Members of the local chapter of the Canadian Progress Club (CPC) are feeling pretty festive after their recent Mardi Gras gala was a success both in terms of entertainment and fundraising. The event brought in approximately $35,000.
"It went great," said club member John Rennie, remarking on both results. "It was very, very well received. There was a lot of interest in the auction and people loved the entertainment we had. They just really enjoyed the fact that we had live entertainment. It's the first year we've ever done it. It definitely added a bit of value to the fundraiser," a reference to both the Dixieland Jazz Quintet called the Fat Tuesday Survivors and the after-dinner party music provided by the 11-piece Alberta all-star party band called The Retrofitz.
The CPC works to improve the lives of underprivileged and ailing individuals by providing financial support and other resources. They put particular focus on equal opportunity issues for young people. All of the proceeds from the gala will go to support Uncles and Aunts at Large, St. Albert Parents' Place, the St. Albert Food Bank, the Northern Alberta International Children's Festival, Stop Abuse in Families, Camp Warwa and other children's charities.
"It was a very good success. It's something that we can build on."
Visit www.cpcstalbert.ca for more information.
Hair Massacure inches closer to $1 million mark
If you happen to have an extra $5 in your pocket, there's a local charitable event that is still reaching upward to hit a major milestone.
The St. Valentine's Day Hair Massacure is now within $12,000 of achieving $1 million in donations for the first time ever. According to a posting by organizer Tammy MacDonald at hairmassacure.blogspot.ca, she was hesitant to believe it was possible considering the economic downturn. For that reason she originally just wanted to bring in the same amount as last year — $850,000.
"I am hit with a genuine surprise that we have made it this far. The money continues to trickle in — we are just so close it would be a shame not to hit it," she wrote.
The event has raised more than $4.5 million since its inception in 2003.
If you have any outstanding pledges or wish to make a new pledge, please do so at the Make-A-Wish Foundation office at 16007 118 Ave. in Edmonton or call 780-444-9474.
CIVC tax help reminder
There is just a little more than five weeks left before everyone must submit his or her 2009 tax returns. The Community Information and Volunteer Centre (CIVC) is still encouraging the public to make an appointment for its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, a free service for St. Albert residents with disabilities, low income, and seniors. While it is available up until April 30 — the last day that the Canada Revenue Agency accepts returns — space is filling up fast as there are only so many time slots available to meet with the qualified volunteers.
The CIVC has offered the program every year since 1998 and expects that 300 people will benefit from it this year.
Call 780-459-6666 or visit www.stalbertcivc.com for more information.
