Crisis society preps for annual auction

Times Reporter      

 

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta, and the Community Crisis Society is busy preparing for their annual charity dinner and auction, set for Nov. 2.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the society. It all began when a group of men and women met with the goal of making a positive contribution to the community. The group shared the belief that everyone should be able to live without abuse or the threat of abuse, and so the society was created, dedicated to providing shelter, counselling and referral services to survivors of abuse.

“We really try to make [the shelter] as homey as possible while they stay here, but we’re so much more than just a shelter. We run a public education program and outreach services for both adults and children. You don’t have to have stayed here to utilize our support, referrals and advocacy,” said Executive Director Karen Pease.

Pease said the Society’s services include the 25-bed shelter which includes rooms for families to stay together; a 24-hour crisis line; and services for men, although that service is currently only available in Drumheller with the hope of expanding into Strathmore. 

The annual dinner and auction on Nov. 2 will feature both a live and silent auction. Some of the items up for auction include a helicopter ride, and an autographed Calgary Stampeders jersey. Pease said there are also many beautiful, unique and useful silent auction items available. In addition, two WestJet tickets to anywhere the airline flies will be raffled off for $20 each.  Pease warns there will only be a limited number of tickets printed for the raffle. 

The goal for this year’s event is to raise $78,000, which will be used to offset operating costs and to upgrade and update some of the facility needs. 

“We are not fully funded for all of our operational needs. That’s why this event not only (raises) awareness, but it also helps us continue the level of service that we have provided,” said Pease.

The charity dinner and auction also allows the Crisis Society the chance to thank the community while letting people know what the society is up to each and every year, all while providing an evening of entertainment and good company. 

Tickets are on sale for $50 each. To purchase tickets online, go to www.strathmoreshelter.com and click on events. Anyone wishing to donate to the auction can do so by emailing crisis.society@gmail.com. 

Stay tuned for the Red Rose Campaign, which also goes in November. It’s when businesses and churches will be asked if they would like to display a rose in memory of all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.