Movie under the stars

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The Children’s Wish Foundation is hosting its first, and hopefully annual, Movie Under the Stars night Aug. 9. The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society have donated the grounds and the movie will take place at the Grandstand. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 9 p.m. 

“This is our first year trying out this new event. There has never been an outdoor movie event like this in Strathmore before, so we think it will be popular with the community. We hope that this will become an annual event in the years to come,” said Leanne Pineal, a committee member helping put it together. 

“The idea of outdoor cinemas has become popular in the recent years, with many communities putting on these type of events as fundraisers for local charities and organizations,” said Kendra Armstrong, another committee member.

“The Company we are using is called, FreshAirCinema and are based out of Western Canada. They bring a giant, two storey inflatable screen to the site and set it up under the stars.  It’s a new, fresh idea that we hope will be a fun family event, and a great way to come together as a community to raise money for such a worthy cause.”

All of the funds raised from this event, the annual Jelly Bean Dance, silent auction, and Wishmakers Walk for Wishes go towards granting the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses.

“This year we are working extra hard to help grant the wish of a local Strathmore child.  She is just 3 years old, and has a Wilm’s Tumour.  Her wish is to have a trailer for her family.  Our hope is that we can come together as a community and help make this simple wish come true,” said Armstrong.

The average cost of a Wish is $10,000, and there are many children who are waiting to have wishes granted. The more money raised for the Children’s Wish Foundation means the more wishes they can help make come true. 

The event is open to all families. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. It’s free to get in, though donations will be appreciated, and there will be snacks and drinks available for sale with all proceeds going to the Children’s Wish Foundation. 

There are many benefits to sponsoring this event, including recognition, media acknowledgements, and signage at the event.  To discuss opportunities for involvement and benefits of sponsorship, please contact Christie Anderson at (403) 934-8155.