Celebrating Community: Cowichan Country Market

CWAVS Executive Director Liza Scott at the Cowichan Country Market.

Three weeks out from the first annual Cowichan Country Market, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society is overwhelmed with gratitude for organizers Sarah Killick and Bianca Spek.

Local creators themselves, Sarah and Bianca launched the market with a twofold goal: supporting small businesses in the Cowichan Valley, and giving back to their community. This year, the Cowichan Country Market featured a 50/50 raffle to benefit the BC SPCA, a donation drive for Nourish Cowichan, and a silent auction with all proceeds to CWAVS.

Some of the amazing items and experiences on offer at the silent auction in support of CWAVS.

The silent auction and subsequent online auction brought in a total of $3,000 to support safety, healing, and belonging for women, children, and families in the Cowichan Valley.

Donated by Cowichan Country Market vendors and local businesses from the Valley and beyond, auction items ranged from gift cards to local favourites, to handmade goods, to unforgettable experiences.

“We were so glad to be able to support the CWAVS with the silent auction, and very excited to have the community come together and see all the meaningful work being done,” said Bianca.

The ongoing Zoomer Doll fundraiser provides children in Raven’s Nest Child and Youth Advocacy Centre with stuffed dolls that represent Zoomer, the centre’s facility dog.

Additional donations made at the CWAVS market booth will provide 20 children in Raven's Nest Child and Youth Advocacy Centre with comfort in the form of a stuffed furry friend while they navigate the justice system after violence.

“We are very pleased with the outcome,” said Development Manager Chelsey McNeil, “and thankful to everyone in the community who came out to support.”

This year’s Cowichan Country Market is the first of its kind, but it certainly won’t be the last. Next year’s market will take place on June 26-27, 2027. Keep an eye on @cowichancountrymarket on Instagram as preparations begin!