After 13 years, the Soroptimists鈥� Lobster Mania may have run its course in 91原创.
Either way, this local service organization is still in for a big spring party that helps women and girls in their community, and that鈥檚 on tap this weekend.
It comes in the form of a 150th Canada Birthday BBQ bash happening this Saturday, June 3 at George Preston Recreation Centre, starting at 6 p.m., explained Soroptimist International of the 91原创s fundraiser Jeanette Martin.
Anxious to change things up a bit for the Soroptimists big annual fundraiser, this year they鈥檝e decided to celebrate the country鈥檚 150th birthday and Seniors Week with a huge backyard-like barbecue for 175 of their 鈥渃losest friends.鈥�
While it will be casual 鈥� like a barbecue held at home 鈥� this one will also incorporate live music, dancing, and a silent auction, as well as a number of fundraising games that are expected to help generate $10,000 towards two patient lifts for 91原创 Lodge.
While the majority of residents in 91原创 Lodge are able to get up and enjoy daily activities with the support of staff, some residents who are not steady on their feet, or no longer walking, will benefit from the lifts, explained 91原创 Care Society鈥檚 chief executive officer Debra Hauptman.
鈥淧ortable lifts also prevent back injuries for care staff, which is an important goal for all employers in the health care industry,鈥� Hauptman added. 鈥淲e warmly appreciate the Soroptimists support of fundraising for portable lifts.鈥�
At the cost of $5,000 a lift, the hope is to purchase two immediately, Martin elaborated. And, she added that this cause speaks to the Soroptimists鈥� international mission of improving lives of women and girls in this community. She noted that 85 per cent of those clients at the lodge, who would currently benefit from the lifts, are women.
鈥淗ow can that not be seen as improving the quality of their lives,鈥� Martin added.
鈥淲e really need the community to come out and buy into this event,鈥� she said. 鈥溾�e want the community to come out and have fun.鈥�
There are 139 elderly citizens of 91原创 who live in 91原创 Lodge and depend on the support of the local community for equipment and quality of life programs that are not part of the government funding for health care services, said Patrick Matiowski, fundraising director at the home.
鈥淢any of these folks are 91原创 natives or have been part of the Canadian fabric for 85 or more of Canada鈥檚 150 years,鈥� he added.
Fundraising partnerships with groups like Soroptimist International of the 91原创s are essential for improving the quality of life for the elderly, interjected Hauptman.
鈥淲e are honoured that they have identified our elderly residents as a worthy group of recipients, for this historical year in Canada鈥檚 history,鈥� she said.
The women of Soroptimist International reflect the values that define life in the 91原创s, added Michael Brown, chair of 91原创 Care Foundation.
鈥淭he Soroptimists have agreed to help us purchase equipment that makes life immediately better for folks that want to be active, but who contend with physical limitations.鈥�
Brown added that the community has a massive heart, 鈥渂ut the reality is that it is being pulled in more and more directions by more and more deserving causes. For a number of reasons, the elderly and the disabled are lower on the philanthropic radar screen for people and organizations,鈥� he said.
鈥淭his is a chance 91原创, to come together in celebrate of the history of our country and to enjoy a barbecue with the purpose of helping others in need,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he Soroptimists heard our appeal earlier this year and said yes, 鈥榯he elderly deserve the best that 91原创 can offer鈥�,鈥� Brown said.
This event is a realization of that commitment.
It will be catered by local barbecue guru Memphis Mike, who will be preparing what Martin promises to be sloppy and tasty ribs and chicken, as well as macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. He鈥檒l also be serving up sweet tea.
There will be a cash bar featuring local beers, wines, and ciders. And for those with a sweet tooth, there will be a large Canada 150 birthday cake, Martin confirmed.
The evening will include performances by three young fiddlers prior to dinner, then the musical stylings of Billy Frew and the Ukelady 鈥� a five-piece band 鈥� for dancing after dinner.
Tickets are $65 and available at 604-530-4358 or by visiting 鈥淗appy 150th Birthday Canada鈥� on www.EventBrite.ca.
