Family Reunion Raises $5,000 for Rural BC Cemetery

When 150 members of the Wiggins family reunited at Miocene Community Hall near Williams Lake, British Columbia, they did more than swap stories and hug long-lost cousins. They raised over $5,000 for the Miocene Cemetery through a silent auction, turning a joyful family gathering into a gift for their entire community.

The August 15-16 reunion celebrated four generations descended from James and Mable Wiggins, who purchased homestead land in the area back in 1906. The couple raised eight children on what would become the Pioneer Ranch, creating roots that now stretch across Canada.

Family members traveled from across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to attend. Some cousins, aunts, and uncles were meeting face to face for the very first time, despite sharing great-grandparents.

The weekend included more than just catching up over meals. Families toured the old Miocene School House, built in the 1920s, with permission from the Bartley family who now care for the historic building.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about watching a family honor their past while investing in their community's future. The Wiggins family didn't just gather to remember where they came from. They came together to preserve a piece of local history that serves families beyond their own.

The silent auction funds will help maintain the Miocene Cemetery, where some of their own ancestors rest. It's a reminder that the best family reunions don't just look backward at shared history or inward at family bonds.

Local businesses and community members helped make the event special. Tiny Chef Grace from 150 Mile House prepared the reunion meal, while the Miocene Community Hall staff provided support throughout the weekend.

The gathering honored not just the eight Wiggins children who grew up on the homestead, but also two daughters who passed away young in 1909 and 1928. Four generations later, their family continues to grow and give back to the land that shaped them.