Rainmakers Now
An initiative of the Rainmakers Interact Club
Charles Hays Secondary School, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

The Story of Rainmakers Now

When the government of British Columbia announced health orders to curtail the spread of COVID-19, life changed quickly. Families isolated. Schools closed. Businesses disinfected doorknobs. New expressions became commonplace: social distancing, mask mandates, Zoom invites.

In Prince Rupert, on B.C.'s north coast, representatives of the high school Interact Club gathered in the lobby of the Lester Centre of the Arts for an impromptu meeting. The student-led service organization, run under the auspices of the city's Rotary Club, was barely a year old. There was an urgent sense among its teenaged members that they should do something to support the community as it grappled with imminent restrictions.

What was conceived that afternoon — an informational web broadcast — was launched that night and would ultimately run continuously over 100 daily episodes. It took its name from the school's celebrated sports teams, the Rainmakers.

The show became a creative community for students grappling with the seclusion of distance education. It linked Prince Rupert residents to vital facts and youthful optimism. As the public turned inward, Rainmakers Now presenters reached outward. They interviewed entrepreneurs and political leaders, connected with other Interact clubs, and shared their zeal for culture, food and sport.

Preserved here, Rainmakers Now is ultimately a rollicking history of a small Canadian population in the pandemic's early, tenebrous days. With courage and charisma, Rainmakers used the power of imagination to countermand the darkness.

Episode Archive

Xmas Special: Dec 25, 2020

The Rainmakers Now stars reunite for a very special Christmas episode, ruminating on a year of pandemic-triggered change while offering hope for the future.

Episode 100: June 26, 2020

Andy's stack of hats becomes a metaphor for the show's depth and diversity. Executive Producer Michael Gurney reveals how a vision became reality. Everyone reflects.

Episode 99: June 25, 2020

Carsen acknowledges BC's other Interact clubs. Northern Health's Deanna Hembroff manages infection prevention. Sam's novel picks cover dimensions, hockey and Tessla.

Episode 98: June 24, 2020

David sports Portuguese colours to cheer on the Porto football club. Arts Council booster Dawn Quast promotes creativity. North Vancouver students share Interact exploits.

Episode 97: June 23, 2020

Catherine provides a halftime summary of Rainmakers highlights. Teacher Kelli Clifton shares Tsimshian culture in art and words. Brendan's object lesson goes the distance.

Episode 96: June 22, 2020

Aidan reads of siblings scavenging language. Leanne Enns of Ocean Pearl Promotions and Event Planning meets challenges head-on. Andy demonstrates his passion for cubism.

Episode 95: June 21, 2020

Sam's final Household Harmonies is a family affair. Judy and Carver Carlick-Pearson of West Coast Best Coast Designs roll up their sleeves. Claire serenades the moon.

Episode 94: June 20, 2020

Foregoing Fortnite, Sam sets up the show. April Link of the North Coast Transition Society describes its essential social support systems. Catherine reflects on Richmond.

Episode 93: June 19, 2020

Avery selects three Scarry stories. Ella Ferland of Spectrum City Dance plans to land on her feet after the studio's COVID-19 closure. David spots rising stars of soccer.

Episode 92: June 18, 2020

Faith celebrates Interact clubs in Powell River and Quesnel. Music teacher Kristy Tillman keeps students in tune with learning. Carsen reviews his Rising Stars initiative.

Episode 91: June 17, 2020

Vanessa's announcements include an offer of free book delivery. Acting superintendent Sandra Jones calls school district staff a class act. Royce decodes volunteerism.

Episode 90: June 16, 2020

Kellan is on location in Ladysmith to list the best of 1990s cinema. David Armstrong fields questions from Claire about varsity soccer. Andy presents his passion project.

Episode 89: June 15, 2020

Scott introduces the first of five talks by students mentored by local businesspeople. Catherine connects with Roberta Edzerza of SD 52's Aboriginal Education Department.

Episode 88: June 14, 2020

Andy delivers a pickle polemic. Faith interviews Sanjiv Sharma of Eddie's News on protecting commerce and customers. Sam drums up community musical memories.

Episode 87: June 13, 2020

Viewer feedback makes Royce nostalgic for narration. Brendan and David deliver a valedictorian address for the Class of 2020. Aidan concludes a canine cacophony.

