Page Cleaners collects coats for those who need them
The 19th annual United Way Coats for Kids and Families campaign kicked off Thursday with a record goal of 19,000 coats.
Program co-ordinator Kristy Jacklin said that every year the demand goes up by about 1,000 coats and it doesn't look like that will slow down any time soon.
"Last year we collected and distributed almost 18,000 coats but the population continues to grow and the need continues to grow for programs such as this."
Anyone can drop off a new or gently used coat to any Page the Cleaner, including the one in St. Albert. The coats will then be cleaned and sent to depots like churches and other social agencies to be sorted and distributed to people in need.
The campaign runs until Nov. 30. For more information call the United Way at 780-990-1000 or visit myunitedway.ca.
Tickets flying for Mayors' Toast on Saturday
The star-studded affair will see the city's six living mayors toasted as a promotion to help boost donations at the St. Albert Food Bank. The event is the first major community outreach fundraiser of the St. Albert Breakfast Club.
Nolan Crouse, Paul Chalifoux, Richard Plain, Anita Ratchinsky, Richard Fowler and John Debruijn take their turns in the spotlight. Among the evening's other notable guests will be member of Parliament Brent Rathgeber, and former councillors Myrna Fife, Kent Davidson and Carol Watamaniuk. Joe Becigneul will be the emcee.
Organizer Katrina Black said ticket sales are going extremely well so people shouldn't wait to get their hands on what will likely be an event to remember.
"We're at 150 tickets sold right now. We're still selling, selling, selling," she said, adding that it'll be a timely way to relax after the election. "I think it'll be good for everybody just to go and blow off some steam."
The gala dinner and mayor's toast takes place on Saturday at the St. Albert Inn. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with food served at 7. Tickets are $100 each and are available by calling Black at 780-446-5326 or Gareth Jones at 780-975-9893.
