By Dominic Abassi/Kyle Ireland

Beach Fest Society donations top $500K

Oct 15, 2017 | 11:39 AM

PARKSVILLE — The society responsible for one of Parksville’s most iconic events is putting more money than ever in to the community.

On Friday, the Parksville Beach Festival Society presented 24 local community organizations with more with $62,000, part of proceeds from this summer’s Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition.

Society president Cheryl Dill said it’s the most money they’ve ever given back in a single year. Since 1999, the society has contributed more than $550,000 to the groups that volunteer their time at the event.

“We can not do it without the volunteers. It’s 2,700 person-hours towards the event and it’s just a great way to engage the community in order to support the social sustainability of a huge event,” Dill said.

Dill said they’ll begin accepting volunteer applications for the 2018 BeachFest in March.

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Just over 130,000 people went through the gates over the 35 day exhibition in July and August this year. It’s the third consecutive year attendance has cracked the six-figure mark.

The society’s mandate it to donate 25 per cent of gate proceeds to community projects and philanthropic groups.

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