Thank you to the Nanaimo May 1, 2010 VOLUNTEERS:
We had a great SPUD here in Nanaimo for our May DAY and the weather was GREAT! Lots of our regular Spudders that seem to have been away for the winter, are BACK for a piping hot spud (or 2 or 3) with all the fixins and we had an energetic crew that were there to serve with a smile! What a day! Thanks so much to those that supported this first of two Spuds for May (the next one will be on the 29th!) Volunteers included: Liz Laird, Wendy Bazant, Randy and Karen Carlson, Mike and Joanne McCague, Barri and Angie Beaulieu. Thanks for your dedication…you DO make a difference! ~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 150 people 180 lbs. of SPUDS
with all the fixins...

Thank you to the Nanaimo January 2, 2010 VOLUNTEERS:
Hi there Everyone! Hope you have an AMAZING 2010!!
All the best and thanks for being who you are!! Hugs and love, Spudder Ev!
Our January SPUD was quite well attended despite the inclement weather and the fact that most were still enjoying the afterglow of New Years Day! We had a lot of new volunteers this month and are looking forward to many more at our second one later in January! Thanks again to those that joined us to help feed the 70 or so people that came and ate about 130 pounds of piping hot spuds!! We also had a lot of clothing! Thanks to our volunteers: Liz and Ron Laird, Bonnie and Cassie Evoy and Colin Ready-Evoy, Lianne Smithiuck, Linda Isham, Barri and Angie Beaulieu, Sandi Dorman, Debbie, Eric and Keely Sifton, Kayla Reibeling, Tara Keeping, Shirley Ekstrom, Gypsee, Cathy Lakin, Araron Titus, Pauline Shewaga, Kees and Audry Luchs, and Jen Stanger. Thanks for your dedication…you DO make a difference! ~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 70 people 130 lbs. of SPUDS
with all the fixins...

Thank you to the Nanaimo December 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
It was a bright and sunny day and we had almost 300 people there for sure! I know we did a lot of spuds...3 full coolers full and every one of them went! The college chose us for December and we had so many clothes, blankets warm coats that many went to people who really needed them in this cold weather. Many people brought clothing and we are really starting to feel like Community Helping Community!! WHAT A FEELING!!! There were so many people helping out that we probably missed many....but would like to say how much it meant to everyone there for all the support we got! From people who knitted toques. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Nanaimo!! YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! Volunteers this month included: Liz and Ron Laird, Thelma Friesen, Debbie Robinson, Kate Shea, Sue Lawson, Jewels, Michael and Sam Hartmann, Shelby Ruiter, Tegan Thompson, Stella Lima, Lynn Redford, Laurie Peck, Kalin Baraun, Deb Epps, Troy Rudderham, Melanie Hawryluk, Phil and Zoie Butler, Emma, Jeannette Whiskin, Wendy Bazant, Angie and Barri Beaulieu, Sandi Dorman, Dave and Loreen Robinson, Danielle Bluestone, Christy Foyers and Hanna, Blair Bolton, Eva Alvarez, Marcia and Bronte Gilks, Craig and Kai Hanson, Debbie Epps, Margie Sanderson, Troy and Chelsea Rudderham, Michael, Jewels and Samm Hartmann, Jeannette Whiskin. Thanks to EVERYONE...and especially those who left before we got names or whose names were missed! Thanks for your dedication… ~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 300 people SPUDS with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo November 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
We had a super busy day at SPUD this month!! We guesstimate 200 people served and we probably served about 250 lbs of potatoes, with about 75 lbs left over which were delivered to the Salvation Army. We had a ton of help; the Runners of Compassion showed up with potatoes, and all the fixings! Thanks to those that helped out despite the rainy day here in Nanaimo: Barry & Angela, Randy and Karen, Joanne and Mike, Jake Webber, Annie, Dave and Jamie Robinson, The Murrays, Michael, Sam, and Jewels Hartman, Kalen Braun, Tegan Thompson, Brad Furlan, Jody Burdett, Ken Jones, Jeanette Whiskin, Greg Scott, Steen and Kate, and Anna and Logan. We may have missed a few that left before we could get their names.but we thank all that came and helped.. Thanks for your dedication…you DO make a difference! ~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 200 people, 250 pounds of SPUDS
with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo October 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
It was a great sunny day and lots of people on both sides of the table. There were about 130 lbs of Spuds served this month and about 85 people. Thanks again to the volunteers: Wendy Bazant, Liz Laird, Ed Logan, Leanne Rains and Owen Rains, Jalissa Moody, Colin Ready, Barri and Angela Beaulieu, Randy, Karen and Jordan Carlson, Andy Kerr, Kalen Braun, Lynda Isham, Ed McDonald and Logan Gilks (who even lost one of his front teeth in the line of duty - hope the tooth fairy was good to you, Logan - Please see picture!). Thanks for your dedication…you DO make a difference!
~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 85 people, 130 pounds of SPUDS
with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo September 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
It was a GREAT SPUD here in Nanaimo despite the rainy day and a downpour! The tent was up and we managed to stay somewhat dry. The rain soaked most of the clothing but our dedicated volunteers vowed to take the clothing home to dry out for next month! Lots of people eating…AND serving! Thanks so much to Angela and Barri Beaulieu, Liz Laird, Kate, Tania and Steen Peterson, Karen and Randy Carlson, Chris and Janis Reeves, Logan Gilks, Janet McDonald, Sandi Dorman, Wendy Bazant, and Bonnie Evoy. Thanks for your dedication…you DO make a difference!
~ Ev Schmidt

