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Last summer, I was honoured to take part in the BC-SPCA‘s annual Paws For A Cause fundraiser. With the help of some furry friends, my fundraising efforts contributed to numerous people making incredibly generous donations. When all was said and done, thousands of dollars went directly into local animal shelters!

Contrary to what some might believe, the BC-SPCA helps any and all animals that require help. This includes domestic animals, farm animals and even our critters of the wild, both large and small. A little bit of funding can go an incredibly long way…

• $75 neuters one cat;
• $80 feeds a litter of puppies for eight weeks;
• $100 neuters one dog;
• $110 spays one cat;
• $120 covers emergency response for animal rescue for one night;
• $200 pays for emergency and first aid equipment for our constables;
• $1,000 provides 20 beds for dogs;
• $10,000 pays for the investigation and prosecution of one animal cruelty case

More statistics and facts can be found here.

This is only a small example of how your contribution – no matter the size – can help. In fact, in 2008 the BC-SPCA rescued over 36,000 injured, homeless, neglected and abused animals!

This year, the campaign is trying to raise $950,000 Province-wide, and I’ve set a personal goal of at least $1,500. On Sunday, September 13, 2009 Jordy, Charley and I will be joining countless others in participating in one of many local walks across British Columbia. Last year I took part in the Vancouver walk and will instead be participating in the event in the Comox Valley this year.

Please consider if sponsoring the three of us is something you can do – even donating a dollar and foregoing your daily coffee helps! To donate, please visit my personal campaign page here.

Show your support and lend a “paw” to help animals in need!

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love wine and am an admitted “wine snob”. I’ll never pass up a glass of rich pinot noir, will sometimes settle on a merlot and wouldn’t be caught dead sipping a shiraz. With warm summer evenings on the horizon, I’m anticipating more than my share of glasses of chilled chardonnay as the sun sets.

For centuries, wine-making was synonymous with European tradition emerging from the likes of Italy and France, among others. In recent decades, countries such as Chile, Argentina and Australia have been showcasing their vino craft in the global market. On this continent, California’s Napa Valley has also made a name for itself among giants.

Photo: dklimke on Flickr

While the Okanagan region of British Columbia is becoming more widely recognized as terrific turf for vineyards, I’m proud that Vancouver Island (and the surrounding Gulf Islands) has been slowly carving a wine-production niche all its own. High quality, family-run vineyards have been emerging throughout the Saanich region of the south Island and slowly spreading north.

Rain, sun, fertile soil and the moist rainforest environment have added up to a unique and diverse climate. The conditions on Vancouver Island are ideal for more than just one or two kinds of wine – including a variety of organic bottle. Wines from the Island are luscious in their bold flavours. Berry fruits, orchard apples, vanilla notes and earthy tones seductively dance to tease the tongue. Those seeking a little bit of local flavour can expect to find everything from Gewürztraminer to pinot gris, from merlot to pinot noir and everything in between. The options truly are limitless.

What makes Vancouver Island wines truly a special treat is the craft and care gone into each and every bottle. While internationally-known vineyards often come from multiple generation of vintners, the Island’s wine producers have a fresh take on a timeless tradition. While the technique of pigeage (grape-stomping) is rarely employed, a wine-making heritage is developing within an entirely new culture. I have no doubt that we will be seeing Vancouver Island wines for many, many generations to come.

Photo: jandazzatron on Flickr

On a final note, there are few things that go with wine as well as cheese. Lucky for us, staying within the 100-mile diet is also simple in this regard. Aside from the countless dairy farms dotting the Island, it is also home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks in Qualicum Beach and Natural Pastures in the Comox Valley (their brie is to die for). Next time you’re enjoying an entertaining night in, pick up something local and savour the Island’s flavours!

For a nearly-complete directory of Vancouver Island wineries and vineyards, please visit Wines of Canada. From there, you can also link to the locations on the Gulf Islands. The majority of the Island’s vineyards are open to the public for tours and tastings, so consider that option as a brief summer getaway.

Personally speaking, I recommend grabbing a bottle from either Carbrea Vineyard on Hornby Island or the Comox Valley’s Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery. The pinot noir from Saturna Island Family Estate Winery is also a fantastic sipping wine for nights on the couch (and a bargain at less than $20 per bottle).

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The response to my post regarding BC Ferries has been overwhelmingly positive! Thank you all so much for the support – the more voices that speak up, the less chance the corporation has to ignore us.

This afternoon I was contacted by Dave Brindle at TALK 1410 radio here in Vancouver. This evening I will be discussing the story with him on The Dave Brindle Show around 7:15 p.m. Be sure to tune in!