Now is the time to step up and support Ponoka Victim Services Advocates in their largest and only fundraiser of the year.
Usually an advocate assists a person who has had to deal with a personal tragedy such as a family death or a home fire, said Kristi Motley, executive director for Ponoka Victim Services.
The group’s sixth annual fundraiser is May 4 at the Stagecoach Saloon and Motley has some entertainment planned for the night.
“It is our one and only fundraiser of the year so I hope that part goes well.”
Jamie Woodfin will entertain the crowd with his music.
“He’s a young up and coming artist. He’s played with Gord Bamford,” she said.
The Ponoka RCMP is a big supporter of the fundraiser as many of the Mounties work closely with victim services. A live auction is planned and officers will be on hand to display the auction items.
This year the group has a different idea for how to auction off one of their items; people will be able to bid on one of 10 cups with only one of the cups having the winning liquid in it. The person with the special liquid will be the winner of a patio set. Also an iPad and an iPad Mini will be up for auction.
The night is a chance to tell people about how victim services works.
“Equally as important as raising money that will help us….Is that people realize that we exist,” explained Motley. “The people that volunteer for us don’t do it for any kind of recognition.”
Advocates of victim services try to mitigate the pain of a situation for a person who needs assistance. They help empower people by explaining their legal rights as well as refer victims to counseling or other services depending on the situation.
There are currently 10 advocates who are certified with another six in the process. “Our goal is 20 advocates.”
Tickets are running out, contact Motley at 403-783-6539 for more information.