By Taylor MacPherson

Pyjama party helps P.A. families in need

Jan 22, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Prince Albert’s sixth-annual Ultimate Pyjama Party was a success again this year. Hundreds of partiers put on their PJs last night to raise money for local families struggling with medical issues.

Organizer Michelle McKeaveney said she created the event to give her daughter an opportunity to volunteer.

“This event started because my daughters needed service hours for their school projects,” McKeaveney said. “We needed something fun to do in the winter.”

Since then, McKeaveney said the event has grown significantly and raised lots of money for Prince Albertans in need.

“We’ve raised over $36,000 in the previous five events, and that money has all gone to several different families,” she said. “Our mandate has always been to help local families and keep the funds raised local and shared local.”

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

1h ago

Liquor stores must change hours

Prince Albert limits liquor store hours

4h ago

skin care +

LUXE22 Clinic : Elevating Beauty with Expert Treatments

5h ago

McKeaveney said the funds raised at this year’s event will be given out in smaller sums to more families in order to spread the money as widely as possible.

“This year we have a whole list of families already that we’ve helped – six before we even opened the doors tonight – and we’re hoping to help another seven families with the proceeds,” she said. “We’ve raised money for little girls, little boys, sick moms, and sick dads.”

The event’s entertainment included a tradeshow, dance, local musicians, karaoke, Vegas games and a hypnosis show by Corrie J.

Although the event was not as well-attended as she hoped, McKeaveny said everyone still managed to have fun and raise money for a great cause.

“I would just like to thank everyone who helps,” McKeaveney said. “It really means a lot that people jump in and support us.”

Taylor MacPherson is paNOW’s court reporter and weekend editor. He can be reached at Taylor.MacPherson@jpbg.ca or tweet him @tmacphersonnews.