Geoff Bourdon Handcrafts Teal Sapphire Ring for Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation
Geoff Bourdon has designed an 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring a teal sapphire and champagne diamonds as the 2026 annual raffle prize supporting the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation. The piece is valued at $9,900, with proceeds directed toward medical equipment purchases for Cariboo Memorial Hospital.
Thirty Hours of Fabrication and Four Generations of Community History
The owner of Woodland Jewellers spent about 30 hours fabricating the ring, which includes gold he mixed himself. Months of advance work went into the design process. “I normally always start with the gemstone,” Geoff Bourdon stated, explaining that the shape of the setting reflects the cut of the teal sapphire while the champagne diamonds bring out its green and teal hues. Each annual raffle piece since 2009 has been unique.
The family business dates back to 1933 when E.G. Tony Woodland brought his watch maker skills to Williams Lake. Geoff Bourdon noted family ties to the hospital spanning four generations, including his grandfather Ralph Woodland, aunt Cindy Watt, and mother Brenda Bourdon. “My grandparents had stories as kids being there and their job to keep the fire going in the wood stove at the hospital, so there’s some sentiment on our side for the history that’s in it as well as we use it,” Geoff Bourdon said.
Two Hundred Thousand Dollar Milestone and Ticket Sales Details
Since 2009, the annual raffle initiative has raised $190,000 for the not-for-profit foundation. “If we sell out the tickets we’re going to break over the $200,000 mark for fundraisers,” manager and bookkeeper Kendal Bourdon said.
A total of 600 tickets are available at $20 each under BC Gaming Licence No. 177169, offering a 1 in 600 chance of winning. Participants must be B.C. residents aged 19 or older. The ring is on display at Woodland Jewellers, located at 150 Oliver Street in downtown Williams Lake, from Tuesday through Saturday until Nov. 21. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the store at 250-392-5423 or via Facebook message to arrange an e-transfer.
Gala Draw Scheduled for November 21 in Williams Lake
The winning ticket will be drawn at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, during the “Greatest Show On Earth” themed Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala at Sacred Heart Hall, located at 455 Pigeon Ave. Ticket holders are not required to be present at the gala to win.
