‘Big top’ coming to Strathmore

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

In a show of fun, wonder, amusement and amazement, the Wheatland Crisis Society (WCS) is bringing the “big top” to Strathmore on June 15 for their Under the Big Top spring fundraiser.
With both a family friendly daytime market and an evening cabaret, there is something for everyone to enjoy as the entertainers roll into town.
“We thought this year we would do something completely different to try to reach community members who have not attended (our fall gala) in the past,” said Carly Cole, WCS public educator. “The Under the Big Top cabaret is a way to invite more of Strathmore to get to know us and come out for a great night… additionally, it is very important for us to have a family friendly portion of the day because all of our programs include families and we really wanted to make sure we could include everyone in this event,” she said.
The WCS was incorporated in 1992 and since then has been committed to providing services to women experiencing domestic violence of all forms. They are also one of only a handful of abuse shelters in Canada that will also accept and provide services to men and gender diverse individuals, with or without children. They provide short term emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing abuse, food, clothing, crisis counselling, referral and advocacy along with outreach services and education on healthy relationships and domestic violence in both Strathmore and surrounding communities.
“We are proud to operate one of the most inclusive shelters in Canada today,” said Cole.
Although most funding for ensuring stability for operational activities comes from the provincial government, there is an approximate $200,000 a year shortfall in funds required to sustain current programs and services, such as purchasing a variety of essentials for shelter users and providing transportation.
“We are bringing top-end performers and entertainment out to Strathmore not only to raise funds, but to encourage everyone to get out on a Saturday night and have a good time connecting with friends and family and being able to feel good about it,” said Cole, who added they hope to raise $60,000 and to create increased awareness about the work the society does.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a family friendly market will be held behind the Strathmore Civic Centre with a $5 entry fee per adult and children under 10 free. The entry fee will be donated to WCS programs and will include access to the market featuring vendors, a large kids zone with carnival games, entertainment, joy of poi and hula workshops along with pony rides and food trucks serving up circus favourites.
For the evening cabaret, the Civic Centre will be transformed into an unforgettable evening with stilt walkers, roaming circus performers, poi artists, tableside magicians and the group Contraband for entertainment all night long. There will also be a silent auction and raffles with some large prizes up for bid. Tickets are $70 each and available to order now on Eventbrite.com with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards WCS programs and services. Tickets for a reserved table of 10 can also be purchased for $700.
The bar service proceeds from the evening will support both WCS programs and also the Support, Teach, Advocate, Nourish, Dare (S.T.A.N.D.) foundation which helps support victims of sexual assault in Strathmore and surrounding area.
Last year, the WCS supported 304 people in the shelter but unfortunately had to turn away 198 adults and 57 children due to space shortages, but worked hard to find alternative safe accommodation options.
The WCS is currently working on a business model to offer Strathmore and area a second-stage shelter where families will be supported in their own subsidized apartments – WCS’s next goal and something that fundraisers such as this one will help get off the ground to bring to Strathmore.
“We are able to support so many people in starting out in a new life… we invite everyone to come out to our fundraising event not only to support the shelter with the purchase of a table or ticket, but also to enjoy entertainment that as a community we don’t often get to see,” said Cole. She added the purchase of two tables at the evening cabaret raises enough funds to provide nutritious meals for the entire shelter for up to a month.
“Grab your family and friends and reserve a table to help those experiencing abuse today.”