Episode 86: June 12, 2020

Claire deciphers the longboard. Nathan Randall reveals what's brewing in the North Coast Innovation Lab. Faith focuses on a web show. Andy tangles with the tassel.

Episode 85: June 11, 2020

Catherine connects with Kathy Nguyen, a massage therapist in training. Carsen races by with dill pickles in abundance. David has advice for well-wishers of this year's grads.

Episode 84: June 10, 2020

Brendan suggests Sm'algyax survival phrases. Aidan talks with Pam Groves, the architect of School District 52 mental health challenges. Catherine chases a missing hat.

Episode 83: June 9, 2020

David braves the rain to spread soccer skills. Music educator Sheryl Proskiw hits all the right notes with piano instruction at a safe distance. Kellan tells a tale of transformation.

Episode 82: June 8, 2020

Aidan voices an inquisitive child. Adam El Bissar of Drift Sports Apparel chronicles the highs and lows of pandemic retail. Kellan's tunes range from The King to The Cars.

Episode 81: June 7, 2020

Sam's bucket list includes street drumming. Pastor Derry Bott of the United Church finds joy in helping others. Catherine takes a hike. Andy heeds doctors' tips and wears a mask.

Episode 80: June 6, 2020

Sam recollects trends of the 1980s; Kellan touts the decade's film hits. Jim Martin and the Lions Club are still serving despite restrictions. Catherine reads about frogs.

Episode 79: June 5, 2020

Faith's memes strike some hopeful chords. Catherine gets insight into Alert Bay from its chief administrator, Lyle McNish. Brendan peruses his playlist and Kellan rolls in.

Episode 78: June 4, 2020

Royce introduces an episode featuring a poolside interview with probation officer Frank Morven. David reflects on his global travels. Faith ventures a return to school.

Episode 77: June 3, 2020

Andy analyzes key public announcements. Joyce Xie, a science undergraduate student, describes conditions in Kelowna. Faith belts showtunes. Brendan extends greetings.

Episode 76: June 2, 2020

Claire contemplates viewer comments. Avery checks up with Dr. Santa Ono of UBC about the university's pandemic response. Royce reviews the Google Stadia platform.

Episode 75: June 1, 2020

Carsen outlines show highlights. Andrew Samoil of School District 52 describes innovation in unforeseen circumstances. Sam promotes productivity for pupils.

Episode 74: May 31, 2020

Avery is assigned to the music beat. Sheila McDonald of the Prince Rupert Seniors Centre shares its services. Catherine reads about a grizzly sleepover. Sam goes bongo.

Episode 73: May 30, 2020

With high-energy promos, Owen orients our audience. Lori Hamar of UVic explains the Raven Tales Revival initiative. Faith mulls musical discoveries and Sam covers books.

Episode 72: May 29, 2020

David rebounds after scrapes and dental surgery. Sole proprietor Heather Snow marks 16 years of fish shop Bob's on the Rocks. Kellan presents Peppers and a Piano Man.

Episode 71: May 28, 2020

Catherine grills Patty Barki of Patty's Burger Wagon about how COVID-19 flipped her business to the back burner. Aidan goes head-over-heels for trampoline tricks.

Episode 70: May 27, 2020

Kellan projects strengths of 1970s cinema. Patrick Witwicki's francophone society keeps French education flowing for kids. Brendan puts his stamp on forms of address.

Episode 69: May 26, 2020

A well-manicured Aidan opens the show. Margo Murphy recalls crossing borders in the pandemic's early days. Avery flexes his green thumbs and Sam empties his nest.

Episode 68: May 25, 2020

Vanessa draws attention to literacy and wellbeing initiatives. Bev Killbery of the Special Events Society rolls out a (virtual) parade. Avery stalks through the garden.

Episode 67: May 24, 2020

Brendan wrings information about COVID-19 response from Hartley Bay's band manager, Teresa Robinson. Sam fuses fashion and familiar rhythms. Aidan racks up a pool win.

Episode 66: May 23, 2020

Faith casts an eye over audience feedback. David keeps questioning the Port Authority's Ken Veldman. Kellan argues for Tarantino's appeal. Vanessa predicts what's to come.

