By Pat Carl
This December is my last one at North Island College. I’m retiring, you see; I’m leaving the world of academia behind and turning my contemplative eye toward what’s next.
But, before I can actually do that, I have a decision to make: What do I want my colleagues in the department to buy me as a goodbye gift? A work of art (clay, oil, primitive)? A book of poetry (oh, pleeze)? An Oxford English Dictionary (too late)?
The answer is easy. Whatever is collected (which includes a small monetary gift from the college, I understand) will go to Kus-Kus-Sum, Project Watershed’s and the K’omoks First Nation’s ambitious project to acquire and restore to its natural state the Field Sawmill site located on the Courtenay River estuary.
I actually stole this idea from Courtenay Councillor, Doug Hillian, who publicly announced his intent to do the same thing.
Now, I challenge everyone else who is soon to join the ranks of the retired to direct your colleagues and associates to earmark any retirement funds they may collect for you to go toward supporting Kus-Kus-Sum.
Great idea Pat! Is there a GoFundMe page set up for Kus-Kus-Sum? Those seem to do very well in the Valley. There could be a poster with info and the page address posted in local business windows. Or there could be a benefit movie night or concert?
Thanks Karina for your additional ideas about how Project Watershed can outreach to the very generous people in the Valley. I didn’t know that GoFundMe pages did well here, but I’m not surprised. The generosity of people in the Valley strikes me as singularly warm and heartfelt.