Crisis gala returns

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The annual Community Crisis Society Harvest Gala and Auction returns on Nov. 1. November is also the beginning of National Family Violence Prevention Month.
This year marks 21 years for the event, which fundraises to provide for the women, children, and sometimes men, that come through the shelter doors. With the almost daily reports of deaths of innocent victims and arrests of prominent sports figures due to domestic violence staff at the shelter know that their work is just as important than ever.
“It’s continuing. People are still dying in Alberta, and Alberta has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Canada so I think it’s important that there are services and a safe place for families to teach them how to keep safe, and to support them,” said executive Director Karen Pease.
“We really believe in helping the whole family, we work with perpetrators, we work with victims, and we work with children.”
Some of the familiar and favourite items are back for the raffle this year like the helicopter ride, Flames tickets, and a handmade quilt. This year there are also more experience related items – a wine tasting for two in Calgary, skiing in Canmore and restaurant and hotel tickets. There are also a number of surprise items that will be announced the night of the event.
“We have some of the old favourites, and of course the cream can,” said Pease.
“We got a cream can donated to us and every year someone bids for the right to put it in their place of business. It’s usually one of the highest bided items at our auction and people usually collect money for us throughout the year, so it has become a tradition.
“The cream can almost looks like the Stanley Cup, it’s getting plastered with who’s donated and the amount they brought in, so it’s a pretty cool item. We’re really proud of that tradition and that we’ve continued it.”
Over the years the cream can has gotten around, it’s been in doctor’s offices, lawyer’s offices, and last year was at Global Training Centre. Many other businesses have also won the cream can and displayed it over the years.
The Harvest Gala and Auction will be held at the Travelodge this year. The society plans to unveil how previous donations have helped with a backyard makeover at the shelter. It will be a peaceful and fun environment for the families. Tickets are $60 per person and available online at www.strathmoreshelter.com. Anyone wishing to support but unable to attend, can also make a donation using the same link. More details about the event are also available on the website under the How to Help/Events page. Proceeds from the evening will be used to help families impacted by family violence.