Pregnancy Care Centre prepares for annual fundraiser

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

The Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre remains confident that their annual fundraiser will achieve financial contributions similar to previous years that amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for their centres, including Strathmore, despite a cash-strapped economy.
Last year, the fundraising banquet raised just under $150,000, making up a large chunk of the non-profit organization’s $1 million budget, which is completely comprised of donations.
But as the economy struggles and society is feeling the impact, the centre remains optimistic for a strong financial boost and ongoing support.
“We’ve been doing this for so many years that you’re always concerned, but we’re not worried,” said Jill Kulhawy, communication director with the Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre. “We’ve had a really good response to the banquet. When everyone is going through difficult issues financially, so are our clients and they’re aware of that and people step up to the plate. Some people aren’t able to give as much this year but other people will take their place. There’s always a concern but we have lots of people that really believe in what we do and help us through these difficult times.”
For the past 30 years, individuals, churches, and business contributions aided in funding the operation of three centres – two Calgary centres and one in Strathmore – that attract roughly 800 new clients a year. While still in its infancy, the one-and-a-half-year-old Strathmore Pregnancy Care Centre, which is funded entirely through the various fundraising efforts, expects to have greater involvement in raising funds next year.
“Hopefully next year or even in the spring, we’ve been talking about maybe doing a banquet out here to bring more attention to the Strathmore Centre,” said Jennifer Page, program coordinator for the Strathmore Pregnancy Care Centre.
“Those details are still in the works. We hope that through stories, through people talking to each other, if it’s volunteer or staff members, if they feel drawn to donate, we don’t ask for a specific number, it’s just whatever people would like to donate at this time.”
Since 1985, the non-profit agency has provided assistance to those facing abortion, adoption or parenting. While the banquet is the organization’s largest fundraising event, numerous efforts were present throughout the year – including the Baby Bottle Campaign that raised $135,000 this year alone. A new banquet, A Date with Dignity, will also come to fruition in the spring to ensure the centres’ future success.
“It just takes a while for people to understand us, hear about us, and learn to trust us,” Kulhawy said. “Some of these clients have been coming to see us for years, because we don’t just believe in helping them throughout the pregnancy, but also as they’re raising their children and moving onwards. They become friends and build relationships.”
The fundraising banquet is free to attend and will involve a dinner, live music, speeches from two clients, volunteers, donors, and the executive director. The banquet will be held on Oct. 29 at the Red and White Club in Calgary at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.pregcare.com.