CHARLES TWEED/Ponoka News
It is a service you hope to never use but if you ever need the Ponoka Victim Services it’s good to know they are there.
On April 30th the Ponoka Victim Services held its annual gala at the Wolf Creek Golf Course.
Karie Ackermann is the executive director of the Ponoka Victim Services and she was thrilled with the turnout for the group’s largest fundraiser that is so important to the viability of the service.
“We apply yearly for a solicitors general grant but it doesn’t cover all of our running costs so fundraising events like this helps us support the victims in our community,” said Ackermann.
“There are so many costs associated and we want to have our advocates as professional as possible. These events help us maintain our professionalism and help the victims.”
The Ponoka Victim Services has eleven volunteer advocates that can help in a variety of different roles.
“Our advocates are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist the RCMP and we also assist at the emergency hospital or if there is a fire. At any given time someone can be a victim an need our service. It is here to support the community because at any point they may need us,” said Ackermann.
The gala featured a multitude of items that were auctioned off as well as a painting that was painted live during the night, helping raise $6,600 in profit for the organization.
Tragedy doesn’t discriminate and can strike at any time making the service invaluable to the community.
“At the most dire time when you need somebody isn’t it great to know there is someone there to support you,” said Ackermann. “We have so much generosity in this community and it’s great to see that people care.”