 Born and raised in Mission, Hervey Blois and Patricia Brackley's paths crossed in a moment that seemed destined during one of Patricia's brother's baseball games. Little did they know, this chance encounter would blossom into a lifelong journey filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories.
Their love story began with Hervey's military career in 1972. After marrying in December 1973, they embarked on a whirlwind adventure from Ontario's varied landscape and blustery climate. Amidst the cold, they welcomed two sons – Christopher in 1976 and Jamie in 1978. Despite the distance from their hometown, the military community became their extended family, fostering lasting friendships. In 1980, their military chapter closed, and they returned to Mission. Hervey worked at Mission Memorial Hospital while Patricia resumed her career at Scotiabank. Reconnecting with family and friends, they enjoyed the vibrant community life and connections. Their time in Mission was packed with sports and clubs for their children. Hervey balanced part-time roles at the BC Ambulance Service and a locksmith business with his hospital job. Despite their busy schedules, they cherished every moment together and made the most of their holiday time with their boys. When they got married, Hervey didn’t have much vacation time, and they couldn’t afford a honeymoon. For their 15th anniversary, they had planned a trip to Hawaii. To make it official, Hervey and their two sons surprised Patricia by showing up at Scotiabank with a Justice of the Peace to renew their wedding vows in front of bank customers as witnesses before jetting off to their long-awaited honeymoon. Their journey took an unexpected turn when Hervey re-enlisted in 1990, leading them to Victoria, BC, where he joined the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Hervey's deployment to Somalia with the surgical unit brought Patricia to Nairobi, Kenya for two weeks, offering her a glimpse of a world far from home and reinforcing their gratitude for Canada. Their travels continued across Europe, with Patricia and their youngest son joining Hervey in Vienna, Austria during his deployment, leading to a whirlwind tour covering thousands of kilometres. Subsequent postings in Calgary and Edmonton brought new adventures, including memorable trips to the Caribbean and Mexico to escape Alberta winters. Retirement in Chilliwack ushered in even more adventures, from cruising the Panama Canal to exploring New Orleans, exotic trips to China and the Baltic Sea, adding to their treasure trove of memories. As they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Harrison Hot Springs, they reflected on a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared experiences. Though health challenges altered their plans for a Hawaiian celebration, the warmth of family and the joy of togetherness made the occasion unforgettable. “We've been fortunate to travel extensively, but our greatest joy is watching our grandchildren grow. Our grandson, 25, runs a landscaping business in Mission, and our granddaughter, 22, works as a Flight Attendant for Air Canada, sharing our love for travel. Our oldest son, Christopher and wife Debbie, now live in Port Alberni, offering more opportunities to explore Vancouver Island. Our youngest son, Jamie, recently married Pinky, adding three grown children to our family. Jamie, following his father's military path, will soon be posted from Vancouver, opening up more travel opportunities. Patricia's 95 year-old mother still resides in Mission, making us realize that home is where our parents are.” GETTING TO KNOW KYLE! by Jordan Blumenauer & Ellen Nguyen  You might have seen Kyle around town delivering What’s On! Mission magazines. Kyle Weir joined our Distribution crew through the Mission Association for Community Living’s (MACL) Employment Services Program. Since 2018, he has delivered our magazines to businesses, restaurants, medical offices, and local organizations every other month. We had a chance to ask him some questions and thought it would be fun for our readers to get to know him better as well. What are one or two of your achievements that you are proud of? It’s cool I got a job with the MACL yard crew. I also made my own stop motion movie called “Brideland at MACL”. What do you like to do? I like delivering the magazines.I like videogames and hanging out with my friends at Program. What do you want people to know about you? My favourite restaurant is McDonald’s. I love plants and horticulture. At home, I like to be lazy and sometimes like to walk outside at home in the garden. What are your favourite things to do at Program? I like to go swimming and go to Castle Fun Park and obviously anything plant-related. Mission Association for Community Living’s (MACL) Employment Services Program Program believes every person has the opportunity to dream big, realize their employment goals and be a productive member of our community. We support many individuals that are currently employed in their own community and work with their employers to ensure continued success for both the employer and employee. We are continuously networking and building relationships with our local community businesses, which allows us to find the job that is right for each job seeker.
