For decades, the Hi Neighbour Welcome Service has greeted newcomers to the Creston Valley — and newcomers are now being greeted by... another newcomer.
New hostess Wendy Seifert and her husband moved to Creston about six months ago, leaving High River, Alta., where their home was damaged in the 2013 flood, and the city wouldn’t allow them to move back in. She and her husband did some research online, and also considered moving to Salmon Arm or Chase.
“We like small towns, and prefer a close-knit community,” said Seifert.
The community seemed like a good fit, and the scenery was also a factor, so the couple came to town last fall. The former interior designer—she was interested all her life and had her own window covering store from 1999-2009 — started to get involved right away, joining the Creston Art Club, where she paints with watercolours and oils, and making plans to teach custom drapery at the College of the Rockies in July.
Hi Neighbour started in the Creston Valley in 1967, with sponsors such as Overwaitea Foods, the Advance and what is now Pharmasave taking part from the beginning. Greeter Marj Comm took sole responsibility for the service in 1995, with Christy Johnson taking over as hostess in 1999. When health issues earlier this year prevented Johnson from continuing, Seifert was happy to fill her shoes at the community’s official greeter.
“I really think it’s an excellent community service,” she said. “It really gives you all the information you need.”
The packages she delivers contains information on the Creston and District Community Complex and the College of the Rockies, the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce’s travel guide and flyers from a variety of non-profit organizations. For each householder Seifert greets, businesses pay $3 per to have their information included.
“The more you can give to people, the better,” she said.
And with her own community involvement, Seifert is able to offer her own perspective to newcomers.
“I’m a very social people person,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories.”
For more information, contact Wendy Seifert at 250-428-7788 or 250-977-5850.