SONJA NAGEL
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce has always prided itself on being innovative and community-focused in its fundraising efforts.
While many Chambers of Commerce traditionally hold golf tournaments, we’ve decided to take a different approach to engage our community. In 2019, we launched the first Amazing Race Cowichan, an exhilarating event that brings teams of four on a thrilling race across the Cowichan Valley. The teams follow a series of clues leading them to various local businesses, or “pitstops,” where they must complete challenges unique to each venue before moving on to the next location.
This event is far more than just a fun day out. It provides an excellent promotional opportunity for local businesses. Similar to the sponsorship model of golf tournaments, each pitstop in the Amazing Race Cowichan is sponsored by a local business. However, instead of simply having a name on a banner, this format brings participants right into the sponsors’ shops, allowing businesses to showcase their offerings in an interactive and engaging way. This hands-on exposure can be incredibly valuable for generating interest and attracting new customers.
After a longer-than-expected hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were thrilled to respond to the community’s enthusiastic requests and bring back the Amazing Race Cowichan in June 2024. The event was a resounding success, featuring a diverse array of pitstops that highlighted the unique charm and variety of our local businesses.
Participants started at the Malahat Skywalk and continued to Valley Vines to Wines, Mill Bay Marina, Arbutus RV, Valley Health and Fitness, The Original Udder Guys Ice Cream, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Live Edge Design, Style Sense Furniture, My Island Massage & Osteopathic Therapy, Old Farm Garden Centre, Red Arrow Brewing, Active Body Training and Peninsula Co-op. Thank you to all our incredible pitstops!
The race wrapped up with a lively Kick-Off the Summer BBQ at the Cowichan Golf Club, bringing everyone together in a festive atmosphere that perfectly summed up the spirit of the community.
The 2024 Amazing Race Cowichan rekindled a beloved community event and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local businesses through innovative and engaging activities. It celebrated our community’s resilience and creativity, and we’re already looking forward to the next adventure.
Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@duncancc.bc.ca