Cranbrook-based RVwest donates over $2,100 to STARS—bringing total to over $12,000 in all

Duane and Linda Pilson present STARS foundation executive, Nafisa Taimuri with a cheque for over $2100.

RVers from across western Canada converged on Fairmont Hot Springs in September for the 9th RVwest Rally hosted by RVwest and Duane and Lynda Pilson of Rec Vee Holiday Adventures. The three-day 2013 rally was blessed with great weather and equally good portions of fun and learning. RVwest is published by Koocanusa Publications and is based in Cranbrook, B.C.

The annual get-together saw almost 70 enthusiastic RVers attracted with over 30 units on-site—everything from massive Class A motorhomes to Class B van conversions. The rallies informative how-to seminars feature RVwest columnist Reg DeYoung, who did a great job in his trouble-shooting presentations.

One of the highlights of the weekend event was a tour of historic sites of the Columbia Valley. This tour gave the participants an inside look at historic places like the Stolen Church of Windermere, the Columbia Valley Heritage Museum, the Conrad Kain cairn, and the David Thompson Kootenay House historic site.

The rally participants enjoyed a wrap-up buffet banquet at the Fairmont Hot Springs Lodge and were entertained by Marty and Eli, local musicians from the Columbia Valley.

Sunday of the rally saw, what has become a tradition at RVwest rallies, the annual silent auction featuring items of all descriptions donated by the participants. The charity of choice for the organizers was STARS air ambulance and this year a record $2,148 was raised—bringing the total monies raised by the rally for STARS in nine years to be over of $12,000. This year’s donation was made in the name of Gonnie Carlson—an avid RV Rally participant who succumbed to cancer in the past year.

"A big thank you to RVwest and everyone’s support of your silent auction as it is the giving heart and continued support that keeps us in the skies caring for patients. Without your support it would not be possible," said Nafisa Taimuri, of the STARS Foundation. 

“This was our ninth annual rally and many said one of our best,” said Duane Pilson. “We allowed lots of free time for everyone to visit and relax along with a couple special events like the tour and silent auction. We were very pleased with the way the rally turned out in Fairmont.” Also attending the rally were Keith Powell, publisher of RVwest magazine, and his wife, Linda.

“We enjoyed meeting new attendees and re-acquainting ourselves with those who have attended before. Their amazing generosity in supporting the STARS charity auction and pitching in to help was really appreciated,” said Keith Powell, RVwest publisher. “I want to thank our sponsors and especially Duane and Lynda and their helpers Louie and Laurel Dubois for working so hard to make the Fairmont rally one of most enjoyable.”

Watch for information in the New Year about next year’s 10th Anniversary Reunion—RVwest Rally—we hope you can plan to join us for a weekend of enjoying the RV lifestyle.