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 100 people, 150 pounds of SPUDS
with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo August 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
We had an awesome SPUD in Nanaimo despite the cool temps and overcast sky. Many of our volunteers must have been out of town as there were not as many spuds there and we ran out at about 12:30pm. Most of the people that came got spuds, and we luckily found 20 extra pounds at the end that saved the day for the few people that were almost not going to get one! We served about 70 pounds to about 65 people…Thanks to those that did come out…please know that you make a huge difference in the lives of those that we are connecting with! August SPUDDERS included: Lynda and Keri Isham, Owen and Leanne Raines, Jen Jenson, Kathy Thorpe, Anna Wessell, Randy, Jordie and Karen Carlson, Sandie Dorman, Liz Laird, Christy Foyers, Kate Pederson, and Wendy Bazant… Warmly, Ev

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 65 people, 70 pounds of SPUDS
with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo July 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
Nanaimo had an AWESOME day for SPUD this JULY and we served about 60 people 90 pounds of spuds! It was sunny and hot...and lots of clothing and water was donated. That was greatly appreciated by many that would not have access to a fresh source of water! We didn't have as many people eating or volunteering as usual and I guess that shows that many are on both sides of the table are travelling or spending time elsewhere during the summer days! Thanks so much to those that came out and served the community! You DO make a difference! Volunteers for July: Kate Petersen, Liz Laird, Leon Lightfoot, Keri Isham, Own and Leanne Raines, Randy Carlson, Stella Lima and Kathy Thorpe. Warmly, Ev

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 60 people, 90 pounds of SPUDS
with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo June 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to those that came and helped out on a warm summer day in Nanaimo. We had lots of SPUDS and though the numbers of people eating were down (probably because of the heat) those that did come had a great time and lots of clothing got distributed as well. See you all in July!

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 110 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo May 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
We had an AWESOME SPUD in May! It was a bright and sunny Mother’s Day Weekend and thanks to those who took time out to come and be of service to some or our neighbours. Lots of clothing got donated and taken home as well. We had about 140 people there and all the SPUDS got eaten. (about 160 pounds) Many thanks to Liz Laird, Capt. Ed McDonald (with the Canunks Tee), Stella Lima, Karen and Randy Carlson, Luchs Keeys, Pascal LeBrun, Christy Foyers and the Realtors at Remax (for their generous clothing donation) Kate Peterson and Quentin Fraser, Bonnie Evoy and Collin Ready-Evoy, John Lukaczynski, Robin Barker, Margott Stanton, Tanya Popplestone, Carrie and Linda Isham, and anyone else whom I may have forgotten to write down…

Thank you to the Nanaimo February 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to those that came out last month and joined us February SPUD!! It was one of the BIGGEST turnouts yet! WOW…what a day that was! We had a lot of warm coats to hand out and lots of piping how SPUDS! 60 hand knitted hats were handed out and lots of warm clothing. I also took the extra money that was in the SPUD FUND and bought 10 subzero sleeping bags, socks, gloves and a couple of weatherproof warm jackets. These were given out to homeless people when the Emergency Shelter closed after our recent snow storm and they were back on the street. Looking forward to seeing you all there!!    Thanks to all for your continued support!!

