Wheatland Shelter hosts 17th annual Harvest Dinner and Auction

Times Contributor

 

Residents from Strathmore can once again look forward to a great evening at the Strathmore Centennial Civic Centre as the Community Crisis Society (Wheatland Shelter) presents the 17th annual Harvest Dinner and Auction, Nov. 5 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The annual fundraiser is the Crisis Society’s main charitable function and has been keeping the shelter alive for its 17 years of existence. The dinner was especially depended on during its first four years of unfunded operation.

“So it started as it is now, it’s organized by our volunteers, our board of directors, and staff and volunteers in the community (who) come together and put on an evening for our Strathmore residents,” said Karen Pease, executive director of the Wheatland Shelter, who has been a part of the Crisis Society since the doors first opened. 

The Community Crisis Society, a residential shelter for victims of family violence, has been working for the community since 1993. The shelter currently has 25 beds, and is the only shelter in Alberta that takes in males fleeing from domestic violence that are with or without children. The primary usage of the shelter is by women and children. 

Donations are strongly encouraged as well as participation in the live and silent auctions. Noteworthy items being raffled off include two tickets to anywhere WestJest flies and two Christmas trees decorated by Strathmore High School and Holy Cross Collegiate. The Wheatland Shelter will also be decorating a tree that will be a part of the raffle.

Tickets are still available, and more information about the shelter and ways to donate can be found at 403-934-6634. All funds raised will be used towards providing programs and services for individuals fleeing from domestic violence. 

“We’re hoping that the community will come together and help us keep our programs going, hopefully funded for all of (our) programs,” said Pease.