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Tidal Treasures taking year off to raise cash for Parksville Qualicum Beach-area program

Group short on $20,000 needed for off-season glass art initiative
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You won’t be seeing glass treasures like these on Parksville/Qualicum Beach-area beaches this off-season, as the organization that places them there is holding off for a season due to a lack of funds. — NEWS File Photo

There’ll be no twinkling glass treasures hidden along Parksville/Qualicum Beach-area beaches this off season, or at least none put there by Tidal Treasures.

The group, started by local glass artist Robert Held, has been leaving glass floats for people to find on beaches in the area from Nov. 1-April 30 since 2016. They switched to hiding glass tokens instead of the treasures themselves at the end of last season.

RELATED: Tokens replace treasures on Parksville beaches

But, after two years, Tidal Treasures is taking a break from this coming off-season due to a lack of funds, according to a news release.

“We felt it necessary to take a break so we can focus on fundraising in order to make it a sustainable initiative,” said Wendy Sears, communications director for Tidal Treasures.

The non-profit organization relies on grants, sponsorship, donations and volunteers to run, she said, needing about $20,000 a year for the program.

While local businesses have enthusiastically supported the program, Tidal Treasures found itself with more gift certificates and other items to give away, rather than cash. That made it difficult for the group to secure Destination B.C. funding, said Sears.

“We truly appreciate the support we have received the past two seasons from our partners and sponsors and hope that they will still continue to support our program when we come back next year,” said Held. “We are actively searching for a company or organization to come on board and support this wonderful off-season initiative for the Parksville/Qualicum Beach region.”

For more info, go to www.tidaltreasures.org or www.facebook.com/TidalTreasuresVI/.

RELATED: Tidal Treasures down to three beaches in Parksville