Thank you to the Nanaimo January 2009 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to all those that braved the cold and somewhat rainy Saturday to hand out a lot of love and piping hot SPUDS and clothing! We had about 100 people served and about 250 pounds of potatoes!! We also had some baked goods donated and some people brought oranges and wrapped bars. Thanks to those that served or donated clothing: Wendy Bazant, Ed McDonald, Christy Foyers, Tove and Jim Gahr, Leanne Clarkson, Dillon and Kees and Audrey Luchs, The Realtors at Remax for their clothing donations, Bill and Robi Barker, Randy and Karen Carlson, Barry and Angie Beaulieau, Sandi Dorman, Susan Waters, Bonnie and Collin Evoy, Ron and Liz Laird and anyone else that I may have overlooked or left before I could get their names!!!

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 250 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins

Thank you to the Nanaimo December 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
Thanks to the many that came to help out and serve at our CHRISTMAS SPUD!!
WOOOW...what a day it was! We had over 200 people there and we had so many SPUDs that we took a whole cooler FULL of leftovers to the Sally Anne! Several stores in Nanaimo donated winter coats a few months ago and one of our volunteers stored them to hand out as Christmas gifts to people who were really in need of some warm coats!! They were so grateful to have a new coat warm coat that day…cause it sure got cold and FAST!! Lots of candy canes and oranges were given out by the kids and plenty of clothing went as well. We took 60 names of people that will have turkey dinner served to them at their homes on Christmas Day along with gift bags. This is our Holidays with Heart Program and all donations are cooked, supplied and delivered with love and compassion by people in our community that really care about others….Thanks to those that served: Bonnie Evoy, Colin Ready-Evoy, Owen and Leanne Raines, John, Sarah and Shark Loewen, Christy Foyers and Ross Ballard, Ed McDonald, Bobbie Erin and Niall Taylor, Lillian Frank, Narissa Young, Madeline Lockstead, Natasha Bartlett, Trudy Eastman, Jack Beer, Karen Carlson, Wendy Bazant, Kes and Audry Luchs, Jan Kretz, Griffin and Gord Woodward, Molly Obrien, Carrie Isham and Taylor , Lee Kneisz, Dave Rolins, Laura and Gwen Brunet, Zonna Rozano and Ev Schmidt.
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas!

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 300 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins
to about 200 people!

Thank you to the Nanaimo November 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
We had a SPUPER SPUD this month!! We even managed to hold off on the rain till we were done! Soo many people donated clothing and food as well. We ended up with 7 large buckets of sour cream from the Food Bank as they could not use it. Many many JEANS were donated by employees from the Regional District of Nanaimo! Thanks to Bev Farkas and friends there for their generous support!! They were really well received! We served over 120 people and many many pounds of piping hot SPUDS were handed out! All of them BAKED WITH LOVE!! We get so many compliments on our potatoes…and I think that is WHY! THE LOVE!! We had over 150 pounds of SPUDS that were handed out and the left overs taken to the Sally Anne. Thanks to Spudders: Liz Laird, Dave Robinson, Ed McDonald, Nance Roach, Dorothy Gibson, Karen Carlson, Carol Morgan, Leslee Smith, Chris Reeves, Carol Thompson, Pat and Denise Hogue, Susan Waters, Gerry Gibson, Jenna Stevenson, Leanne and Owen (The Baconater) Raines, Kerri Isham, Anna Jessup, Kim Maybee, Wendi Bazant, Gord Woodward, Molly Obrian, and Griffin Woodward.
and Ev Schmidt.

