Gibsons Public Market

Gala

Gala

2023 Gala Save the Date
The Gibsons Community Building Society’s annual Gala Fundraiser & Tribute, presented by TELUS, is our signature fundraising event and an opportunity for the community to gather (even virtually) and celebrate another wonderful year of fun, fellowship, entertainment, celebration and philanthropy. As one of the Sunshine Coast’s most anticipated events, our Gala attracts more than 270 guests, many of whom are business and community leaders who split their time between the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver. Funds raised through this event, support the Society’s bold vision to create a vibrant hub of Coastal life. Guests give generously so that the Gibsons Community Building Society can continue to provide community and educational programs at Gibsons Public Market and the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre.


2023 Hybrid Gala

TRIBUTE
Gibsons Community Building Society is proud to announce Ed Hill as the recipient of the 2023 Darren Entwistle Community Builder Award.

The Award, established in 2017, honours outstanding community leadership helping to build a healthy, caring and thriving community.

Ed Hill has been a tireless volunteer for the causes he believes in – to the benefit of our Sunshine Coast community – during the last 25 years. He has invested significant energy to connect with First Nations culture and history, to share the joy of paddling, to inspire art and to support those suffering from addictions, all with the goal of helping to build a healthy and caring community.

Ed made a commitment to community service at the age of 20 when he joined the RCMP and then served in communities across BC including Bella Bella, Tofino, Hope and Gibsons.

His posting to Bella Bella marked the beginning of a journey to take an active role in working with First Nations people. He learned from the community, and from Elders, how the atrocities of our past still linger, and of the effects of decades of systemic racism and efforts to erase indigenous culture.

It was while posted in Tofino, through his friendship with artist Roy Vickers, that Ed rediscovered his love of art. He partnered with Roy and created a painting to honour fallen RCMP member Mike Buday, murdered on Teslin Lake in 1985, and organized the inaugural Vision Quest “Grandfather Journey” by canoe from Hazelton to Victoria, a distance of 1,000 miles. These projects raised funds to launch the first VisionQuest Recovery Centre. Ed’s engagement was the culmination of three driving forces in his life, his love of art, his personal experience with addiction and recovery and his desire to help change the way that RCMP and indigenous people think of each other.

Ed credits his passion for building a healthy and caring community to his experience building relationships essential to succeed in his policing role. He saw first-hand the important impact committed volunteers make in building community in small towns.

He became the founding organizer of the first “PULLING TOGETHER” canoe journey in 2001 where police and government public service agencies partnered with First Nation Communities. PULLING TOGETHER was created to improve relationships between police and the indigenous community. Sixty participants embarked on that inaugural 7-day canoe journey from Yale, finally arriving on the shores of warm and welcoming Gibsons. The goal was simple: reconciliation by learning and understanding each other’s cultures. It was a powerful journey for Ed who summed it up saying “this is the culture our ancestors tried to suppress, now all these years later, this is the culture magically bringing us all together again”. The event was symbolic as “the canoe doesn’t move without everyone pulling together”.

Ed’s love of the canoe inspired him to initiate the first Howe Sound Outrigger Race which led to the creation of the Gibsons Paddle Club in 1999.  The club has grown to in excess of 125 members, and presently boasts multiple canoes and associated gear at its permanent home at Gibsons Marina. Ed continues to share his passion for paddling with our community by volunteering for SD46, as well as organizations supporting addiction and recovery. Ed helps local Indigenous youth master big canoe paddling and provides inspiring canoe experiences for people working hard to recover from addictions.

In 2022, the Town of Gibsons presented Ed with a Community Excellence Award for his leadership in creating Citizens on Patrol and Business Watch initiatives and his service on the Police Committee as the town contemplated its eventual transition to the next tier of policing.

Today, Ed continues his artwork and mentors aspiring artists. As an ardent supporter of Sunshine Coast artists, he hosts the local television “Artist in the House” program showcasing more than 45 Artists over the last 20 years. For 25 years he has volunteered as auctioneer for countless not-for-profit organizations helping to raise valuable funds to support community programming including for Gibsons Community Building Society.

We applaud Ed Hill, his service to community and his commitment to bringing us all together.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once again, our Gala will be a hybrid experience with a limited number of seats at the Market and multiple locations joining virtually.

Choose the full Gala experience and enjoy a gourmet meal provided by Emelle’s Market Bistro delivered in personalized packaging, along with a signature cocktail, and wine!

All you need to participate virtually is a ticket and access to a device (Smart TV, computer, laptop, iPad, tablet, or smart phone) with an internet connection. Prior to the event, one of our dedicated staff or volunteers will walk you through set-up.

BECOME A HOST
Interested in hosting your own small gathering of friends? Please contact: info@gibsonspublicmarket.com
TICKETS
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MEAL OPTIONS
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VOLUNTEER

Our Gala would not be possible without the wonderful support of Volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please follow this link.

OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS & DONORS!

This event brings together caring sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers who share our values and are looking to make a real impact in the lives of Coastal residents and visitors alike, showcasing the Sunshine Coast and supporting community economic development.

THANK YOU 2023 GALA SPONSORS:

Presenting Sponsor

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Email vraw@gibsonspublicmarket.com

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