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OUR VIEW: Peninsula volunteers burning brightly

Without these volunteers, Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula would not sparkle as bright.

It’s that most wonderful time of year, when the dreams of children can come true and families revel in the good, holiday spirit — brought forth by volunteer organizations like the Peninsula Celebrations Society.

The Society is once again bringing the Sidney Sparkles Parade to town this Saturday night, followed by the Lighted Boat Parade immediately afterwards on the town’s waterfront.

Fifty-five parade entries will light up the night along Beacon Avenue in what has traditionally been the start of the Christmas season in Sidney, and an event that draws people from all over the Saanich Peninsula.

Notably, the parade is organized by an active committee of six people. That’s it. Society president Sheilah Fea says there are only those six people on their board of directors and its their hard work that gets the ball rolling on this event each year. She added they do have the support of another 12 to 15 dedicated volunteers — without whom Sidney just wouldn’t sparkle.

That kind of effort is echoed in a variety of other volunteer-driven events throughout the year. The Saanichton Community Christmas event — the 10th annual — is Sat., Dec. 6 and a big deal for that community. Again, it’s hard-working volunteers who help bring a little seasonal magic to residents.

Hundreds, thousands of people come out to witness the spectacle of Sidney Sparkles and events in Central and North Saanich. It’s always good to remember that it’s only a handful of individuals who make it all happen. So turn your thoughts not only to the lights, trucks and characters of the parade this weekend, but also to those behind the scenes that pull it all together.

If you see any of them, thank them. Even if you're cold, wet, tired or inconvenienced at some point because of a traffic snarl. Without these volunteers, Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula would not sparkle as bright.