Donation Update

I am so proud.

While it was mom's initiative that started the Crandlemire-Keenleyside Family Legacy Fund to honour our Grandparents, it was our entire family and network of friends that came together in the spirit of giving and community involvement.

In it's infancy, the Family Fund has gotten our whole family involved (as well as family friends) in giving back to our community, and the community that our Grandparents and parents have given so much to.

During the first few weeks of November, after we launched this blog and set our fund raising goal, Auntie Isabelle challenged us to raise $5,000! It was the stretch goal of all stretch goals, to come up with half of the money we would need before we could start issuing grants - but I dare say we did a fine job of getting close.

We have raised....(get ready for it)....

Wow.

In the name of our father, grandfather, husband and friend we have made a HUGE contribution to our Legacy Fund.

We'll continue this blog over the course of the next year, and beyond as we steadily increase the fund until we have the ability to give grants. Every year we'll do a large fundraising push for Grandpa's birthday in order to raise a large pot of money that will become our Legacy Fund. Once it grows to $10,000, the interest can be granted to whatever community project we decide. It may take us several years before we're ready to start giving our own grants - but I am certain that w'ell get there.

Our family has a legacy in the buildings and institutions that make up our home town, and we can continue that legacy with financial support far in to the future.

Bob Keenleyside

Dad was an active volunteer as a teen and young man. Have you ever heard about "teen town"? Teen Town's had a town council structure, and Dad was mayor for at least one year. Teen town's organized dances and other community activity for youth.

Dad was a Scoutmaster in Revelstoke. He had a troupe of very keen boys who were determined to earn Queen's Scout honours, and Dad made sure they met their goals.

When Mom and Dad returned to Golden in 1960, Dad became an active Kinsman, and worked on the Centennial Arena Building committee. We'll have to ask him what other projects they took on during his years. Dad also volunteered as a probation officer for young boys.

Dad was active politically, too. In 1966 he ran as a Liberal candidate for MLA, and garnered more votes than any Liberal had before or since. I think he is just too honest for politics.

Dad has not been active in any service clubs for quite a few years now, but that does not mean his support of our community is any less. It is just less visible, unless you read the fine print of the "thank you's" that regularly crop up in the paper. As a small business owner, Dad gave to a myriad of Community fundraisers. Those requests for support are ongoing and more frequent than most of us know and without the small businesses that support every fundraiser that comes down the pike, many initiatives would never succeed.

Denise Shular

This October, the Golden and District Arts Council celebrated it's 40th year anniversary, and Auntie Denny has been there since the beginning.

After moving to Golden at the age of 12 - in the 1970's Denise became involved in the local drama club and the Golden Players. Chris Schiesser, of the Golden & District Museum badly needed money to get their projects off the ground. Chris and Denise knew you had to apply to the government to get grants, but had just learnt that you had to be an arts council to get these grants - and so - that's what they did. They got together and started an arts council.

Denise recently told the Golden Star that she remembers getting together with the new board for the first time when the arts council was created. She thinks there were seven board members, but can’t be sure as it was such a long time ago. They all got together and came up with a constitution - it took hours - she remembered.

Old council records show that the founding members of the Golden and District Arts Council were Denise, Chris Schiesser, Jack Marvel, Art Martens, Margaret Jones and Mike Redfern. The longest serving member, according to the records that the present council dug up, is Svend Kuhle. Kuhle was active on council for about 15 years.

During the first few years of the Arts Council, the members brought shows in from the Vancouver Art Gallery as well as Slocan Valley. Shows were put on in anywhere from the basement of the Civic Center to Denise's home. Of course they didn't have props or lighting equipment then - so the actors had to bring their own.

As Golden's Mayor Benty was quoted in the Golden Star "The arts council is an integral part of our community creating vibrancy, liveability and a strong sense of place." I couldn't agree with Benty more.

Thank you to my Great Aunt Denny who without, Golden might not have realized the Arts Council when they did - and who knows, maybe they'd still be operating out of someones baseement without her.

To make a donation to the Crandlemire-Keenleyside Family Legacy Fund, please click here.

Joshua Hunt

Josh, like Auntie Isabelle, has been involved in Golden in a subtle, consistent way.

Throughout Josh's time in high school he has coached community soccer, coached basketball for intermediate kids, participated in the Relay for Life a couple of times, and collected for the food bank. He recently told his mom that "maybe he should think about doing more rather than being a bad ass" (which he, of course, is not - she said).

I asked Josh why he got involved and what he got out of it:

"Well with coaching I just enjoy the sport and it is fun to see all the kids smiles when their hard work pays off. With the relay it is nice to help support fighting cancer especially since it affects so many people and I want to help fight it. When Ayla and I collected food for the food bank it started with her mom saying our generation doesn't help anyone out anymore so we figured we would change that. "

I know that he, like the rest of us cousins, have felt the intrinsic reward of community involvement. I don't know where Josh's studies will take him after Golden - but I know that wherever he ends up the community where he calls home will be lucky to have him.