Episode 65: May 22, 2020

Sam leafs through viewer comments. Ken Veldman and the Prince Rupert Port Authority weather rough waters. Checking the rearview mirror, Owen reviews 'Cars'.

Episode 64: May 21, 2020

Aidan dives into pool. Author Rudy Kelly tells Andy about the journey to his debut novel, 'All Native'. Brendan names names. Faith outsources joke-telling to Google Home.

Episode 63: May 20, 2020

Avery grins and bears the latest community announcements. Tree trimmer Vern Barker embraces his work, which is looking up. Faith grills cheese. Kellan lists his fave flicks.

Episode 62: May 19, 2020

Royce recommends Terraria after tallying 733 hours in the game. Vice Principal Aja Lihou outlines Grad 2020. Faith uncovers a turtle babysitter. Andy's Yoda loses its head.

Episode 61: May 18, 2020

Sam sips tea in honour of Victoria Day. Andy Chugh is interviewed about a manuscript in progress. Catherine takes wonton preparation in-hand. Vanessa sums it all up.

Episode 60: May 17, 2020

Catherine sports tie-dyed apparel for an episode inspired by the Sixties. Erik Langille, a third-year engineering student, recounts how UBC is reacting to the pandemic.

Episode 59: May 16, 2020

Andy returns to the Hundred Acre Wood. Dwain MacNeill steers Entire Automotive into new realities for business. Sam lets loose with a second salvo of viewer limericks.

Episode 58: May 15, 2020

Kellan embraces Nirvana. Janet Song of the Chamber of Commerce sells Aidan on shopping local. Carsen has story time covered. Owen's visual effects go sky-high.

Episode 57: May 14, 2020

Catherine celebrates serial service in Prince George with its Interact Club president, Qais Kahn. Owen reveals movie magic. David goes father afield and Carsen's on the rocks.

Episode 56: May 13, 2020

Faith opens a show that includes an interview with MLA Jennifer Rice. Owen really gets Frozen. Catherine assembles fruit cocktails from rainbow-hued ingredients.

Episode 55: May 12, 2020

Owen throws light on limericks. Justin Kohlman, the president of Coast Mountain College, tells Catherine how the school has adjusted course. David lounges lakeside.

Episode 54: May 11, 2020

Vanessa underlines public announcements. Danielle Dueck and Brendan Turner tiptoe through online teaching. Lunch is served by the Lorettes. Kellan dodges meatballs.

Episode 53: May 10, 2020

David and others mark Mother's Day. Avery chats with Kanaeta Daigle about her return from an exchange trip to Taiwan. Sam samples iconic drum solos. Turtles wrestle.

Episode 52: May 9, 2020

Avery retrospects a show featuring Frances Riley of The Argosy, interviewed by Faith. David's smoothies show mixed reuslts. Brendan and Andy prep for warmer weather.

Episode 51: May 8, 2020

Aidan is on the lookout for extraterrestrials from Area 51. Innovation at Rupert Lawn and Garden is rooted in Sheri Pringle's business acumen. Alien movies are in Kellan's orbit.

Episode 50: May 7, 2020

Pia returns with important PSAs. Prompted by Andy, Mayor Lee Brain chronicles two months of municipal pandemic management. Bloopers reveal life behind the scenes.

Episode 49: May 6, 2020

Sam sails in with Rupert's Sea Cadets. David tracks the Rising Stars business mentorship program with its coordinator Scott Langille. Brendan goes online. Faith hunts monsters.

Episode 48: May 5, 2020

David has a field day rating NFL trades. Skylar Moore of the Chatelech Interact Club reflects on isolation and service in Sechelt. Teresa brews a lip-smacking libation.

Episode 47: May 4, 2020

On Star Wars Day, Kellan traverses a galaxy far, far away. Lexie Stephens of NCIL inducts a cohort of innovative grad students. Faith serves memes al fresco. Andy's all at sea.

Episode 46: May 3, 2020

Sam stickhandles his way through a drumkit tour. Karen Basso of Quadra Travel goes the distance for stalled globetrotters. David and his mom whip up sugary, shapely treats.

Episode 45: May 2, 2020

Ciara from the Caledonia Interact Club lists her five loves of learning. David interviews Lynh Vo, an elementary education assistant, about teaching kids of essential workers.