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 150 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins
to about 120 people!

Thank you to the Nanaimo October 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
What an AMAZING day we had as we celebrated our 5th Anniversary of bringing SPUD to Nanaimo. It was a beautiful day and we had so many people helping out. Talk about SPUDS!! We had over 300 pounds of SPUDS and there were at least 200 people there to help celebrate our amazing carrot cake (we even had them decorate the cake with potatoes!) Lots of clothing and sleeping bags that were donated were also appreciated by those in need. A big round of applause to all that attended to serve: Molly Obrien, Kim Maybee, Gord Woodward, Leanne and Owen (the Baconator) Raines, Capt. Ed McDonald, Wendy Bazsant, Dave and “ Tanner the Spanner” Robinson, Glenn and Leslee Smith, Susan Westcott, Trevor Avendor, CASS, Isobel Pearsall, Ianna and Emlyn Folkes, Nanace Roach, Tiffany Halman, Linda Isham, Liz Laird, Marie Morgan, Evelyn Provost, Madelyn Lockstad, Sue Osterman, Kate Peterson, and Ev Schmidt. Thanks! YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - Ev We are looking for many volunteers next month for SPUD Patrol - see you there!

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served about 300 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins
to about 200 people!

Thank you to the Nanaimo August 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
Thanks to all that came and helped out in our August 16th SPUD in downtown Nanaimo. We had a lot of appreciative people come and join us this month and many were really happy to receive bottled water to drink on a hot day. We ran out of SPUDS at about 1pm but there were a lot given out. We served about 150 people 200 pounds of potatoes!! Thanks again to Dave and Jamie Robinson, Marshall, Chelsea and Narissa Young, Ed McDonald, Ev Schmidt, Chris Reeves and Leanne and Owen (the Baconator) Raines. Thanks! YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - Ev We are looking for many volunteers next month for SPUD Patrol - see you there!

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served 200 SPUDS with all the fixins
to about 150 people!

Thank you to the Nanaimo JULY 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
It was another BEAUTIFUL day for SPUD in downtown Nanaimo!! We sure had alot of people helping, and eating this month. Thanks to everyone for their generosity!! We have bacon bits for the next YEAR!! Also lots of butter left over for next month. We even had some green onions to take to the Sally Ann! Some are taking SPUDS home with them and having 3 and 4 during our visit. Many have not eaten since the day before. Thanks also to all who brought bottled water. We don't realize how easy it is for us to turn the tap on and have a drink, but where do you go for a glass of water when it's hot and you live on the street? A Big thank you to Wendy Bazant, Liz Laird, Kate and Steen Peterson, Ed McDonald, Anna Wessell, Camila Surita, Narissa Young, Linda, Owen and Leanne Raines, Chris Reeves and Lynn Haley.

 The SPUD Count: This month - We served 150 pounds of SPUDS with all the fixins
to about 120 people!

Thank you to the Nanaimo JUNE 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
Hello All and thanks to those who came out and served some piping hot SPUDS in JUNE. It was a great day and lots of people came to help out and to eat. We served about 80 pounds of Spuds to about 50 people. We sure are getting lots of clothing as well. Thanks to all those that donated clothing this month that could not make it on Saturday. Thanks to to that served: Liz Laird, Dave Robinson, Stella Lima, Rajah Temple, Wendi Bazant, Capt. Ed McDonald and Anna, Blake, Ev Schmidt and Declain Wessell.

 The SPUD Count: This month - About 50 people were served about 80 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo MAY 2008 VOLUNTEERS: 
Thanks to all that came out for SPUD Patrol for the May Long Weekend! There weren't that many of us, but those that came sure had a good time!! There were a lot of people eating!! We ran out of SPUDS at about 1pm. We did the best with what we had and mostly EVERYONE that wanted a potato received one!! Lots of clothing went ti new homes as well! There were approximately 80 people there and about 100 pounds of yummy SPUDs were served!  Many thanks to Liz Laird, Stella Lima, Pauline Shewaga, Linda Isham, Lyn Haley, and Ev Schmidt.