Isabelle Robinson

Isabelle has been involved in her community, Calgary, in a perhaps more subtle way than some of the ways other families have been. Subtle, but no less important.

Auntie Isabelle has been donating blood for some twenty five years.  For the first couple of those year (about five), Uncle Dale would drive her to the clinic and wait patiently until she was finished.  One day, she recalls, Dale decided that he should too.

Here are some facts about blood donation:

Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. Much of the blood that is transfused every year is done under emergency or trauma situations. In Canada, hundreds of thousands of people each year receive blood components or blood products following accidents, during surgery or for cancer treatments, burn therapy, hemophilia and other blood-related diseases.

• The average amount of blood in one person is five litres or 10.5 pints
• There are approximately 450 ml of blood in a unit
• On average, 4.6 units of blood are required per patient
• In 2004/2005 Canadian Blood Services collected approximately 850,000 units of whole blood

Through their donations, Isabelle and Dale potentially impacted the lives of nearly 25 people.  Their donations might even have saved those 25 lives.  To me, it's a pretty impressive way to be involved in your community. So much so that it has inspired me to start donating blood through the drives that happen at work.

Isabelle is an A, Uncle Dale was an O.
I'm A positive - do you know what you are?

Evelyn Keenleyside

Mom won her award for the economic impact of her volunteer activity with the Community Resources Society, but that is not the sum total of Mom's community spirit.

Mom started as a Brownie Leader when Debra was about six, and continued her involvement as the District Commissioner. That early training helped Mom to realize herself as an effective leader in volunteer and paid positions. At the same time, Mom was starting to take distance Education classes, and then, when available, classes at the (then) East Kootenay Community College.

Mom's great gift as a board member of the Golden Community Resources Society, and the Golden and District Community Foundation is, I think, her willingness to state her opinion and truth, even when it goes against the popular trend. She recognizes that the strength of a volunteer board is in its diversity and open discussion of issues. Although Mom has left the Foundation board, she still is giving to a cause she believes in. She recently donated one of her lap quilts to the first Foundation raffle, which was a great success.

When Mom graduated with her Master's Degree, in Applied Behavioral Psychology, she put that to work with a group looking to organize counseling for abusive men. I know I am leaving out many of the initiatives she was involved with; mainly because I don't know enough about them.

Mom volunteers for fun, too. Every time Kara organized a community of readers for a school, Mom would be first up to read. When Kara wanted to create a quilt with a school, (the Virtues project) Mom helped many of the 100 students make quilt blocks, and then put the quilt together.

Our mom has been a model of life long learning, and life long giving.

Kara Hunt

In brainstorming a story for Auntie Kara - we were fortunate to have a lot of options of things to write about.  We all know that she is very active in the school system - no matter the school she is currently teaching in.  She organizes amazing school trips, she spearheaded the Free The Children Project to build a school, she continues to collect sample soaps from hotels (and encourages us to do the same) to donate to the Womens Center - and more recently to the high school.

One of the areas where Auntie Kara has a passion is Social Justice.

The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, they accept and act on their broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province they live in, and they do this in the interests of the children they teach.  Something to know is that while the BCTF encourages the sort of participation that you're about to read about - it's not a job requirement.  The time and energy that Auntie Kara has dedicated to Social Justice - was her own.

Social Justice initiatives focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention.

I reached out to Auntie Kara and asked her to tell me about her experiences with Social Justice in Golden.

She was the social justice rep for 13 years and now, in her 14th year - she is on the Social Justice Committee (just not in charge of as many initiatives).  Some of the initiatives she had worked on previously included two youth camps that both I and Katie were involved in, a virtues project which concluded with a beautiful wall hanging quilt in her school and TONS of teaching around being a virtuous person and the fundraising project for a school in Africa (through Free The Children).  

There are also smaller, ongoing initiatives that she has been involved in.  These include promoting literacy through books for babies and books in waiting rooms - paid for by the Golden Teacher's Association and starting food baskets for hungry kids.

I asked Auntie Kara what she gained from her time in Social Justice....

What have I learned/gained from my years in SJ - the world is full of suffering and sadness and at times it feels like an overwhelming and insurmountable task for anyone to take on. There is no end to the work and needs. And as defeating as all that seems - the power of healing is within each of us. we can make a difference and the most powerful and effective differences have come from individuals who care and who act on their caring.

It does my heart good to do good. I like and respect myself more. I am a very fortunate person - I chose well when I chose to belong to this family - they have given me so much love, guidance, support and joy and in return, it is my responsibility to spread it to others. As I have always tried to teach my students and my children - in this life time, when you encounter others, you have a choice - you may choose to make someone's day better, or you may choose to make someone's day worse - but be assured that you will impact them and the choice is yours - the choice you make speaks loudly of who you are.

