A longstanding community program is perfectly positioned to celebrate the Maple Leaf’s 60th.
by Nicole Hilton //
For nearly a decade, participants in the Events for Life (EFL) program have handcrafted Canadian flags on wooden boards. With the national flag celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and increased patriotism for all things Canadian, demand for the flags in the Southern Georgian Bay community is at an all-time high.
EFL provides year-round day programs for adults with special needs from the Town of the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas. Operating Monday through Thursday, the program delivers opportunities for social connection, recreational activities and healthy living skills for more than 30 participants.
“The flags are a craft anyone in our program can become involved with,” says Barb Weeden, executive director at EFL. “It takes different skill levels to work on the various components like sanding, stencilling, painting, varnishing, stickering and pricing.”
The hands-on creation of the flags takes place in a workshop at the Events for Life Centre, currently based at Beaver Creek Farms just outside of Thornbury. While putting the final coat of paint on the boards, EFL participants can see the flock of resident chickens roaming freely on the grass from the workshop window and are often greeted by the friendly, hard-working farm dog at the door.
Samantha Loucks has been part of the program since its launch in 2013. She’s even mentored other EFL participants, teaching them the steps in creating a quality work of art. “It all starts with a blank canvas,” says Loucks.
Her colleague at the EFL program, Steven Morris, explains the standard she sets. “We follow Samantha’s lead because she was the first one who started this thing. If it looks good to Samantha, then it’s good for everyone,” says Morris.
For those involved, the Canadian flag project is about more than just woodworking and painting; it’s a symbol of accomplishment, connection and inspiration.
“Everyone loves when they see their flags displayed around town,” says Weeden. “There’s a real sense of pride.”
This summer, the EFL community will join the Canada Day parade between Clarksburg and Thornbury for the first time. Their float will be decorated with the hand-painted flags, which have become a community-wide favourite.
Flags are available to purchase at the Thornbury Home Hardware or by contacting EFL directly at info@eventsfor.life. For more information, or to donate, visit eventsfor.life.
