A warm welcome which echoes the pioneer- ing days of North America greets new residents of the Saanich Peninsula, thanks to Welcome Wagon. The service, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, draws its inspiration from the pioneer women who drove their wagons to mect new settlers with fresh water, food and supplies. Today, Welcome Wagon hostesses greet new settlers in a community with information and gift certificates from local businesses. “I really enjoy meeting all the new people,” says hostess Teresa Thom, who has done the job for five years. “It’s such a pleasant job. People are really appreciative.” Thom and Claudia Parfitt greet newcomers to Sidney and North Saanich. New residents in Saanichton and Brentwood are greeted by host- esses Vickey Jackson and Fran Suddaby. Thom estimates she makes five visits a week to new residents, bringing her flower-decked basket of information on the area and on local businesses. “That information right at first when some- one moves into an area is. very welcome,” she said. Included are maps, bus schedules, parks and recreation information, letters of welcome and information on the hospital, police and library. Each hostess decorates her own basket and Thom finds her ribbons and flowers attract a lot of interest, especially from family cats. “Cats are always after the flowers,” she said. Thom suspects part of the animals’ interest is the scent of a sample package of pet treats from Congratulations from Brad & Laura MACLEOD'S The Hardware Store TheReview Roney May 23,1999 — Bi4 Welcome Wagon’s 60th Anniversary. . repecais pioneer tradition the four hostesses welcomed 500 new residents. About half of the new residents came from other parts of the province and over one-third are retired, Thom noted. Many new residents also come from Edmon- ton, Calgary and’ Toronto. The service is free to new residents. Costs are — covered by the sponsonng businesses. As part of the 60th anniversary celebration, local business sponsors of Welcome Wagon for the past 10 years received Commemorative plaques. Honored were Flint Motors, Sidney Super Foods, Sidney Florist, Island Fumiture, Satellite Fish and Rust’s Jewelers. Mayor Norma Sealey has proclaimed May 20 to 26 as Welcome Wagon week in Sidney. In addition to welcoming new residents, Welcome Wagon also congratulates new mothers with a Baby Welcome_package. Baby Welcome hostess Fem Gifford visited 275 new mothers in 1989. ~ Another special event is the Plus Fifty Showcase, highlighting products and services for those who are retired or semi-retired. Displays, presentations, guest speakers, door prizes and special entertainment are included in the free event for those aged 50 years and over. Welcome Wagon was founded by Thomas Winston Briggs in Memphis, Tennessee, as a way to introduce new residents to the businesses and facilities of the community. The Canadian organization has been active for 60 years and now involves more than 1,200 Welcome Wagon hostesses across Canada. REFLECTING THE PIONEER tradition of Welcome Wagon fs hostess Teresa Thom, who welcomes new residents to Sidney by the Sea. a local pet store, which is included with the samples and gift certificates from 40 local businesses. The funniest moments in her visits have come shoulders while she was talking to the owners or the Siamese cat who chewed clumps off the fur collar of Thom’s coat during a winter visit. Welcome Wagon hostesses have been active An estimated 300,000 Canadian families receive Welcome Wagon visits each year: TheReview congratulates Welcome Wagon on 60 years of service. 9488 Beacon 656-8611 from animals: the parakeet that circled Thom’s on the Peninsula for the past 30 years. 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