Neighbours came from all over.
It was a lively block party that attracted dozens of residents from Portage Avenue, Hazel Street, Mayfair Avenue and Riverside Drive.
They came, they chatted, and enjoyed themselves despite the terrible air quality last Saturday.
“We are at the Mayfair Block Watch First Annual Block Party,” said Rachelle Loeppky, Mayfair block watch co-captain. “We just started this year.”
They have 90 homes in the three-street block-watch area with two back alleys in common. More than 80 per cent of the residents registered with the Mayfair Block Watch.
“I think we’re the most successful one yet,” said Loeppky.
With so many signing on, it’s a real indication that people have a strong need to come together, said Block Watch co-captain Lory Oberst.
“We decided we needed to have a block party to get everybody together to get to know each other,” Oberst said. “Because we’re only just starting our Block Watch and because it is such a large area, people don’t know who everybody is, and this way we’ll get to know who our neighbours are.”
Communities used to be more close-knit.
“I think there is a real desire to come back to that,” Oberst said. “Yes, crime has gotten higher in the area but I think working together we’ll be able to combat it.”
The block party featured a BBQ dinner, potluck offerings, kids’ activity centre, and community information galore. Folks could register their bikes in the 529 Garage program, take Safety Bear selfies, and watch a swing dancing demonstration.
But mostly it was neighbours talking to their neighbours.
The organizers thanked all of their generous community sponsors, donors and supporters. Part of the funding for the event came from City of Chilliwack’s Neighbourhood Grant Program, from their Celebration and Activity stream.
“People reached our and without hesitation jumped in to donate money, food, prizes and supported us without question and we really, really wanted to thank them so much for making this happen,” said Loeppky.
For more information on how to become part of the Block Watch program, contact the Chilliwack Crime Prevention Society at 604.393.3000
READ MORE: Neighbours helping neighbours
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