 The SPUD Count: This month - About 80 people were served
about 100 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo APRIL 2008 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to those that braved the 13 inches of SNOW that descended upon us for our April 08 Spud!! What a shocker...glad it was already melting by the time we were serving up some piping hot potatoes! Some people did get stuck and couldn't make it...but for those that did...we sure had FUN! Thanks to Liz Laird, Melissa, Leanne and Owen (the Baconater) Rains, Kerry and Linda Isham, Roy Jeglum, Pauline Shewaga, Miroslov Kolar, and Ev Schmidt who served up 80 pounds of spuds to about 50 people. KNOW that you do make a difference!  See you next month...Ev

 The SPUD Count: This month - About 50 people were served about 80 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo MARCH 2008 VOLUNTEERS:
Hello all SPUD-ders! Thanks to those that came out for our March SPUD Patrol. It was a sunny day and we had lots of helpers, lots of new clothing and lots of people eating SPUDS! People were asking "how come our SPUDS are soooo tasty?" The answer is "They are made with LOVE!!!" We had about 120 people eating and about 140 pounds of SPUDS. Thanks to those also that made Easter special and brought down Easter goodies! See you all next month! Remember, YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Thanks for your support... Hugs, Ev

 The SPUD Count: This month - About 120 people were served!

Thank you to the Nanaimo DECEMBER 2007 VOLUNTEERS: 
Our Christmas Spud was an AMAZING DAY! We joined forces with Ilan from the Thirsty Camel (who opened his doors and fed ALL from noon till 4pm) We had some awesome food from Organic Squash Soup/Lentil to falafel pitas/various salads and even BAKLAVA for desert!! Thanks again Ilan for a GREAT DAY! They even brought soup across the street where we were set up serving SPUDS and other goodies like mandarin oranges, fresh baked cookies, and candy canes. We had the luxury of a two store front business that is being used as a gallery right now...and volunteers came and set up the whole place like a store, complete with clothing racks and tables by item! WOW...what an experience! People from all walks of town and life...just kept on coming in and bringing warm clothing, sleeping bags, warm socks and hats. Many donated to the gift bags that were put together to hand out by EDAS (Everybody Deserves a Smile) a group new to town that are working with students from some of the high schools in Nanaimo. Thanks to all the bags that were handed out on the street and and also those that were left at the store for SPUDDERS! There were so many people that donated and came to help out for this special SPUD that there are too many to list!!  I am going to send out a huge THANK YOU  to all that donated their time, their talent and their treasure to this worthy cause that allows us to connect with these Unrecognized Devas we might not get the opportunity to connect with otherwise! We served about 200 pounds of potatoes and took a whole cooler full to the Salvation Army as extras. We had a lot of people come through the Store that day...probably over 200 people!! Thanks to all the volunteers and thanks to our Spudders for another successful year! All the best to you  in 2008!! - Ev Schmidt 
  
"A human being is part of the whole, called by us the Universe; a part limited by time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something  separated from the rest, a kind of optical illusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to  affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task is to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature, and its beauty." ~ Albert Einstein

 The SPUD Count: This month - Over 200 people were served.

Thank you to the Nanaimo OCTOBER 2007 VOLUNTEERS:
It was another GREAT SPUD here in Nanaimo. The month of October saw TWO SPUD PATROL days...one was our 4th Anniversary!! We had cake and lots of goodies. There were a lot of people both eating and serving. At least 200 pounds of potatoes and 130 people eating! The second one we served up about 140 pounds of piping hot spuds (loaded) to about 70 people. This month's SPUDDERS: William and Judith Munns, Linda and Carrie Isham, Liz Laird, Bev Horne, Elise Mayar and Kristine Booth, Sharron Bertchild, Harvey Jenkins, Wendy Bazant, Threena Howes, Diane Verhiel, Deb Palmer, Mayra Buaiz, Bill Robinson, Dave and Jamie Robinson, Pauline Schewaga, Jefferson Salazar (from Costa Rica!) Stella Lima, Luce Carrier, Karin Scheiber, Barbara Davidson, Madeline Lockstead, Sue Osterman, Carol Gagne and Ev Schmidt...also anyone else that I may have missed!!
YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Thanks for your support... Hugs, Ev

The SPUD Count: This month - About 200 people were served over 340 pounds of potatoes - each a meal in itself!

