The Coombs Candy Walk is one of the sweetest events that takes place in the PQB area during Halloween.
It has been held annually and this year would mark its 54th anniversary.
However, the longstanding community event might have to be cancelled in 2023. The problem it faces right now is a lack of volunteers.
The walk has been volunteer-driven since it was established by local parents more than 50 years ago. They raised concerns about the safety of trick-or-treating in rural areas where lighting is poor, sidewalks are rare and houses are spread out.
The goal of the walk is to provide a safe space for rural-area children to celebrate Halloween.
READ MORE: No Halloween fireworks will be allowed in Qualicum Beach for 2022
The event, first organized by the Coombs Fire Department, has evolved and grown to include a magical indoor trick-or-treating experience with a haunted house, cake walk, concession and fireworks.
Without more volunteers the organizers, the Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association (ACRA), are faced with little choice but the cancel the event. They badly need help to make the event happen.
Volunteer shifts are typically four hours, and dates and tasks are flexible, according to ACRA recreation co-ordinator Tracy Cargo-White.
“Help is needed not only on the day of the event, but also in the week leading up to it,” Cargo-White said.
To keep this community event alive, ACRA is inviting people to sign up and volunteer by Friday, Sept. 22 to ensure they have enough hands to me the event possible. If wish to volunteer, go online to register at: https://arrowsmithrecreation.ca/volunteer