Episode 44: May 1, 2020

Royce rounds up digital diversions for long-dormant gamers. Rotarian Tanya Hall's story stretches from a student exchange to global leadership. Carsen considers karaoke.

Episode 43: April 30, 2020

Faith scrounges ingredients for scones. Christa Simonds of Toastmasters extols online oratory. Andy weaves a macabre tale. David demonstrates web meeting etiquette.

Episode 42: April 29, 2020

Brendan deconstructs Sm'algyax grammar. Carol Bulford of Advantage Print & Design is feeling pressed by an economy in shutdown. Catherine digs into city announcements.

Episode 41: April 28, 2020

Wit from Andy caps off critical info. Faith checks into the hotel industry with Cindy Warren, manager of Inn on the Harbour. David puts art history out to pasture.

Episode 40: April 27, 2020

Catherine brims with anticipation of this hat-filled episode. Victoria writer Zoe Mathers muses on creativity. Miyuki of the Whistler Interact Club inspires with musical passion.

Episode 39: April 26, 2020

Carsen, cool as a cucumber, rates a high-octane police comedy. Carpenter Meghann Barsalou frames how the trade sector's been disrupted. Catherine shakes up smoothies.

Episode 38: April 25, 2020

Aidan flips for home fitness. Ally Howard of the Isfeld Interact Club updates Avery on conditions in Comox. David takes a hike. There's something fishy about Andy's hat.

Episode 37: April 24, 2020

David makes a toss and takes a plunge. Aidan Murphy-Morven reflects on the purpose of the Interact Club. Sam surveys his instruments. Kellan analyzes great TV.

Episode 36: April 23, 2020

Alan and Catherine spin up their lion dancing technique. Trainer Julian Mar describes what it means to put his lions on pause. Ladysmith Interact Club members volunteer virtually.

Episode 35: April 22, 2020

Avery chooses a Dr. Seuss ideal for self-isolation. Catherine presses fitness trainer Linda Nguyen on how COVID-19 changed her workouts. Andy soars and David drafts.

Episode 34: April 21, 2020

Eilis (from the Gibsons Interact club) finesses focaccia. Chef Dai Fukasaku revels in blending strengths with other restaurants. Carsen devoures Netflix—and pickles.

Episode 33: April 20, 2020

Royce introduces an episode that invites perspective from Miyuki Yamaguchi Espada of the Whistler Interact Club. Brendan renders body parts. Faith's memes get dark.

Episode 32: April 19, 2020

Sam coaxes melodies from an heirloom concertina. Faith reads a childhood classic. Eilis Mackenzie from Gibsons describes Interact service on the Sunshine Coast.

Episode 31: April 18, 2020

Faith converses with student leaders of the Interact Club in Ladysmith, BC. Avery recommends three books for self-isolating literati. Aidan has advice for a sound sleep.

Episode 30: April 17, 2020

Kellan conveys key announcements. Nick Fox, President of Prince Rupert Grain, relates how PRG keeps essential agricultural exports moving. The Hat Man returns.

Episode 29: April 16, 2020

David lists up-and-comers in pro football. Andy quizzes Ceilidh Marlow of Tourism Prince Rupert about how it's keeping visitors at bay. Royce unpacks risks of Zoom.

Episode 28: April 15, 2020

Mason shares his passion for Taekwondo. Ciara de Medeiros, co-president of the Caledeonia Interact Club, describes the situation in Terrace. Faith nuzzles a canine.

Episode 27: April 14, 2020

Andy's love of Lego is over the moon. Pia interviews David Walraven, a clinical counsellor, about managing stress and sleep. Aidan demonstrates a ballet warmup.

Episode 26: April 13, 2020

Catherine's in the woods to introduce a show featuring Sean Carlson of the Kaien Trails society, which leads efforts to expand trail networks. Avery sparks joy by cleaning.

Episode 25: April 12, 2020

Tables are turned in Carsen's interview with Chrys Thompson about transforming tutoring services. Catherine teaches tap. Royce hunts digital Easter eggs in Minecraft.

Episode 24: April 11, 2020

Aidan's siblings promote the show. Catherine is "en face" with dance instructor Alison Sherman to hear what steps isolated pupils are taking. Kellan dissects movie classics.

Episode 23: April 10, 2020

Faith concocts homemade pasta. Fishing charter owner Dave Eng tackles local operators' decision to suspend operations for safety. Our wardrobe budget balloons.

