‘We’re happy if we break even’
Dessert Social more about community than fundraising
The desserts may hook them but it’s the chance to socialize with friends and neighbours that keeps them coming to the Dessert Social.
Sunday marked the 12th year for the event, which raises money for and awareness about the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association. About 200 people went through the doors during the three hours of the event, many eating their deserts and taking more home like Debbie MacAulay did.
“The deserts are divine. Simply divine,” said MacAulay, who lives close to the hills, with a laugh.
“And it’s a fundraiser for Coxheath Hills. But the deserts are definitely a draw.”
It was the seventh or eighth year Viola Doncaster attended the event.
“The social, that’s a big part of it for me,” said Doncaster, who has a sister involved with the Coxheath Hills association.
“You get to see your neighbours and friends that you don’t get to see so much in the winter months.”
As she finished speaking, another woman came up to
Doncaster, greeting her with open arms, as if proving her point.
Doncaster was sitting with Doreen Tynski, who had been there a few times in the past.
“The desserts really are delicious. I do have a sweet tooth,” she said, pointing out it is a good way to support the organization.
Lisa Patterson has been a member of the association for about 12 years. For her, seeing the community come together is more important than raising money.
“(It’s) to engage the community and get people to come out. We’ve had it on
the verge of snow storms, we’ve had it during rain and on sunny days and we always have a great turnout,” she said.
“It’s the generosity of people around the community that are neighbours of the Coxheath Wilderness Trail and avid hikers who make these most awesome desserts for this event.”
Patterson said the fundraising events they do, including the hike for Celtic Colours and Christmas at the Cabin, are more about community engagement than raising money.
“Just looking around, you just see smiling faces. It’s a feel-good event,” Patterson said.
“The social part (is what’s important) and the community-building. Being a part of the Coxheath Wilderness Trail, the trail is our foundation but out of that it’s built community and helped bring people together … just myself, I feel like I have a wonderful network of friends I didn’t have before.”
The organization get grants to cover costs associated with trail maintenance.
The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association was formed in the late 1990s as a way to stop a proposed quarry. In 2006, the organization was granted charitable status from the federal government. Since then, they’ve continued to grow in size and have cleared more trails. The Coxheath Hills trails are some of the most popular to hike within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.