What’s happening?
The New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society is holding its 10th annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner gets underway between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
Stephen O’Shea, executive director of the New Westminster Arts Council, will host the fundraiser that’s based on the theme, Living Together: A Sense of Community. Mayor Jonathan Cote, Professor Joseph Moore (of the faculty of humanities and social sciences at Douglas College) and Myke Germyn of I’s On the Street are the evening’s guest speakers. The event also includes a silent auction, 50-50 draw and music by Blue Express and the St. Barnabas community choir.
What is I’s On the Street?
I’s on the Street is the society’s outreach/support services program that places homeless or at-risk-of-being-homeless persons into supervised employment cleaning and tidying the sidewalks/streets in front of local businesses.
What is the fundraiser for?
The fundraiser is one of the events being held in New Westminster as part of Homelessness Action Week.
At Connect Day on Tuesday, Oct. 10, people will enjoy a free breakfast and have a chance to get information about help and resources that are available to them in the community. It takes place at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Martha Kerr, the society’s coordinator, is also trying to organize an art show in a space in Royal City Centre mall.
“I am having trouble finding volunteers to staff the event, so I’m tentatively trying to get that organized for next week. That will run for two weeks. It’s basically local artists contributing their work,” she told the Record Sept. 25. “Really it’s just about getting community members thinking about the issue of homelessness and bringing their art in. They can’t sell their art at the event, but they can provide contact information to people who are interested. If they are really gung ho, they can offer to contribute the art as a donation to our silent auction.”
What is the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition?
Formed in 2005, the coalition brings together people and organizations working to address homelessness in New Westminster. Its member organizations provide a variety of services including housing, outreach, food, job training, crisis intervention and more.
How can I help?
Buy tickets to the fundraising dinner ($75) or contribute art or volunteer at the art show by contacting Martha at [email protected] or 778-847-4468.
