Do you ever wonder how someone gets to their current position? Community Relations Manager Krysta Robins’ passion for travel led her to a decade in global tourism and hospitality, including working on sailboats, cruise ships and in lodges.
Eventually her path led her to Vancouver Island and managing a resort in Tofino, before joining Berwick Qualicum Beach as Marketing Manager. Asked why she wanted to be a part of the Berwick family, she said, “Berwick has such a great reputation as a wonderful place to work.” She adds “I was fortunate enough to be a part of the opening of Berwick Qualicum Beach, building relationships with residents as they planned for the next adventure in their lives and being the first to see the finishing and designs with them as the building progressed.”
If talking about that wasn’t enough to show her passion, just talking about Berwick being such a strong supporter of the community and being in a small town has meant Krysta has enjoyed building strong connections in town. She mentions that the Berwick Band Strings and Sings played Qualicum Beach Days, that they can be seen in town parades and supporting local concerts and events. Krysta has sat on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and is currently a board member for the Oceanside Hospice Society. Every month, residents vote on local charities to support, and they have hosted events such as a fashion show, craft fairs and butterfly releases.
DID YOU KNOW THAT, THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF RESIDENTS, DONATING NOT ONLY FUNDS BUT TIME AND TALENTS, AT BERWICK QUALICUM BEACH, THEY HAVE RAISED $100,00.00 SINCE OPENING IN 2019, TO GIVE BACK TO LOCAL CHARITIES?
Although Berwick has standards/requirements throughout all locations, Krysta has been able to utilize her creativity. One example is the Cultivate Magazine. She says that with residents and staff working side by side and creativity flying, they have created something really special and are looking forward to their upcoming 7th issue.
Asked about her proudest achievement since working at BQB, she mentions being the first staff member of Berwick Qualicum Beach, beginning over ayear before the doors opened for the first time, building connections within the community, and building the Berwick name and brand within the town. From discovery to reality, she was honoured to be part of the residents’ journey. She said that she feels grateful to have a position where friendships are formed with people, who start as strangers.
Throughout chatting with Krysta, and her showing her passion, none was more evident than when she was asked what event or activity has moved her the most and why. She said that of all the events, “It is The Oceanside Hospice butterfly release fundraiser, held in our private courtyard. It honours loved ones we have lost, allowing time to grieve and reflect. Being an Oceanside Hospice board member for the last 7 years, and Hospice holding a special place in my heart, this continues to be one of my favourite events.”
Krysta also talks about the book launch of “Our Wild and Precious Lives; Collective Wisdom and Wit from the Heart of Berwick Qualicum Beach” back in 2020, during Covid. When everyone was isolated, Berwick Qualicum Beach decided to publish a book! With a combination of writings and poetry from over 30 residents, they compiled a collective work. She said “With our book, we sold copies with 100% of the funds supporting our local SOS. Reading the stories, being part of a platform that allowed residents to share, as well as the launch itself celebrating their exceptional accomplishments, was to me, such a moving process.”
Written by Chris Neeter
Chris (Christine) is an exceptional writer and proud resident of Berwick Parksville. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for capturing the essence of everyday life, Chris crafts engaging, thought-provoking resident feature stories that resonate with our readers. When not writing, Chris is one of the original members of the drama group, Berwick Parksville Players, and can be found leading several and participating in other Active Living programs at Berwick Parksville and enjoying the beautiful community of Parksville.