Thank you Auntie Kara - for all of your choices.  You have impacted your community, your schools and your family and we all know who you are: a kind hearted, beautiful woman - an educator.  You teach not only to your students but to all that you meet and in all that you do.  We hear your message - and hopefully that shows through all of the choices you see your family and friends making. 

Gift Suggestions

“Gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." 

~ Oren Arnold

We have already raised $2525!  

Help us reach $3,000!

Jared Keenleyside

It was my mom's idea to approach Jared to find out what his story was. She remembered that he did some pretty impressive fundraising for the Relay for Life a couple of years ago and wanted to share his story.

The majority of this story comes from Aunty Lynette with a few details filled in by Jared.

Jared was involved in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life which gives individuals and communities the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer and fight back against all cancers. He was already involved in the fundraising when he found out that our Auntie Elaine was diagnosed with Cancer, that combined with his friend Matt's diagnoses - had him working like none other to garner donations.


He would go to every house in reach and if they didn't have money right then or if they weren't home, he wrote down their name and address and would return until they gave him something. Even more extreme, he put his hair in dozens of ponytails and auctioned them off the night of the relay – shaving his head in the process.

In two years he raised a total of $1,800 ($600 the first and $1,200 the second year).  The second year, he was the second highest earner.

Lynette shared…

It was funny because all of a sudden all these teachers who had thought Jared was such a pain to teach in Elementary saw a side of Jared that we always knew was there and if they had cared enough to look they would have seen too. They were all commenting to Kara about how great he was as if it was something new. I had people in the community stop me at the grocery store to tell me how awesome my son was. I would just smile as this was something I had known for years.

This year for Christmas, Jared has asked that anyone who wants to give him a gift please make a donation to charity. He is really interested in helping those people who live in third world countries as he believes that they are truly in need as they have no social benefits in place in their countries as we do here in Canada. Lynette and Scott and their family are sponsoring a child this year as a family gift that will continue for years to come - all of their kids are so excited to be making a difference.

Lynette said..

It's going to be the best gift I get this year as I've wanted to do it for years. I guess Jared's request just helped inspire us to make the move this year. 

When I asked Jared what he got out of the experience he said "it just kinda felt nice to help out....I  never really thought about it, I just went for it - and did it!"


Jared, thank you for going for it - thank you for helping just for the sake of helping.  It's exactly what we're hoping to do for Golden - in a long term, sustainable way through the Family Legacy Fund that we have established.

Thank you to Auntie Lynette and Jared who shared this story with me.  I'm personally touched that Jared went above and beyond when he realized that cancer had stricken those closest to him, and further to that - that it has permanently impacted his family in that they are now sponsoring a child.

Grandma Mary

We were all pretty young when we lost Grandma to cancer, so this story is hardest for me to write. Grandma sang with Grandpa in the church choir in Golden, but I am told she was extremely shy. That is why it's so impressive that Grandpa gave her credit for his "overwhelming compulsion" to become a minister. He wrote that when he told Grandma about his desire to minister, she said "That is what I have been praying for". Grandma wanted what was best for Grandpa, and her Church, and God, above what was most comfortable for her. Minister's wives traditionally led the choir and played the organ, but Grandma felt those things were not for her to do.

Something I noticed while writing about Grandpa, was, when would Grandma have had time to volunteer? Grandpa George was so involved with the community, often with Dad and Uncle Bill in tow, someone had to be home with Auntie Shirley! There were not as many opportunities for women, either. There were no Girl Guides or Brownies, and women weren't allowed to be fire fighters. They seldom ran for office, or served on public boards. They served behind the scenes.

Still, I remember the sock monkeys and hobby horses that she made for us (and the Church bazaars). I remember the sound of her voice, calling my brother 'wee Geordie". I remember her at the cabin in Windermere, happy to be surrounded by family. And I remember her soprano singing voice - I thought she made the most beautiful music in the world.

Katie Kotulak

A few years ago, we got word that cousin Katie would not be participating in the Cousin's draw for that year.  She had decided to sponsor a child instead of giving/receiving gifts.  I remembered wondering if she was inspired by the story that Grandpa Bob had once sponsored a family over Christmas.

I asked Katie to share with us why she chose to sponsor a child and what she got out of the experience:

She was 18 years old  and going from store to store in the mall, trying to find the perfect gift for our grandparents.  It came to her, that maybe a perfect gift didn't exist - so she decided that instead of getting our grandparents gifts, she would sponsor a child.

Her name was Laura James and she was from Columbia. She was seven years old.

