An independent school for children with autism in Parksville is fundraising for a new building.
Along with the other tenants of the Craig Street Commons, Coast Karma Academy will need to vacate the facility at the end of this year, when the Qualicum School District-owned facility will close for good.
Two major fundraisers are planned for this summer: a concert on July 21 and a golf tournament on Aug. 23 — both will be held at the Arrowsmith Golf Course (2250 Fowler Rd.) in Qualicum Beach.
After parent Adam Blue learned the commons were going to close, he decided to try and help.
He has made flyers and helped with fundraising events around the area such as a fundraiser dinner at Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria in Coombs, a hot dog sale at Save-On-Foods, a car wash and bagging groceries at Thrifty Foods with other parents. Many other small fundraisers are planned, he added.
"My son is non-verbal, so I need to be his voice," Blue told the PQB News. "I know attending Coast Karma is imperative for Logan’s development and personal growth and for him to reach his full potential. He has progressed immensely since first attending."
The concert on July 21 is called Concert Under the Stars and will feature Aaron Pritchett. Blue said the event is being planned by Oura Giakoumakis.
The Coast Karma Fundraiser Golf Tournament on Aug. 23 will feature an 18-hole Texas Scramble-style golf tournament, as well as a roast beef dinner by Extreme Eatz Bar and Grill. Tickets are $150 per person.
For more information about the event, and registration, go to coastkarmaacademy.com and look for the events section.
Blue is also asking local businesses to consider a donation. He can be reached at 250-240-5721 and helpcoastkarma@gmail.com.
Qualicum School District announced in 2024 it intended to close both the Craig Street and Qualicum Commons facilities due to the approximately $4 million to $5 million in capital costs that need to be addressed between the two.
The school board voted to close Craig Street Commons, home to a variety of community-based activities and programs, during a meeting in January.
The school district shut down four elementary schools back in 2014 due to low enrolment, including Parksville Elementary and Qualicum Beach Elementary, now known as Craig Street Commons and Qualicum Commons, respectively.
