亚洲天堂 Lake resident Barbara Durban Wilson, once again returned to support the ALS Society of BC during the 78th Annual Lakes District Fall Fair, from September 6 to 8.

This year, Wilson presented and sold her new collection of mouth-painted cards titled 鈥楤irch Trees & One Cherry Tree.鈥�

All proceeds from card sales will benefit the ALS Society of BC. Attendees also had  the chance to create their own buttons and experience mouth painting firsthand.

This event marks Wilson鈥檚 sixth card fundraiser, through which she has raised thousands of dollars for the Society.

Additionally, a recent raffle organized by the 亚洲天堂 Lake community raised nearly $2,300. The raffle featured a signature purple-themed quilt, handcrafted by Jenny Pirie, and an original framed artwork painted by Wilson. Gordon Shanks won the quilt, while Jill Marsh of Victoria received the painting.

Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2016, Wilson has been an outspoken advocate for ALS research and support.

She believes ALS is underfunded and has focused her efforts on fundraising for a research project at the University of British Columbia.

Wilson started fundraising after seeing the significant help provided by the ALS Society of BC, including equipment loans for patients.

鈥淚 was compelled to help out,鈥� Wilson said.

Despite losing motor skills, Wilson has continued to create art using mouth painting, adapting her techniques as her physical abilities have changed.

Her paintings this year celebrate her love for nature. 鈥淚 love painting trees,鈥� she said, 鈥渁dding each painting takes multiple hours, depending on my neck strength.鈥� Wilson has learned various techniques since she began mouth painting, adapting as her neck and face weakened.

Looking forward to the Fall Fair, Wilson said, 鈥淚 want to get there early enough to buy a peach pie.鈥�

She also expressed her gratitude to the community, saying, 鈥淭hank you to everyone in the community who has bought my cards and raffle tickets for the quilts made by Jenny Pirie.鈥