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Victims Services ready for entertainment & fundraising

“Our advocates are rock stars,” Lisa Barrett

Folks looking for a night of dancing and wine tasting will be in for a fun-filled night during the Ponoka Victim Services annual fundraising gala.

Set for May 3 at the Stagecoach Saloon, organizers have changed the format of the gala by introducing dancing and hiring a high-energy piano group from Calgary called Aussie Rules for the event.

Organizer Lisa Barrett said Victim Services advocates work throughout the year and this night is a great opportunity to recognize their efforts. Most people do not realize there is a surcharge on every ticket issued in Alberta with the money going to a Victims of Crime Fund.

Groups such as Ponoka Victim Services then apply for grants through this fund, which helps with advocates’ training and the costs associated with helping individuals.

Their job is not easy. Advocates deal with individuals at challenging personal moments and their job is to provide support; they attend victims at accidents, notifications of death and victims of abuse and Barrett says they are on call 24 hours, seven days a week. “It’s a pretty tough gig,” she said.

“Our advocates are rock stars,” Barrett stated.

This fundraiser will help pay for the costs associated with Victim Services programs in Ponoka and Barrett says the community has always been a strong supporter of their efforts.

Looking for advocates

There are currently 11 advocates in Ponoka but Barrett says they could always use more. “I would like to have 20.”

This would help alleviate the workload that advocates face and give them a way to take shifts. For personal safety, there are always two advocates at a scene or situation and Barrett said this can be a lot of work. Advocates are volunteers and they also have their own jobs.

“These volunteers are out there all the time,” said Barrett.

Ponoka Victim Services is also looking for an executive director. The position has been vacant for some time and Barrett feels the ideal candidate will be able to promote their vision and bring in more advocates.

Last year the gala raised over $20,000. For tickets or more information call Francine at 403-597-8894.