Maureen Parriott
Special to the Times-Chronicle
A remarkable thing happened in Osoyoos on the long weekend.
Amid the bumper-to-bumper holiday traffic and jammed beaches, two groups who have devoted their professional lives to service chose to spend their holidays serving others again — as volunteers.
Unbeknownst to each other, local Honour House volunteers and the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay occupied opposite ends of town, each raising funds for their special causes.
Their efforts entailed long days, tests of endurance, and sunburns.
On Saturday, the Relay riders zoomed into the Legion parking lot to accept donations from supporters in Osoyoos and Oliver, followed by a short break for cool beverages and a quick toe-dip in the lake.
Vancouver visitors Janice and daughter Kaya Bystryk took a break from treasure-hunting at last Sunday’s Honour House garage sale to strike yoga poses symbolizing peace. It was all Kaya’s idea. She and her mum wore matching COVID masks. Maureen Parriott/Special to the Times-Chronicle
On Sunday, Honour House volunteers staged a huge garage sale on the Sunny Beach Motel tennis courts.
Although the charities they benefit are different, the volunteers bear an uncanny resemblance to each other. Both are comprised of active and retired RCMP members and military personnel, as well as dedicated civilians.
Honour House, according to the garage sale organizers, is a “home away from home” for active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, Coast Guard, police, fire fighters, Border Services, search and rescue, and other service providers who put themselves in harm’s way.
Due to the often-horrific events they experience, many are left with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as physical and neurological injuries.
As one organizer (a retired RCMP member who requested anonymity) said, it is difficult in those cultures to admit to needing help, but untreated PTSD often results in a lifetime of emotional pain, relationship struggles, addictions, homelessness, and even suicide.
Honour House reaches out to spread the word that there is no shame in asking for help, and that there is, as she put it, “a Ronald MacDonald House for adults” for those who come forward to seek support. Located in a lovely old house in New Westminster, it provides a refuge for them and their families while they undergo treatment at Royal Columbian or Vancouver General Hospital. There is also a new ranch in Ashcroft that offers support and healing.
More than 800 people patronized the garage sale, some lining up down the street and around the corner two hours before the official opening. Safe distancing was in effect, and the heat and sun seemed to deter no one.
The Honour House volunteers expressed their gratitude to the Sunny Beach Motel for providing the space. Previous sales have been held indoors at the Osoyoos Golf Course, but due to COVID, it could only take place outdoors. They also thanked community members who donated.
Military Police National Motorcycle Rally coordinators Barton and Debbie Dennis, accompanied by one of the group’s giant teddybears, prepare to depart the Osoyoos Legion for a mystery destination. It turned out to be Area 27, where the group’s dedication was honored with daylong festivities. Maureen Parriott/Special to the Times-Chronicle
Osoyoos Artist Ilene Steele points to fellow artists’ work donated to the gigantic Honour House garage sale staged by local volunteers last Sunday at the Sunny Beach Motel’s tennis courts. Maureen Parriott/Special to the Times-Chronicle