Episode 22: April 9, 2020

Tropical Dave radiates his sunny disposition. Chris Armstrong of CityWest tells Aidan how the telecom is staying safe as it keeps clients connected. Tigers abound.

Episode 21: April 8, 2020

Avery completes the Curious George saga. Life coach Kate Toye muses on mindfulness and mind-body integrity in stressful times. Sam and his dad perform a percussive duet.

Episode 20: April 7, 2020

Alison expresses gratitude. Royce queries Marko Kessler about keeping municipal I.T. networks running in a pandemic. David celebrates great moments in football.

Episode 19: April 6, 2020

Aidan articulates viewer feedback. Craig Hilton of Pembina's propane terminal shares how COVID-19 affects its construction and exports. Royce enthuses about shoes.

Episode 18: April 5, 2020

Scott highlights pros and cons of Zoom web conferencing. Pastor Alex Hogendoorn re-imagines Easter celebrations in conversation with Carsen. Kellan shines a light on films.

Episode 17: April 4, 2020

Brendan translates roe on kelp. David talks with restauranteur Paul Minhas about COVID-19's impact on the dining industry. Faith proposes four acts of kindness.

Episode 16: April 3, 2020

Catherine shares regional service announcements. Carsen chats with Hans Seidemann, director of a major musical. Alison shuffles in with family card games.

Episode 15: April 2, 2020

Aidan talks tourism with B & B owner Andrea Pollock. Catherine explains new realities of school life. Sam plays a squeezebox and Doctor Love returns.

Episode 14: April 1, 2020

Andy shares tools for online learning. Sam masters the melodica. Bob Killbery has the whole world in his hands.

Episode 13: March 31, 2020

Faith anchors an episode offering views on the real estate market from realtor Michal Sluka. Rebecca checks in from Germany. Aidan throws down a dance challenge.

Episode 12: March 30, 2020

Pia breaks down viewer comments. CBC's Matthew Allen describes to Aidan the challenges of gathering news when guarding against infection. David channels Julia Child.

Episode 11: March 29, 2020

Kellan proposes worthwhile movies. Pastor Diana Edis tells Pia how local Lutherans are making the leap to online worship. Dr. Love checks in. Avery reads The Little Red Hen.

Episode 10: March 28, 2020

Carsen dashes off some tips for runners. David bends it like Shannon Lough, whose online yoga instruction is flourishing. Andy recommends apps for brainy students.

Episode 9: March 27, 2020

David reports on weather in Monaco. Rob Gruber of Good Times Games & Electronics adapts. Catherine seeks help for seniors. Sam coaxes rhythm out of pots and pans.

Episode 8: March 26, 2020

Alan gives a first-hand account of first-year university cut short. Joey Jack from BC's North Coast Constituency Office talks politics and comedy. Carsen devours pickles.

Episode 7: March 25, 2020

Rebecca reports on a sudden end to her youth exchange. Lori Wilson, Rotary Club president, sees parallels beween COVID-19 and the fight against polio. Faith TikToks.

Episode 6: March 24, 2020

Aidan finds meaning in a book by Viktor Frankl, while his cousin, City Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven, explains the municipal state of emergency. Andy's opinions surface.

Episode 5: March 23, 2020

Sam magicks melodies out of glassware. MP Taylor Bachrach has late-breaking news from Ottawa. Catherine lists local takeout options. Carsen conjectures about emojis.

Episode 4: March 22, 2020

Brendan provides historical perspective from Hartley Bay. Educator Nancy Griffith-Zahner celebrates generosity. Avery tells a kids' tale about straw, sticks and steadfastness.

Episode 3: March 21, 2020

Catherine has the buzz for bus riders. Andy probes high school principal Sandy Pond about what classes will look like after Spring Break. David snacks on a charcuterie platter.

Episode 2: March 20, 2020

Royce transmits tech tips for home offices. Pia quizzes Anthony Yecyec of the Rupert Chamber of Commerce about economic aid. Aidan demonstrates workout routines.

Episode 1: March 19, 2020

As COVID-19 goes viral, so do the memes carefully curated by Faith. David and Aidan declare the pandemic will be televised. Pia keeps safety in mind. Avery's here for kids.

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