LaFF Community Association Newsletter

Edition 6 | Fall 2022

Excitement is building as LaFF’s 19th annual winter celebration nears, and news spreads that the Nov. 26 event is heading back inside Aggie Hall.

Inspired by the Nordic ‘Hygge’ celebration, which is about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying good things with good people, this year’s event also draws upon the themes of last year’s Words of Wisdom grant, which was focused on family, healthy food and creating family memories, since the two aligned so well.

Four one-hour sessions are scheduled with staggered starts throughout the day starting at 9 a.m. Participants will visit a variety of market-style stations, some with crafts or activities to complete right there and others with supplies to take home and enjoy over the holiday season, as well as a Words of Wisdom memory book created with the grant funding.

“It’s intended to be a warm and inviting Nordic market, full of delightful activities to help families intentionally build beautiful memories and traditions,” says Jacqueline Neligan, LaFF executive director.

Support sought for 19th annual celebration

Sponsorship opportunities to help support the celebration are available at a variety of levels. Sponsorship forms are available online HERE.

Tickets are also available – $80 per family/group. Tickets available through Eventbrite HERE.

“We’ve had so many different iterations over the past few years, we’re just super happy to be planning this celebration,” says Neligan. “It continues to take a community, and this is our big ask of the year, with support that enables us to continue throughout the year. You can sponsor a specific activity or any donation helps.”

LaFF volunteer Gloria (GG) displays just some of the fresh produce programs have enjoyed this fall.

Fall harvest bountiful for programming

Harvest season has brought a bounty of healthy food to LaFF’s programs and participants.

Fresh fruits and vegetables have arrived at Aggie Hall through funding grants and community donations, gleaning efforts, the community garden and LaFF’s own garden beds at the Outdoor Play Space at Aggie.

Healthy food has always been part of the focus for LaFF programs, but with the increased supply of fresh food and additional funding this year, food equity became even

more of an emphasis.

“We’re just able to build itup even more,” says Sandra Hendricks, LaFF program facilitator. “Especially with the cost of food going up and the demand so high, we’re extremely grateful for the donations.”

As well as offering food at its regular programs, which moved inside Aggie in early September, additional financial support has enabled LaFF to purchase canning supplies and in turn offer educational opportunities for participants on canning processes and recipes, and how to stretch what you have on hand, or what’s on sale at the grocery store.

Caring women donate to support LaFF

LaFF programs rely heavily on donor and community support, and this fall the support has been outstanding. LaFF recently accepted a $10,000 donation from the mid-Island chapter of 100 Women Who Care, a group that gathers four times a year to learn about three organizations, then selects one to receive $10,000.

Other support this fall has come from: Island Health, Khasla Aid, United Way, Loaves and Fishes, First West Foundation, Island Savings, LDCU, Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary, Oceanview Church, Ministry of Children and Families, McNab’s Farm, as well as individual community donations.

LaFF facilitator Maike Lammel reads to a participant (Chris Boar photo).

Programs welcomed back inside Aggie

With the annual return to school in early September, children also headed back inside Aggie Hall for LaFF programs for the first time in two years.

For some, it was a return to normalcy, for others who’d only experienced LaFF with various Covid restrictions in place, it was a whole new experience.

“It just feels like home again,” says Monica Stieda, LaFF program facilitator. “There’s just so much gratitude – everyone is grateful to be back inside. Some families have never experienced LaFF inside, so it’s just amazement and excitement.”

Although a few smaller LaFF programs had moved inside earlier in the year, this fall is the first time since the start of Covid restrictions began that LaFF’s main program

has operated inside.

In addition to the safety, security and comfort of being indoors, not to mention access to all the books, toys and resources, the return indoors has also meant added educational opportunities regarding food and food equity which just couldn’t be done outside, without open kitchen access.

“It’s a taste of normalcy, but also extra appreciation for being able to create this for the community,” says Jacqueline Neligan, LaFF executive director. “We had people burst into tears as they walk through the door, just realizing how much they missed being here and experiencing this.”

Neligan also noted that getting back indoors has been a healthy reminder how important the effort LaFF staff put into maintaining connections with the community throughout Covid was, adding that because of that hard work, they’ve been able to move forward without starting from scratch “in a new way that resembles the old way, but in a new world.”

Donate today

Ladysmith Family and Friends Society (LaFF) is a non-profit society created in 1995 and run by a volunteer board of directors. Our programs seek to reduce isolation many parents and caregivers feel, provide opportunities for children to socialize, and to build community.