Thank you to the Nanaimo SUMMER 2007 VOLUNTEERS:
We have been having a GREAT SUMMER in Nanaimo and lots of people coming out to help AND to eat those AMAZING baked potatoes that we are serving! The last Spud we did in July we served about 75 pounds of piping hot potatoes, fruit, and granola bars to about 100 people. Many are coming back for 2nds and 3rds! It seems like the numbers grow all the time. What a heart opening experience this is for me and for all those that volunteer. A GREAT experience for kids too! Many thanks to July volunteers: Stella Lima, Pat and Denise Hogue, Bev Horne, William Munns, Shawn, Niall, and Erin Jensen, Jim and Maeve, Carole Franke, Randy Dickson, Pauline Shewaga and Ev Schmidt.

The SPUD Count: This month - About 100 people were served over 75 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo MARCH, APRIL,& MAY 2007 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to all those that came out for our Spring SPUDS...and abundant DUDs! We had lots of fun, with lots of helpers...and lots of people eating and sharing! It was GREAT to see so many volunteers arriving to help out! Please know YOU make a difference!

The SPUD Count: Is always counting...so bring lots of spuds each month!!

Thank you to the Nanaimo January 2007 VOLUNTEERS:
Thanks to all those that came out for our January SPUD. It was a GREAT DAY! We had a substantial amount of money left over from our "Holidays With Heart"Turkey Drive this year, so we bought a 13 sleeping bags and some socks and flannel shirts to hand out. There were also quite a few prezzies left over so those were gratefully accepted by our monthly visitors! Lots of clothing was distributed. We served about 90 pounds of spuds!! We had about 100 people join us...and more and more volunteers are coming as well...Nanaimo is really showing how big it's heart is! Many thanks to Sue Osterman, Madeline Lockstand, Dory Miller, Luce Carrier, Michelle and Angus Ross, William Munns, Lora Johnston, Meridith Miller, Crystal Ruel, Nolan Graham, Marilyn and Guy Frith, Dave Robinson, Stella Lima and Dan, Bill Bestwick, Amanda Karyssa and Kerry Mills, and Linda Isham. I hope I didn't miss anyone that contributed or was there to help! Please know that YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

The SPUD Count: This month - About 100 people were served over 90 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo DECEMBER 2006 VOLUNTEERS:

Despite the drizzle during our Christmas Spud...we still managed to feed a lot or people...probably over 150 this time! Candy canes and mandarin oranges were the added treat for desert. 50 people received Turkey dinner, delivered to their home for Christmas Day, along with some awesome gift bags!! The community really stepped up to the plate for Christmas...we cooked 7 turkeys with all the fixin's. The money left over will go for some new sleeping bags for the next SPUD, as well as gifts for those that did not get on the dinner list! It was a fun day. We served 150 people probably 100 pounds of potatoes. Every single last one of them went!!

Thanks to those that came out this month...Cindy, Christin, and Nicke Avender, Linda Isham, Carry, Meg, Reg, Iris Gadd, Dory Miller, Merideth, Sherry and Ella Ginace, Lillin Frank, Andrea, Chris, Sharah and Georgia Lundy, Rosie Dauk, Guy Frith, Elena Collins, Susan, John, Reilley and Max Webster, Ev Schmidt and anyone that I forgot to mention (as my page was sopping wet) for a GREAT DAY!!I want to thank you all for braving the elements that many live in 24/7. Know that YOU make a difference! REMINDER: The cold weather is now upon us, so if you have warm clothes, blankets, shoes or socks, please bring them to the Winter SPUD PATROLS. Thank you! - Evelyn Schmidt

