The red serge uniforms, the pageantry, the formality of the procession … these are highly-anticipated elements of the upcoming RCMP Regimental Ball.
The gala event is about showing appreciation to the community for what it does to keep St. Albert healthy and safe, as well as honouring current and past members of the national police force.
The ball also plays a vital function for a civic service that most people don’t think about until they need it – St. Albert Victim Services.
For almost two decades, St. Albert Victim Services has been offering assistance to local residents in their greatest times of need. Representatives of the group comfort and support people who are injured in car crashes or who have just been told about the death of a loved one. They accompany sexual assault victims to the hospital or anyone who has to testify about their traumas in court, and they stay close by to offer emotional and psychological support.
If someone’s house burns down, Victim Services is there with blankets and clothes. They answer calls 24 hours a day.
Program co-ordinator Delilah Lazarenko has been involved since the very inception and has seen it all. Formerly an advocate with the Edmonton Police Service’s Victim Service Unit, she has always known how valuable the service is on a personal and community level.
“It was because I had the experience with the Edmonton Police Service, I was very fully aware of what the program can offer and how important it is to be able to assist victims that are in crisis or experienced a crime or trauma,” she said.
“I had that background to begin with … but it was exciting to know that we had a program here in the community and definitely there was a need for it.”
The not-for-profit organization has three employees, a team of 13 volunteer advocates and and eight-person volunteer board. It relies on government grants and community fundraisers to continue operating. Lazarenko estimates that between 1,500 to 2,000 people are offered its services annually.
Part of the gala evening will be dedicated to showing the crowd a behind-the-scenes look at Victim Service’s work. It’s hoped that the event will also inspire awe and admiration of the RCMP officers in their red tunics and sharing their traditions that go back to the British Empire.
A regimental bagpiper will play the head table into the room. RCMP members will also offer a toast to the monarch and recognize their fallen fellows. It is thought of as equivalent to when RCMP forts opened their gates to invite settlers and First Nation communities in to feast together.
“It’s a sense of pride – that’s the only way I can describe that,” Lazarenko said about the feeling she gets from attending the event. “It’s really fascinating to see.”
The St. Albert RCMP Regimental Ball takes place Saturday, March 3, with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. and buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dance. A formal dress code is in effect. The gala will be at the Enjoy Centre at 101 Riel Dr.
Tickets are $100 each with $25 earmarked for Victim Services. That amount will be issued as a charitable tax receipt. There are only 300 tickets printed and they are reportedly selling quickly.
To attend, please call either Wilma at 780-458-4341 or St. Albert Victim Services at 780-458-4353.
You can learn more about Victim Services at www.stalbertvictimservices.ca.
