A record donation is going to two dozen local non-profits and community groups, from the Parksville Beach Festival Society. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

annual give-back

Record Beach Fest donation given to Oceanside community groups

Oct 11, 2026 | 8:07 AM

PARSKVILLE — It’s another record year for one of the region’s biggest summer events.

The Parksville Beach Festival Society announced their annual community give-back donation on Friday, Oct. 9, made up of a portion of gate donations from visitors to the popular sand sculpting competition this past summer.

Society president Cheryl Dill said a record $89,270 will be shared between 24 local non-profit organizations and community groups who helped staff the entrance gate through the multi-week event.

“As a not-for-profit society, we want to invest in what we do, and part of that is recognizing how important volunteerism is to Parksville Beach Festival Society. We were able to surpass last year’s donation slightly and honour all of that great work that our volunteers do.”

This year’s donation sees the Society pass $1.2 million in donations made since 1999.

annual give-back

Record Beach Fest donation given to Oceanside community groups

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Among those receiving funds for various community programs and events are Arrowsmith Care Home Society, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers, Parksville Lions Club and Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach.

The 2026 festival attracted around 119,480 visitors through the gates to view incredible works of sand art, sculpted over a few days in July.

Dill said while overall donations were slightly down from those attending, their relationships in the community have enabled bigger givebacks over the years.

“We also have a lot of in-kind donations from organizations that help us set up the event…whether that’s through fencing, through traffic control, through provision of the sand. We’re incredibly grateful to these contractors who are local in our community that recognize the value of giving back as well.”

Organizers are turning their focus towards the 2027 event, with Dill telling NanaimoNewsNOW they’re “keen not to disappoint” every year.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Record Beach Fest donation given to Oceanside community groups

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