There was something new and some perennial favourite exhibitors at the 2021 Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) Wood Expo held Sept. 18 at Sechelt’s Rockwood Lodge. In its sixth year, SCCF’s annual exhibition of artworks based in wood featured the work of nine Coast-based artisans and more. This was the second year it was hosted at Rockwood and both of those events required COVID-19 safety protocols to be in place.
In the “new” category, SCCF held a raffle for an eight-yard bin of firewood. Ticket sales totalled $635. SCCF matched those sales and donated $1,270 to the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) food bank program. The prize, valued at about $500, included delivery and help with the unloading of the almost two cords of split wood, comprised mostly of fir from one of SCCF’s harvest blocks.
Sara Zieleman, SCCF administrator, told Coast Reporter that a team of staff, board members and volunteers assembled at the District of Sechelt works yard to prepare the load. She and David Reeve of Sunshine Bins, who donated the use and transportation of the bin, delivered the prize on Sept. 19. As draw winner Jennifer White does not heat her home with wood, she requested that the delivery be made to the home of friends that do.
“Along with fundraising, the idea of the draw is to promote awareness of our Community Firewood Program,” said Zieleman.
That program, which uses logs not suitable for commercial sales from SCCF cutblocks to provide firewood in the community, is in its busy season during September and October. SCCF is recruiting volunteers to buck logs, split, stack and deliver firewood. Those interested can sign up using the Community Forest’s newly updated website at SCCF.ca. Individuals can also sign up to purchase firewood on the site. One of the program goals is to reduce firewood poaching on the Coast by making a reliable and affordable firewood supply available.
At the event, longtime Wood Expo participants, the Suncoast Woodcrafters Guild, featured a display that included pieces destined for donation to a family Christmas gift program coordinated by SCCSS. The Guild, which celebrated its 17th anniversary in 2021, has 30 to 40 members building around 100 handcrafted wooden toys and gifts for the program. SCCF and other groups donate supplies used in these creations. Guild member Len Pakulak told Coast Reporter that the gifts are aimed at both youngsters and the parents of families that rely on the program.
This year’s exhibits also included a hands-on display by “Toolbelt Learning Collective.” This group, sponsored by SCCF, specializes in one-on-one coaching services and workshops aimed at helping individuals interested in sustainable living and do-it-yourself projects develop their woodworking skills.
