Alexander’s is heading into its fourth year of offering a little Community of HeArts. The fundraising auction fills the walls of the Sidney coffee house each February, offering a reprieve from blah skies with an art auction.
“Our criteria [are] simple: keep it in the community,” said shop owner Sandy Shams. “With government funding for community projects also becoming a scarce commodity, we need to find that funding through our own resources in order to keep our communities viable and strong.”
Last year they doubled the money raised in the first year to reach $3,000 for play equipment at the new North Saanich middle school slated to open this spring. This year the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation will get the funds raised.
“It’s a great cause. We’re very excited to support their efforts,” Shams said. “As we all age in our community, there will be greater demand on this facility and as it stands it’s supporting a community of 30,000 families which seems daunting, especially since it started out as an extended care facility and now it’s grown to a full facility hospital.”
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation was established in 1985 to raise money for the community hospital. Since then, the foundation has raised more than $25 million for equipment, facilities and programs at the hospital.
“Over the years, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation has received great support from the Peninsula business community – from sponsorships and auction items for our events, to product sales, to raffles,” said Lorne Jack, president of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation board. “I would like to express our appreciation to Sandy Shams for offering to highlight our cause through her annual art show and sale. Sidney is very fortunate to have Sandy and her wonderful family, who demonstrate a deep commitment to the community.”
Baristas and servers alike will be producing art, along with local artists. Others are welcome to donate pieces as well. Call 250-656-3234 for details.
The show runs from Feb. 11 to 25 at Alexander’s Coffee in Sidney, 2385 Beacon Ave.