For 50 years, the Victoria Cool Aid Society has played a key role in working to end homelessness across the Capital Region. So to celebrate the non-profit is hosting a party, and in true fashion, turning it into a fundraiser.
This Saturday (May 26) the red carpet is rolling out at Ship Point, where a transparent tent will perch on the edge of the wharf for a full view of the Inner Harbour, the sunset and the stars.
B次元官网网址漌e wanted to have a very special event in a special location,B次元官网网址� says Alan Rycroft, community relations manager for Cool Aid. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going to be pretty spectacular.B次元官网网址�
The B次元官网网址淐ool Aid House,B次元官网网址� with an impromptu living room, dining room and den, is designed for mingling in a casual atmosphere with food from RubyB次元官网网址檚, local beverages, and music from a Victoria Conservatory of Music jazz quartet and rock band Rukus.
B次元官网网址淚t helps us keep some programs open that weB次元官网网址檇 otherwise have to shut down,B次元官网网址� Rycroft says of the event.
Along with an auction, 50 framed photos from Cool AidB次元官网网址檚 history will be for sale. In the early days, Cool Aid primarily served youth out of just one building. Now with a staff of 300, working in 17 buildings, including the Downtown Community Centre on Pandora Avenue, Rycroft considers Cool Aid B次元官网网址渜uite a large and necessary part of social services in Victoria.B次元官网网址�
Historic displays and videos will feature some of the work the non-profit has done over the years, as well as opportunities to learn more about the organization, which for decades has supported and advocated for those who have or are experiencing life on the streets.
While Cool Aid does receive some funding from the three levels of government, itB次元官网网址檚 not enough, Rycroft says. Maintaining services like the labour pool and dental program comes at a cost, as does keeping people out of the cycle of homelessness.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l use some of the money to build new housing, which is a real priority for Cool Aid. We are actively looking at some properties and [they] donB次元官网网址檛 come cheap. This money would likely be used for a down payment for a new property.B次元官网网址�
All proceeds from the gala will go directly toward supporting Cool Aid SocietyB次元官网网址檚 programs and services. As well, all donations from the event will be matched by longtime philanthropic supporter Andrew Beckman, up to $25,000.
B次元官网网址淐ool Aid saves lives each and every day,B次元官网网址� Rycroft says.
For more details, or to purchase tickets for Homecoming, visit .
