GOLD RIVER RUN

VIR Member, Dan Bourlet

2021 Gold River Charity Lunch & Drive This annual event is such a great drive and venue, with a great contribution to a worthy cause. This year’s Gold River Charity Lunch & Drive had a total of 16 attendees and 12 vehicles. The drive started in Nanaimo at a 9am departure with seven vehicles heading to Courtenay to pickup one more vehicle. With a quick stop at the Comox Visitor Center to pick up one member and say hello to UpIsland Members Trevor Ross and John Clark, it was on to Campbell River for a gas stop and to pickup four more vehicles to join in the adventure.

On the way to Gold River we stopped at Strathcona Park Elk Portal rest stop for a group photo shoot. The MSR registration fee from each attendee of $10 went to Gold River Food Network and a Club contribution was also given. The total contribution of $360 was donated to the charity to be used in the Gold River community. The charitable organization was greatly appreciative of our VIR continued and long time support to their community needs. Thanks to all for their generous donations. After a great lunch and our Charity presentation at the Ridge Roadhouse Pub we drove down to the Gold River boat launch and local docks for another photo opportunity. On our return trip to Campbell River a few of us decided that we would take the opportunity to do another 25 Roads challenge. At the junction of Gold River Hwy and Westmin Rd. we

headed south to do 25 Roads challenge # 24 Westmin Mine Rd. Another quick stop at Myra Falls for a photo shoot between the rain drops. Our Up-Island Director Wendy Woodley took the opportunity to collect some distinctive rocks for her Geological collection. As the road turned into a true mining road, we garnered some odd looks from the mining crew driving by in their 4x4 trucks. We decided it was time to turn the group around and head back to Campbell River! I would like to thank all of our members and their guests that took part in this charity drive. A great drive, worthy cause and your support is greatly appreciated. Dan