Community Splash for Westwood Lake Witch Paddle
Every year the Director of Events and Organizer Campus Life work together to plan activities for VIU students and their children for Halloween. Covid-19 restrictions and the desire to plan a safe and inclusive activity resulted in the first (annual??) Westwood Lake Witch Paddle for the Nanaimo community hosted by VIU students.
The Paddle was a resounding success and brought hundreds of students, VIU staff, and community members to the Westwood Lake Park during the day on Halloween. Rentals of paddle boards were provided free of charge for VIU students through Westco Experiences, and boards were available for community members through Wavy Rentals. Additional activities during the event included two scavenger hunts (an easier one for younger participants, and a slightly longer one for those looking for a bit more of a challenge) looking for witches hidden along the trail, free hot chocolate and coffee with support from White Rabbit Coffee Co, s’mores, and goody bags of candy. Tipsy Avocado food truck was also on site with delicious food available for purchase (we recommend the fish taco!).
Watch the Global News coverage of the event to see some great video footage.
Nanaimo Search and Rescue were on site to support the event and ended up being in the right place at the right time, with the ability to save a man who was suffering cardiac arrest farther down the trail. Watch the Chek News coverage of the good news story.
The event was planned by VIUSU Director of Events Devon Stewart and Organizer Campus Life Janelle Wilson, and supported by elected board of directors, volunteers, and community members. Big thanks to all who attended and were involved in any aspect of the event. We couldn’t have done it without you!
