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Women’s Shelter hoping to raise big bucks at annual dinner

Mar 12, 2018 | 11:31 AM

Organizers of an event this week are hoping a lot of money will be raised to help women who have experienced violence and abuse.

The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) is hosting its 24th annual dinner and auction on Friday at the Black Knight Inn.

In the past, the event has raised between $60,000 and $100,000.

CAWES Executive Director Ian Wheeliker says while the last couple years have been tough in terms of fundraising, this year’s edition is looking really good.

“It helps us to make ends meet. We get government funding every year, but there’s always extra on top of that,” he says. “For example, this year our food budget was $65,000, and we’re already at $75,000 because we’ve seen an increase of the women and children coming into the shelter.”

The shelter, which has 40 beds for women and children, has been pretty much full every day, Wheeliker says. He projects the shelter will serve upwards of 700 women and kids, which would be the highest total in the last five years.

“When we fundraise, it goes directly to the programs and services we provide, like the food, the children’s program and even transportation of clients to and from appointments, and to and from the shelter,” he says.

Wheeliker adds they’ve already blown the budget for transportation, which they get $10,000 for from the government annually. This year, they’ve spent $30,000.

CAWES also provides a 24-hour family violence hotline, crisis intervention and counselling, outreach and follow-up, a nurturing parent program and referrals.

Friday’s dinner and auction includes a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, a four-course dinner, wine grab, live entertainment and a draw for a WestJet Gift of Flight prize.

Tickets are available at CAWES.com/events.