KRRG
Submitted
Greater Kimberley is celebrating the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group (KRRG) crossing its first crucial threshold. Three recent fundraising dinners have pushed KRRG’s bank account well past $15,000.
Meeting this cash requirement, KRRG is now eligible to search lists of United Nations Refugee Agency-approved refugees to identify just the right families for Kimberley, while simultaneously intensifying its fundraising efforts to meet the needs of two refugee families for their first year here.
Putting the “fun” into fundraising, almost 300 people attended the Wasa Spaghetti Dinner co-hosted by the KRRG and the Wasa Lions on the night of Saturday, March 19th. While strangers and friends alike socialized, they also contributed generously in cash, and took full advantage of a bountiful bake sale and an eclectic raffle of items donated by individuals and businesses. At the end of the evening’s festivities, KRRG had netted more than $2,500.
Wasa resident and KRRG volunteer Wilma Harding spearheaded the spaghetti dinner event with a lively group of volunteers from both KRRG and co-sponsors the Wasa Lions Club. She reported she was especially pleased to have had a hand in strengthening the larger community while people were enjoying the fine supper, entertained by the bands Sagegrass and Bunkhouse Boys that volunteered their time and talent.
Wilma and fundraising chair Lee Scott sent out special thanks to all who made every element work so well. Bake sale of items were prepared by people involved in every aspect of KRRG, and those donating to the raffle included Arla Monteith, Ginessa Redding, Carol Latter, Innwest Kirkwood Inn, B & B Glass, Sully’s Barber Shop, and Dollar Store.
Based on the experience of others, KRRG estimates it will need to raise $35,000 to $50,000 more in cash and in-kind donations in the coming months. So with the success of Phase One, KRRG volunteers are poised to work even harder at fundraising. Online donations are vital. KRRG also invites everyone to upcoming events, several coming soon:
March 31st: A Dessert Evening is more than a delectable way to top off the evening meal (7 to 9 p.m. at Kimberley’s Anglican Church Hall). Expect a “mixed” crowd of men and women for this social evening, hosted by KRRG volunteers Louise Hockley and Cyndy Moore. In addition to donated homemade delectable desserts, enjoy a silent auction offering something for everyone, or choose memorable gifts for Mother’s Day, graduation, birthdays or just to spruce up for spring from the Regal catalogue that Louise Hockley will be making available. Her commission for any Regal sales will benefit the KRRG. Also, Silpada Designs representative Leila Cooper will display renowned Silpada Designs, including a wide variety of sterling silver jewelry, scarves and leather handbags suitable for every taste and pocketbook. She is donating 100 per cent of her commission from all Silpada Design purchases to the KRRG.
April 2nd: Join the fun at the Spring Splash, when KRRG partners with Kimberley Alpine Resort to present a very special silent auction offering a wide variety of accommodations packages and golf packages. From noon to 4 p.m., KRRG volunteers will be in the Plaza under a tent provided by Investors Group. It’s a good time assured for all while furthering KRRG’s quest to welcome two refugee families to the Kimberley.
April 30th: Get ready for The Hollers to strike up the band for an evening of dancing delight at Centennial Hall, facilities provided by the City of Kimberley. In addition to a swinging good time, there will be lots of other ways to support the KRRG’s fundraising efforts.
KRRG reminds everyone that online donations are easy, including monthly automatic transfers. The Kimberley Bottle Depot is another avenue for donating. Find details about these and other ways to get involved, including upcoming events now in the planning stages, on the KRRG website, as well as opportunities to participate more directly. Visit www.kimberleyrefugees.ca, or www.facebook.com/kimberleyrefugeeresettlementgroup and the ‘Berley TImes at www.ekology.net/bt. Anyone interested in receiving a monthly newsletter now in the works is encouraged to email a request to info@KimberleyRefugees.ca.