What’s happening?
The 11th annual fundraiser for the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition is taking place on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St.
Tell me more:
The theme of Homelessness Action Week 2018 is “in an ideal world, you are my neighbour.” Organizers invite you to contemplate this idea while enjoying an evening with old and new friends and acquaintances. The evening includes live music, guest speakers and more.
Reverend Dr. Leggett of Holy Trinity Cathedral on Carnarvon Street will MC the event and retired CKNW reporter George Garrett is the event’s guest speaker.
“Musical entertainment is being provided by guitarist Mike the Swan,” said Martha Kerr, lead organizer of the event. “There will also be a silent auction, for which we welcome donations, and a 50-50 draw.”
Kerr said attendees always have a good time at the annual fundraiser that’s held during Homelessness Action Week.
“The caterers were raved about last year, and everyone enjoys the friendly competition of the silent auction,” she said in an email to the Record. “The evening provides an opportunity for social service workers, management and local citizens to get together in a relaxed setting and meet on different terms.”
What is the dinner raising funds for?
Money raised goes towards projects such as the New Westminster Rent Bank and the I’s on the Street program, which assists people at risk to gain job skills and reconnect with the community.
When is Homelessness Action Week and what’s happening in New West?
Homelessness Action Week, being held Oct. 8 to 14, includes a number of events in New Westminster.
The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) kicks off Homelessness Action Week locally by hosting two rounds of Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, Oct. 8, when it will serve up a turkey dinner with all the fixings at noon and 2 p.m.
Connect Days, which is being held on Oct. 9 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, is a place where marginalized citizens in need of resources and information will be able to connect with agencies.
“In addition, we are holding an art show at the River Market on Oct. 10 to raise community awareness and provide artists with a chance to showcase their work,” Kerr said of the show that includes participants include clients from New Leaf, the Union Gospel Mission and the MPA Society.
Where do I get tickets to the dinner or more information about Homelessness Action Week?
Tickets are $75 and available through Eventbrite.ca – just search for 11th Annual Fundraiser for the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition.
For more information email [email protected] or call 778-847-4468.
