Dear editor,
We would like to thank the many citizens of Port Hardy who came forward to help a group of visitors through what could have been a long, cold and confusing night. Because of your generosity of time and spirit, it became a warm and fun-filled bonding time, a night that we will remember fondly.
Our team of 11 and 12 year old hockey players and families had driven up from Victoria Saturday morning, played a game in Port McNeil and had just finished a late dinner at the Glen Lyon Inn when the news to evacuate came in. The staff at the Inn showed great compassion, giving us as much information as they had and were far more concerned with our safety than they were with the dinner bill.
As you can imagine our kids were pretty wired up, some scared, some excited. But we were welcomed into the Civic Centre, given lots of room (and lots of leeway) to burn off that excitement, immediately offered coffee, tea and water, then later as the night progressed, a whole buffet of snacks. Thank you to the Lions Club and Civic Centre staff, for your selfless dedication. I'm sure you all had your own worries that evening, but you stayed to make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of.
Thank you also to those who kept us updated on the progression of the waves, some who were working with the emergency command centre and others who were just passing through with news.
And lastly, thank you to the Tri Port PeeWee hockey team for two exciting games. See you in Victoria!
With much gratitude,
The Sannich Braves PeeWee B Hockey Team
Victoria