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Locals attend presentation of Variety-donated van

Todd Richard, Curtis Genest represented village

Two big names in Harrison Hot Springs were recognized in a special presentation to Foundry Abbotsford. 

Fire Chief Curtis Genest and Harrison's country star Todd Richard were part of a recent presentation of a Sunshine Coach to Foundry Abbotsford. The van was purchased through the donations to Richard's annual Follow Your Heart Concert, which benefits Variety B.C. 

Foundry Abbotsford offers health and social services to young people ages 12 to 24 throughout the eastern Fraser Valley. The van will help the youth access the care they need anywhere from Abbotsford to Hope. 

"It’s an honour to see the Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department as well as Tourism Harrison represented on the van as top donors," the Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department said in a statement. "It’s rewarding seeing our contributions come to life and support such an impactful cause."

Richard called the event an "amazing afternoon." He thanked Sonja Reyerse-Peters for first believing in the concept of Follow Your Heart, which is going into its third year. The inaugural event sold out and raised about $5,000 for Variety ($1,000 of which came from the HHSFD) and about $8,000 this past February. 

In B.C., Variety Children's Charity is based in Burnaby; the provincial chapter was formed in 1966. Variety supports children and youth with special needs across B.C. and beyond, spanning 11 countries with 40 chapters. 

Next year's Follow Your Heart fundraiser concert is set for Feb. 15. 

 



Adam Louis

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