Librarygardenpartyagreatevent

PHIL MELNYCHUK Contributing Writer

A garden party for bookworms turned out to be a nice summer event Sunday (June 25) for the folks around London Crescent in east Ladner Jacee Schaefer hosted the get-together just as a way of giving back to her neighbourhood.

“I have to say that I was a little overwhelmed with how happy people were, ” she said, adding she was happy to see neighbours meeting each other. “It was a wonderful day for me and it sounds like it was a good day for my neighbours.”

She estimates between 40 and 50 people showed up to her house where she has a mini stream running in the front yard as well as a little library

Little libraries are small, outdoor bookcases that people put on their property

Passers-by can then borrow a book or bring one.

In addition to chatting about books, there were hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn and lawn games for the mix of ages who showed up

“It was an enormous amount of work,” she said, but neighbours pitched in and without their help, she couldn’t have done it.

The one challenge she’s now facing is that she has a few more books. Lots of them. More than 400, so she’s asking people not to bring anymore for awhile

“I will post on the library, (bulletin board) when I’m requiring more, ” she said

Little libraries are a global organization with Schaefer’s about to be added to the list as the Little London Library. The Little Free Library organization has libraries in 120 countries.

“We all love our neighbourhood as I really found out on Sunday. It just feels like a safe place to be,” she said

McHappy Day raises $10,000 for Reach Society

McDonald’s South Delta owner/operator Nauman Jutt presented a $10,000 cheque to Reach Child and Youth

Development Society’s Executive Director Renie D’Aquila in the Ladner restaurant recently.

The cheque repre- sented fundraising from this year ’ s McHappy Day, which has been benefitting local children with needs at the organization since 2009

“The generosity of former owner Steve Krawchuk has been continued by new owner Nauman Jutt,” said Reach fundraising manager Tamara Veitch. “We are sincerely grateful for his commitment and enthusiasm for the community.”

In addition to the $10,000 presented, McDonald’s also purchased the 75-inch Smart TV prize in the McHappy

Day raffle that commenced April 1 with the winner drawn at the end of day on McHappy Day May 10.

Reach Society is grateful to McDonald’s staff, patrons and all the volunteers who came together to make the event so successful.

“Thanks to our many donors for sharing their big hearts, smiles and donations Reach is incredibly grateful to the Delta firefighters, Delta Police and all volunteers who generously gave their time,” said Veitch -Submitted by Reach