary BBQ celebration, donating all proceeds to YANA.  No wonder this charitable business has been around so long! Much appreciation! 

There are some very generous folks at Boston Pizza Courtenay we’d like to thank.  They have raised money for charity for the past year and designated YANA as the recipient of their funds.  Molte Grazie BP!

Shout out to the Bible study group at the Evangelical Free Church of Canada for their recent donation to YANA.  Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated by YANA and by the Comox Valley families you support! 

A delicious, fun filled thank you to the students at Miracle Beach Elementary for also collecting donations for YANA at their annual baked goods/toys/books sale. Kids helping kids -we love it!

Hey Delilah!  Thank you SO much for donating your Birthday money to YANA.  You have a generous heart. Comox Valley families who are served by YANA thank you too!

Sending huge appreciation to the kind folks at St. Michael’s All Angels Protestant Chapel for donating to YANA on a regular basis.  Your ongoing support means a lot to us!

5000 YANA Christmas Crackers on sale NOW

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5000 lovingly handcrafted YANA Christmas Crackers are on sale now throughout the Comox Valley. Find prices, retail locations and grand prize info here: https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/christmas-crackers/

We would love to send some toasty warm love to Potter’s Place for holding their Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser at Market Days. The community benefits by receiving some gorgeous handmade pottery with a dollop of delicious Chili thrown in and all proceeds go to YANA. Win Win!