The SPUD Count: This month - About 150 people were served over 100 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo NOVEMBER 2006 VOLUNTEERS:
November was one of the BEST SPUDS EVER!! It was one of the few times in 3 years that it was POURING WITH RAIN and blowing a gale...what a TEAM WE HAD!!
AMAZING! Lots of clothing....TONS OF SPUDS AND FIXIN'S! Thanks to Shawn and Andrea for arranging a tent to stand under and have a bit of a reprieve from the torrents! Dave set up a tarp to put the clothing under...and it was a GREAT DAY!! The rain did keep away some people from coming...but those that did...were treated to a piping HOT SPUD with all the fixin's!! Many are taking them home loaded or to friends that can't make it down. Lots of clothing and blankets went too. Estimates are that there are about 150 people living on the street in Nanaimo. Thanks to those that came out this month...Dave and Jamie Robinson, Liz Laird, Stella and Don, Julia Sheffield, Dave and Janice, Lorraine, Shawn Andrea and family, Narissa, Lynn Redford, Bill Bestwick, Carlos Sperling, Dave Isham, Marting Mills, Sheryle Ginace, Melanie Haug, Suzan Briggs, Lillian Jones, Gladys Johansen, Trinty and Jack, Rosie Dauk, Angela and Cooper Teunis, and Ev Schmidt....Excuse anyone that I forgot to mention... I want to thank you all for braving the elements that many live in 24/7. Know that YOU make a difference!

The SPUD Count: This month - About 60 people were served over 80 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo OCTOBER 2006 VOLUNTEERS:
This was our 3rd Anniversary SPUD PATROL. It was FANTASTIC!!
We had so many people helping, and eating and playing!! The sun was a shining...we had a huge carrot cake with potatoes on it! We had Aunti Bobbi there making balloons with the kids! Lots of SPUDS and LOTS OF DUDS and LOTS OF FUN! What a DAY!
Many thanks to those that came out to help: William Munns, Liz Laird, Dave and Jamie Robinson, Les and Lindsay Melbon, Valma Brenton, Rosie Dauk, Lynda Isham, Kerri, Martin, Karyssa and Amanda Mills, Franscoise Moulin, Monica Rush, Kelsey Milne, Leanne Robbins, Kate and Ev Schmidt...AND Aunti BOBBI !! who was a BIG HIT with all the kids AND many of the adults! Thanks to you all...You do make a difference!

The SPUD Count: This month - About 150 people were served over 140 pounds of potatoes!

Thank you to the Nanaimo JUNE 2005 VOLUNTEERS:
We had a wonderful day for SPUD...sun and beautiful weather graced our day once again! We started out a bit slow and then...well...we had a GREAT TIME!Nanaimo served about 40 people SPUDS. We had about 70 pounds of SPUDS and took our left-overs to the Sally Ann where they were gladly received. Our clothing stores are getting up there again with the help of the Food Bank and also Lance and Deborah who donated extra clothing and Spuds this month as well.
Liz brought a huge container of ice water and that was a welcome sight for some people that were thirsty too! Thanks Liz...GREAT IDEA!Thanks to Spudders William and Judith Munns, Liz and Rocky Van Wier Pat and Denise Hogue, Pat Lebedovich and anyone else who we may have forgotten to thank!
KNOW THAT YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! - Evelyn Schmidt

The SPUD Count: This month - About 70 lbs spuds served to 40 people

The Spud Patrol Mantras:

"May all be fed, may all be loved"

Join Jeffrey, Ev and hundreds of others in Serving Potatoes to Unrecognized Devas

Our on-site coordinator of Nanaimo's SPUD Patrol:
Ev Schmidt at 250-248-5615 or by email: ev@raisingvibrations.com

"Family Feeding Family"

We're hoping this concept will spread around the world!
Pass it forward...

SPUD Patrol - Vancouver
Fan Letters

I've just seen a news story on your Spuds and Duds group. I'd just like to say, good for you. I can't see it costing very much. It’s a pity the government doesn't throw some money your way. Anyways, good on ya! - SJB

__________________________________________________________

FROM A SPUD SERVER:
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be part of SPUD PATROL. I see their mission as being Compassion in Action! My children osmotically learned so much. I know that we truly had a rich and meaningful experience. Thanks! I will be there again. You are an inspiration. L