A fundraising barbecue for the YWCA at Mr. Mike's brought out plenty of hungry supporters on Tuesday afternoon. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

YWCA BBQ

YWCA hosts fundraising barbecue at Mr. Mike’s

Sep 14, 2021 | 4:00 PM

Like most organizations, the YWCA in Prince Albert had to make some changes during COVID-19, including changes to the way they fundraise. At least one of those changes seems poised to outlast the pandemic if they have their way.

Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual hosted a barbecue in support of the YWCA for the second year in a row this afternoon, with supporters lining up in the parking lot to grab a burger and make a donation. After last year’s went over so well, both organizations knew they had to do it again.

“We did a small barbecue fundraiser and it seemed to bring everyone’s spirits up,” said David Hambleton, fund development and volunteer coordinator with the YWCA. “Everyone really enjoyed it. When the one-year mark came around again, we got together and decided we should do this annually because there’s no shortage of need for vulnerable community members that the YWCA provides supports and services for.”

According to Hambleton, the hope is they’ll do this every summer as it seems to have grown from last year’s event. They raised just over $500 last year, and early indications were they were on track to do so again.

“We do get some funding through provincial and federal government for different areas,” Hambleton said, “but a lot of it comes from finding funders and writing grants…and relying on the donations from community members, businesses, and organizations in the city that believe in and support the work that we do.”

education

Auditor finds non-compliance with international trip, credit card and expense claims at Northlands College

1h ago

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

20h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

22h ago

That community support was on display during the lunch hour at Mr. Mike’s as people lined up to place their orders. Though COVID-19 brought plenty of challenges for the YWCA, it also brought out the most charitable people in the community.

“The generosity of this community is just truly remarkable,” Hambleton said. “With the rise in needs has come a rise in people wanting to help, whether they want to volunteer or whether they want to donate items, whether they want to donate money, or whether they want to help connect us with organizations that can help with things like funding and putting on fundraisers and things like that.”

Hambleton added that the YWCA was the largest charity organization in the city providing supports and services locally, ranging from cot programs for the homeless and emergency shelters for women and youth to transitional housing for those going through what he described as “episodic homelessness”.

—-

rob.mahon@pattionsmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP