Strathmore shelter reaches milestone

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

The Wheatland Crisis Society’s (WCS) annual fall gala event is serving a dual purpose this year, as the non-profit organization commemorates 25 years with an entertainment-filled evening – one that garnered much attention and is now leading people to consider adding their names to the waiting list.
The sold-out event will host 220 guests for an evening filled with live music, storytelling, raffles, auctions, and a harvest dinner.
As the organization raised $30,500 last year, the turnout thus far would suggest this year’s goal of $50,000 may be attainable.
“I have seen some of the statistics from 25 years and how many people have been served in this community but also surrounding communities, so between Calgary and Brooks, we’re it,” said Carly Cole, public educator and member of the WCS Fall Fundraising Committee.
“You can see the change in people and the safety they feel in coming here and the relief it can be for them. If we weren’t here, Calgary would be the option and I know for a lot of people if you’re not from a big city it can be really overwhelming to have to go to one. I think that’s another key component to it … it’s just so necessary.”
The society receives some funding from the government to cover bare necessities such as staff wages. However, to keep the lights running, warm water flowing, repairs to the building, new toys for the children area, bedding, and programming, the non-profit organization relies on fundraising. This year, WCS was excited to announce the Strathmore Elks Lodge #491 involvement of taking on the sole sponsorship of $5,000.
Having been in operation for a quarter of a century, and being the only abuse shelter in Strathmore, staff members decided to involve as many past board members and volunteers as possible.
“We’re really working hard to have those people come out and support the event and looking back at our history we felt it was important to include as many people that had to do with the history, that we could,” said Cole.
This year’s raffles will include a $1,000 Air Canada gift card, a 65 inch LG smart TV and over 40 items for the silent auction.
The 25th Anniversary Fall Gala is taking place on Oct. 28 at the Strathmore Travelodge from 5 to 9:30 p.m. For more information visit www.strathmoreshelter.com.