'We're All Connected'

Lions Bay residents hold bake sale for Venezuelan relief

Part of the Timbertop-Mountain baking collective (l to r): Ashlee Argento, Marianne Kohler, Ingrid Wray and Tyler James, along with Argento Apprentice bakers One & Two and former Coastal Canine Stevie. Photo: Ashlee Argento.

After watching footage of the earthquake in Venezuela, Timbertop resident Ashlee Argento (Davidson) was first heartbroken, and then moved to take action.

"Seeing communities come together in such desperate circumstances — people digging through collapsed buildings searching for loved ones, I found myself wondering what we can do in our own community,” she says.

Argento adds she wanted something that had a quick turnaround, didn't require a huge amount of planning, and would bring people together, and a bake sale felt like the perfect fit.

She called around to her neighbours, and says a number of them jumped at the chance to help. Together, they decided to tie on their aprons, and the event will be held Saturday July 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Timbertop cul-de-sac in Lions Bay.

Argento says she doesn't have a personal connection to the people of Venezuela, but has raised funds for other events in the past, including the DREAMS Foundation (Dominican Republic Education and Medical Support). She said this experience taught her that communities can make a real difference when they come together.

"If an earthquake happened here in Lions Bay, we would welcome support from anywhere and everywhere," she says. "When tragedies like this happen, we're reminded that we're all connected. Even if we don't know each other personally, my heart aches for them, and I wanted to do something — however small — to help."

Saturday's event will be first-come, first-served, and Argento says that 100% of funds raised will go to Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization providing emergency medical aid, supplies, and support to healthcare providers responding to the earthquake in Venezuela. She is also accepting cash donations on the day.

"We'll have a wonderful variety of homemade treats, including cookies, banana bread, zucchini bread, pastries, chocolate babka, muffins, and fresh sourdough bread. Please bring cash and additional donations are always welcome. Whether you stop by for a treat or simply make a donation, every contribution will help support emergency relief efforts in Venezuela."

For those who aren't able to attend in person, donations can be etransferred to ashleeargento@gmail.com, or straight to Direct Relief.

Bake Sale for Venezuela

Saturday July 11, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Timbertop Drive, Lions Bay

The Watershed welcomes your thoughts.

Leave your comments below,

or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca 

Like what you're reading?

For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism

by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.