Bikini car wash targets MS

It's far from the beach and even the pool but the Taphouse is going to have a lot of women in two-piece swimsuits hanging around this afternoon. Actually, they'll be working hard while they try to help out a sick friend.

This is the pub's annual bikini car wash, usually a fundraiser for breast cancer research. This time out they've changed the plan because of something that hit them close to home.

A close friend to many employees was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago and is looking for a new and still experimental treatment that isn't even available in Canada. She will have to go to Poland, Italy or India to get access and the price tag is pretty steep.

"We've been hearing about this new treatment called the liberation treatment that is a potential cure to multiple sclerosis. The cost for it ranges between $5,000 and $10,000. With the proceeds from the fundraiser, we'll just direct the money to her," said pub co-owner Mike Wheeler.

Wheeler added it just seemed natural to use the annual event to help out a friend. The sick co-worker is only 27, he added, a very young age to be diagnosed with MS.

He hopes that there will be a decent crowd come out, especially considering the expected beautiful weather and last year's figures.

"We expect about 250 people to come out this year, similar to last year."

Charity poker

The River Cree Casino will host a charity poker tournament that could deal a hand against diabetes, but not before some major players come on board for All In for Diabetes, taking place on Sunday, August 29.

In addition to its attempt to get interest from local card sharks, the Canadian Diabetes Association is looking for corporate sponsors to guarantee the event's success.

Katie McLaughlin, the marketing and communications associate, explained what kind of sponsors are necessary.

"We are looking for organizations or companies that are willing to help out with the registration process and/or to sponsor prizes for the tournament."

The goal is to raise awareness and funds for its research, education and programs. At the same time there will also be an opportunity to collect reusable clothes for its Clothesline program. The association hopes to make it an annual event as well.

To get more information about the event or the organization, call 780-423-5722 or visit www.diabetes.ca.

Burlesque event a fine success

Samantha Moore, organizer and burlesque performer with Edmonton's Lascivious Burlesque troupe, was pretty pleased with the turnout and the intake at last weekend's performance fundraiser for the Military Family Resource Centre at Edmonton Garrison.

The 21-year-old Paul Kane graduate said that even though final results haven't been tallied, organizers still attracted a great crowd at the Empire Ballroom.

"It went really well. So far we have about $600. We had a few people come up to us afterward to give us extra money to donate. It was definitely very successful."

She said that she's looking at doing another show in November but probably for a different charity.

To learn more about the centre, call 780-973-4011 or visit www.mfrcedmonton.com.