After last week’s editorial saying that 2016 was a terrible year, I felt it was also important to highlight the incredible projects and stories we saw in Burns Lake in 2016.
The year actually ended on a really positive note with two amazing stories.
One was the story of Brian Hanson, who lost two of his dogs when he took them for a walk near Mercury Road in Burns Lake. Hanson, who’s in a wheelchair, stayed outside all night when it was near -30 C. What’s great about this story is that the community came together to help him find his dogs. At one point, there were 25 people helping Hanson with his search, and people were calling from as far as Prince George to offer their help. Five days later, both of his lost dogs were brought home safely.
It was also great to hear the story of Autobot Sales’ Christmas giveaway. The car dealership donated a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to a family that did not own a car before. This family could not have been more grateful as they raise five kids and one of them has had regular doctor appointments in Prince George. And of course, Fraser Lake does not have a grocery store, so they had been borrowing a car every time they needed groceries.
Another project that helped 2016 end on a high note was the food bank’s holiday spirit funding drive. Thanks to the generous community of Burns Lake, the food bank reached their goal of raising $18,000 in less than three weeks. Food bank coordinator Candice Little said the community felt the urge to support the food bank after they heard it had been broken into and vandalized.
The Christmas of local seniors was also made brighter after Carey’s Positive Electronics delivered hundreds of Christmas presents that were donated by the community. The presents were delivered to seniors in the Heritage Manor, Carroll Cottage and the Tweedsmuir House.
The Burns Lake Rotary Club’s auction was another proof of how generous this community is. A staggering $35,000 was raised in just two nights through the auction, and the money will be used toward projects that benefit the community.
And of course, I had to mention the Burns Lake Community Garden. The garden went from having just a few beds and a serious thistle infestation in 2015 to 21 fully-booked beds and a complete new look in 2016. The garden is now a reason for pride in the community.
I also wanted to mention the work done by the Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association. In 2016, the dedicated group of volunteers expanded the trails system, built a shelter next to Kager Lake’s parking lot, officially opened the Pierce Hofer Memorial Wall Ride and have been working to make the Kager Lake site wheelchair accessible.
Unfortunately this editorial is only 500 words and I can’t mention all the great projects and stories we saw in 2016. Keep up the good work Burns Lake.