| Haiti fundraiser set for Jan. 31 in Taber |
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| Local Content - Local News |
| Written by Trevor Busch |
| Wednesday, 27 January 2010 15:32 |
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To raise money to help victims of the earthquake disaster that has devastated the Caribbean island nation of Haiti and its capital, Port-au-Prince, service clubs in Taber have banded together for a collective effort. On Sunday, Jan. 31, a benefit supper and silent auction will be taking place at the Taber Community Centre auditorium. The Kinsmen, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club and Knights of Columbus are co-operating in support of the event to raise funds for disaster relief. “Our four organizations decided to get together, the Lions, the Knights, the Kiwanis, and the Kinsmen,” said Paul Thibodeau, an event organizer and member of the Taber Knights of Columbus. “I think it’s very important, especially now with the earthquake that just happened, and when we mentioned to the four groups about the idea of a supper, everyone was fabulous. It was just tremendous with support.” Haiti, a small nation of less than 28,000 square kilometres occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola southwest of Cuba, was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12 that left the capital and much of the surrounding infrastructure in ruins. Tens of thousands have been killed, while it is estimated that as many as one million Haitians have been left homeless. If ticket sales are any indication, the benefit supper and auction should be able raise funds to help, added Thibodeau. “We don’t know, but we’re expecting quite a crowd. Quite a few are selling tickets already, and tickets are going quite well.” Billed as Taber Cares: Helping a Nation in Need, the spaghetti supper and auction will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10, and are available at Penner’s, Johnson’s, Rumors or from any service club member. The evening will conclude at 7:30 p.m. All funds raised are to be donated to the Canadian Red Cross for Haiti relief. Thibodeau explained the event has already received excellent community support, including donations. “Some of our members have been going around collecting items for the silent auction, and it’s just unbelievable the donations that people are making.” The dinner will be accompanied by some light music and other related entertainment, while Thibodeau confirmed Sen. Joyce Fairbairn will be attending, and that other important local figures have been invited. “One lady has offered to play the piano. We want quiet dinner music — we don’t want the orchestra screaming the place out. So we’ve had some offers for entertainment. We’ve also invited some very important people.” Thibodeau is confident the event will be a successful one. “I’m really happy with the support we’re getting. It’s just unbelievable. The people of Taber are very generous about this sort of thing.” |