For centuries the rose has been the symbol of love, gratitude and elegance, which is why the Vancouver Island Symphony has chosen it to be the cornerstone of its largest fundraising effort.
For the past 11 years, the Symphony of Roses has brought happiness and smiles to the faces of unsuspecting recipients from Parksville-Qualicum, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island and Ladysmith while raising money for the region’s professional symphony.
This year, on March 16, volunteers will fan out across the area, delivering roses to unsuspecting friends, loved ones, business associates, neighbours, teachers and more. Each surprised recipient will receive a box of beautiful, long-lasting, colourful and premium-growth roses.
“Roses are like music and magic,” said Marianne Turley, who with husband Jim Turley of Turley’s Florist, has volunteered for and sponsored the event since its inception. “Just to watch a rose is incredible. There is magic in its opening from a bud as the many petals reach a crescendo and unfurl into a magnificent bloom. It is like the notes of a symphony brought to life by an orchestra.”
Prior to delivery of the roses, volunteers fill thousands of water tubes, then on the day before the event, take each rose, strip it of thorns and dress it ready to be placed in a box which is labelled and kept overnight in a cooler.
Last year 5,000 roses were delivered.
“Each year we have new colours and varieties,” said Turley. “This year we are introducing the choice of one or two dozen roses in a box.”
To purchase a box of roses for somebody special, please call 250-754-6344, fax 250-754-2191, fill in an order form at www.vancouverislandsymphony.com and go to ‘events’.
All orders must be placed through Turley’s Florist, 60 Terminal Ave. by March 14 at 4 p.m.
Order by Friday (March 11) and you will be eligible for one of two draws to win a dozen roses yourself. A box of 12 roses is $29.99 and a box of 24 is $52. All proceeds go directly to the Vancouver Island Symphony.