Katie had originally wanted to to help someone from Brazil because she had lived there, but Columbia was the closest. Katie sponsored her for two years and as school expenses rose, she elected to start giving other types of donations for Christmas for grandpa's birthday/Christmas gifts.

When I ask Katie to tell me about her reasons behind sponsoring a child, she told me it was no big deal - not a lot to share, but when I was writing out what she told me I got a little choked up.  I think it says something incredible about our family, and the legacy that our grandparents have inspired when instead of buying a gift certificate for a restaurant or fuzzy socks when we can't think of the perfect gift - she donated.  She helped a child for two of the formative years of her live.  Who knows?  Maybe that gave Laura James just the boost up in life that she needed.  Maybe it is a big deal.

Thank you Katie, for telling me about Laura.

The donations are starting to roll in! Thank you all!

As we get closer to our deadline, donations are starting to come. I had visits from Lynette and Kara on Saturday at the liquor store and Kara also brought in a donation from Sarah - kicking off giving from the youngest generation! (Jessie, you are the middle :) )

Please remember that all donations, of any amount, will help! From $5 and beyond, it will take us closer to our goal.

Don't forget, you can also use the online donation button as opposed to writing cheques, if that is your preference.

Grandma Vi

Grandma Vi came in to our lives in 1968, hand picked by Grandma Mary, or so the story goes.

Grandpa George and Vi Seaman, a kindergarten teacher, and choir director of the Terrace United church, were married and the family grew with two new sisters, Leah and Gayle.

Vi 's book, They Also Came, went to the publisher in 1987, at the same time that leukemia claimed her. It is a book of tribute to missionary women of the West Coast. She relates the experiences of the early missionary wives, teachers, nurses and other dedicated women who devoted their lives to the people living in isolation on lighthouses, in logging camps, and frontier and Native villages. She always was a storyteller.

This is an image of the Thomas Crosby before Great Grandpa George and Vi were on the boat. More information on the Thomas Crosby's history can be found here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Argonaut-II-1937-1966

Grandpa wrote the chapter about Grandma Vi, who also came. They started their ministry on the Thomas Crosby in July of 1970 and Grandma was a full partner right from the start. She worked, at times in the Kindergarten at Hartley Bay; at other times she substituted in Grades 6 and 7. In the church there, there was Sunday School, and youth choirs. But Grandma and Grandpa visited many communities along the B.C. coast, so Sunday School could fall on any day, in any community.

Grandma's great love was music - teaching new songs and rhythm band instruments. She could often be found on a kitchen floor, telling Bible stories and making crafts with children.

Even on their days off the Ship, grandma would be shopping for people back in the remote communities they served, or writing a newsletter for the many United Church congregations that wanted to know more about the mission.

After their retirement from the Thomas Crosby, Grandma and Grandpa moved to Duncan, where they remained active in the church, visiting and entertaining friends and family. The children still came, to do crafts and hear stories.

Grandma lived her life in service to others, and if she occasionally got lost in a Ferry bathroom, she had Kara to help her find her way.

Grandma Sarah

Grandma Sarah was a bride at 16, and a Mom by 17, and had 6 children before she was 30, losing one, Anita, to SIDS. Despite this very busy, and at times difficult life, Grandma Sarah still found (or made) time to volunteer with the Women's Institute while still in the Okanagan. Womens' Institutes were extremely involved in the War Effort: fundraising, nursing, collecting and manufacturing domestic supplies. Individual Institutes would hold various events such as dances, plays, and recitals as social events in their communities and the proceeds would go to support the war. Many Institutes spent time canning fruit, knitting socks, and making bandages for the troops overseas.

When Grandpa enlisted in WW2 and served overseas in the Forestry Corp, Grandma was on her own with five small children. She moved back to Didsbury, where she grew up, to have family support for the approximately four years that she was a single Mom. When Grandpa came home, (and can you imagine the challenge that was - going from single, head of house decision maker back to the expected "housewife" role?) - they returned to the Okanagan. Their move to Golden in 1952/1953 was made for work, but they moved into a two room cabin! Grandpa had to convince the Doctor's, for whom he was building a clinic, that they needed a caretakers suite. And then he needed to persuade Grandma to take the caretaker's job, so they could have a home that fit Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and Auntie Denny.

Grandma became a member of the Golden Legion Auxilliary. The Ladies auxilliary did things like catering as a fundraiser to support the operation of the Legion and their charitable aims.

Mom tells me that during the planning of the Purcell apartments, Grandma would say she was glad she wasn't going to live there, because the units were too small. As we all know, Grandma lived there for 16 years. I appreciated their small size, as I often steam-cleaned the carpet for her. And every time I brought my kids to visit her, she asked me if they didn't need an undershirt.

Grandma had more than her share of painful events in her life, losing two daughters and Grandpa, but she was never bitter or complaining. She just dug deep, and kept going, making all our lives richer for knowing her.