Photo from the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Community

GPFC fundraiser set for June 18

Jun 1, 2022 | 6:00 AM

The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre is hosting a fundraiser called the Grande Gathering Gala June 18 at the Bonnett’s Energy Centre.

It is being called a way to bring the community together in reconciliation.

Committee chair Lois Duke says money raised will support the Centre’s programming and its community kitchen.

“We found that since COVID happened that a lot of people, a lot of community members, use our centre for that purpose. They come in for a beautiful hot meal because we do have a Red Seal Chef who works in our kitchen.”

“We found that it’s not just Indigenous people that use our services, it’s the whole community.”

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The Friendship Centre says the kitchen provides 7000 meals a month.

Centre vice-president Amy Lee Snider says there is what she calls “a gap in funding” when it comes to programs for six-to-12-year-olds.

“We’d like to have more programming for ages six to even our ages 18 but right now there is a gap for ages six to 12-13.”

“Learning more about their culture and becoming more aware of their culture. As well, they would be doing sports, cultural activities, and helping around the centre.”

Snider says some of the money will also be used for renovations at the building.

She adds the date was picked because it is close to National Indigenous Day June 21 when a lot of other festivities are planned.

“We wanted to put together a gala fundraiser so that we can really make a difference and an impact in our community that celebrates (the) Indigenous community, celebrates the contributions of the Indigenous community and then also showcases some of the Indigenous points of our culture in our food, in our regalia, in our clothing.”

The evening will include a menu featuring Indigenous food, live music, artisans, live and silent auctions, and a raffle.

Duke says there are a limited number of single tickets available, but businesses can buy a table of eight for $2600. Anyone interested can contact the Friendship Centre.