With the CFL’s BC Lions playing in Victoria, instead of their usual BC Place in Vancouver, this game was billed as Pacific Touchdown, it being the first time the team played on the island.
Once again Berwick Parksville’s Manager of Active Living, Jeannine, hit it out of the park, or in this case, into the end zone. With the CFL’s BC Lions playing in Victoria, instead of their usual BC Place in Vancouver, this game was billed as Pacific Touchdown, it being the first time the team played on the island. Some residents had asked Jeannine about the possibility of going to the game and true to the level of attention Active Living provides us, she not only booked seats but in the VIP section.
We left at 10am on Saturday, August 31st, to have lunch first and then, as advised, get to the game early, due to the sold-out crowd and parking challenges. On the way there, we decided we needed to have a sign, not having thought of this sooner. Jeannine made an unplanned stop so that poster board (orange neon for the team) and black marker, could be purchased. Once at the restaurant, we made up the sign, with one board saying Berwick Parksville and the other saying Roars for the Lions (see photo). We managed to get it the wrong way round a couple of times for photos, but quickly adjusted!
The VIP section got us two free drinks and a food item, from within the VIP section, so there was no need to line up at the concessions. Jeannine also got us seats with backs, rather than benches, great for all of us.
Although Jeannine had been advised to park the bus a distance away and needing a shuttle (after she dropped us off) she was able to convince a parking attendant in a lot a block away from the field, to be able to park there. It was so much easier and timely for us and Jeannine, after the game when 15,000 people were exiting!
Although we were not on the sunnier side, it was still hot and sunny, till later and again, Jeannine and one resident’s dad, actually stood holding the signs over our heads for quite a while, shading us from the heat of the sun – how many would do that? We are truly blessed to have Jeannine as our Active Living Manager.
Although it was a long day, the experience was worth it, and so was BC winning 38 to 12 over the Ottawa Redblacks. Thanks, Jeannine, for making this experience so enjoyable and memorable.