With one successful Canadian Forces appreciation night under her belt, Gina Savard is ready to make it an annual Langford tradition.

Savard, wife of a navy clearance diver based in Colwood, is hosting her second military appreciation event Nov. 9 at Everything Wine in Millstream Village, where she is a tasting bar captain.

Last year the free, inaugural event attracted hundreds of serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their spouses. Again this year, local businesses didn’t hesitate to donate all they could. Singer Maria Manna also returns this year as the featured entertainment.

“By the good grace of donors we are doing this,” Savard said. “Everyone has stepped up. Everyone wants to do something for the military.”

Local businesses have been so generous, the event has more grand prize giveaways than smaller gifts. With tea at the Empress hotel, free stays at the Hotel Grand Pacific and free stays and golf at Bear Mountain, for instance, “the prizes aren’t small potatoes,” she said.

Savard created the event to show appreciation for military members and their families, but also as a way not to dwell on her husband’s tour in Afghanistan last year. Military members are separated from their loved ones for long periods, and all should be recognized for their sacrifice, she said.

“More and more it’s coming to light the sacrifice of the men and women abroad and those that stay behind to keep things going,” Savard said. “It was so gratifying for people to come out and enjoy the evening. I knew from that moment we’d make it an annual event.”

Savard said military wives or girlfriends with spouses abroad especially appreciated the event. “Spouses have a hard time, they find it hard to come out to military events,” she said. “But so many are excited and look forward to being here with the the support of their peers.”

The Canadian Forces appreciation evening welcomes serving and retired Canadian Forces members, their significant others and adult children. The free event includes food, drinks, entertainment and prize draws, on Nov. 9, 6 to 9 p.m. at Everything Wine, 131-2401C Millstream Rd.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com