So many people in the community came out in support of the Open Space Yoga Shopping Day last month it raised $4,400 for the Delta Hospice Society.
This year many people decided to start their Christmas shopping at the Nov. 19 event since it offered a variety of retailers and some very unique items.
Gifts were available from Open Space's collection of yoga wear and accessories, the Run Inn, Sonja Picard Jewelry, the Upstart Crow, Buttercups Children's Boutique, The Portal, Dinner Bay Designs and Potters for Hospice.
The Urban Rack Clothing Company chose to support the fundraiser with a large monetary gift, while most retailers donated 15 per cent of their day's sales. Delta Potters were the exception, donating 100 per cent of their sales.
Bombay Joes, a new local restaurant, donated 15 per cent of the proceeds from lunch boxes at the studio as well as the evening's eat-in and take-out orders.
"We are so pleased to be able to raise money for hospice," said Michael Rudd, organizer and owner of Open Space Yoga.
"It is an inspiring way to start the holiday season, knowing that the funds will directly help one or several families in need. People were coming through the doors well past the time we were going to close things down, which demonstrated the significance of the charity and the interest in the items the retailers were providing."
"It is a blessing to have so much interest in this fundraiser," said Delta Hospice executive director Nancy Macey. "Michael tirelessly dedicates himself throughout the year to raising awareness as well as funds for hospice and we are truly grateful to have such an amazing advocate.
"(We're also thankful to) the other retailers and supporters that ventured out that day to Open Space."
The Delta Hospice Society is a non-profit, charitable organization and the operator of the Harold & Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care, the Irene Thomas Hospice and the Hospice Cottage Thrift Store in Tsawwassen.
The centre offers information, resources, individual and family counselling, and complementary therapies for those experiencing the diagnosis of serious illness, loss and grief. For more information about any of these services, call 604948-0660.