Employment Services supports the employer and the jobseeker with onsite supports to ensure that a healthy relationship is developed between the employer and the jobseeker. We look at each employer and jobseekers needs and support them in their unique individuality. Our services provide job support planning which includes creating a plan with the employer that promotes increased productivity and independence of every jobseeker, onsite job training that supports the jobseeker through collaboration with the employer, and ongoing support and consultation for the employer and jobseeker. MACL ensures that we consult with the job seeker and employer regularly to ensure all needs are continuingly being met. If you are an employer and would have interest in participating in this great opportunity to provide meaningful employment, please reach out to our Employment Services Program at 604-820-1815 or email at employment.services@macl.bc.ca. If you are an individual that qualifies for supports through Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) and would like to gain employment through supports with MACL please reach out to CLBC at 604-870-5900 or through their website a www.communitylivingbc.ca.  Christine Allan hosted her Shave for the Brave fundraiser last night at HUBCo Brewing in order to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network. It was a fun event filled with food, raffles baskets, 50/50 and lives music. Christine is raising funds in support of the Children's Miracle Network Canada to raise 1 Million Dollars alongside fellow RE/MAX colleagues, family & friends. Her goal is to raise $10,000 and will shave her head in support on March 25th at the R4 RE/MAX Conference in Las Vegas. If you can't make it today, you can still donate at https://bit.ly/ShaveForTheBrave
In the heart of our community lies a testament to compassion and resilience—St. Joseph's Food Bank. What began in 1990 as a modest service in the basement of St. Joseph's Parish church has evolved into an indispensable resource for those facing food insecurity. Over the years, the food bank has grown, reflecting a deepening commitment to its mission. In 2008, St. Joseph’s Food Bank became an official registered food bank for Mission, BC, and is a member of Food Banks BC and registered as a service provider by Food Banks Canada. Their efforts came to fruition in 2015 with the completion of the St. Joseph's Food Bank building. However, as the demand for their services has surged, so too have the challenges. In 2021, they served 968 clients; by 2022, this number had risen to 1,415. After the Food Banks Canada Hunger Count 2023, they realized that they are now serving 1,843 unique individuals per month, with client numbers continuing to increase year over year. Currently, they operate with 75 volunteers, along with 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. They maintain operations seven days a week, receiving, distributing, and picking up food from local grocery stores and suppliers. Thanks to the support of generous suppliers and dedicated volunteers, they have been able to extend their assistance to many community and school programs. Distribution days occur every second Wednesday and Thursday, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Additionally, to accommodate working families unable to visit during the day, they open every opposite Wednesday evening from 4:30PM to 6:30PM. Their biggest challenge is the need for expansion. A lack of space inhibits their ability to store perishable items, hindering their capacity to meet the growing demand. The proposed addition to the existing building comes with a price tag of $400,000. St. Joseph’s Food Bank encourages youth groups, classes, sports teams, and any groups with a desire to volunteer, during the day or evenings, to contact them at Sandra2010cas@hotmail.com or (778) 536-3663. They are currently in need of the following food items: pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal, cereal, peanut butter, pancake mix, syrup, soups, canned fruit, vegetables, baby food, and diapers. Monetary donations can also be made at www.missionfoodbank.com. 
The Mission Arts Council invites you to their upcoming exhibitions at the Mission Arts Centre, showcasing the talent and vision of local artists. There's something to inspire every art lover. Come out and support local artists in our community. ************************************** Mission Arts Centre (home of Mission Arts Council) 33529 First Ave. (604) 826-0029 www.missionartscouncil.ca  |
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