Block party will raise money for Fernwood family who’ve lost father

›› Sarah Rouget

The annual Neighbours for Change block party on Gladstone Avenue in front of the Fernwood Inn hosts Fernwood locals and Victoria residents in a fun atmosphere that raises money for The Roger Colwill Fund. This is a fund set up in 2008 in the name of ­Fernwood’s infamous ‘Community ­Liason’, Roger Colwill, father of Mike and Sarah, two of the owners of the Inn. Last year’s event helped to fund the Fernwood NRG’s Kitchen Garden Pilot Project at the ­Fernwood Community Centre.

Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 2-5 p.m. will be Fernwood’s sixth annual Neighbours for Change community block party. While all the main attractions will be back—such as the dunk tank, auction, BBQ, marketplace, beer garden, and live band—this year’s cause is particularly important and certainly a lot more personal than ever before.

The block party will be an ­opportunity to celebrate the life of a cherished ­Fernwood local who lost his life to cancer on May 15. Kevin Oneschuk was a devoted husband and proud father of two amazing kids. He worked full time as the bar manager of the Fernwood Inn for 7 years and was an ­integral part of the Fernwood community. His warm, infectious smile and friendly nature helped to establish the business that now misses him dearly.

Help us pay tribute to this exceptional man and show our support to his family by coming out on July 20 and ­celebrating Kevin. It is our great honor that this year the proceeds from The Roger Colwill Fund will be put in trust for Kevin and Meghan’s children, Devon (10) and Finn (7).

Make sure to save a few bucks for one of ­Devon’s chocolate dipped, frozen bananas and a glass of Finn’s lemonade. Dunk Mike Colwill in the dunk tank with a ticket sold by his very own mother, Barb! Do a do-si-do with your neighbour to the toe tapping tunes of Bucko & Toad, ­Fernwood’s own country band. Peruse the local marketplace. Bid on a cruiser bike, fishing charter, or piece of art in the silent action and enjoy a cold beer and a burger or veggie burger hot off the grill.

This years’ block party is not one to miss! We will see you there! For more info, ­contact neighboursforchange@gmail.com.