ALLY ALLIES
Fundraiser in support of Ally Centre of Cape Breton considered successful
Fundraiser in support of Ally Centre of Cape Breton a success.
Organizers of a fundraiser in support of the Ally Centre of Cape Breton are deeming the event a success.
The centre held its annual cabaret and silent auction fundraiser at Sydney’s Capri Club on Saturday. Close to 100 people attended the event with money going to help support programs at the centre.
Jo-Anne Rolls, an educator at the Ally Centre of Cape Breton, said overall the event went well.
“It was well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Rolls.
Rolls was impressed with the amount of support the event received from the community.
“When you put out a call to the community because you need donations for auction items and they come back, it’s amazing,” said Rolls. “We had so many great auction items, it was really wonderful and we would like to thank everyone for their support.”
Along with the auction, the event also feature musician Jordan Musycsyn, comedian Don Munro and magician Kirk MacNeil.
Rolls couldn’t confirm the amount of money raised from the event as of press time.
The Ally Centre on Cape Breton offers a number of services, including a needle exchange, anonymous testing for HIV,
hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, public education to schools, workplaces and community organizations, and a drop-in centre.
The centre has been funded by the federal government since 1992, but will lose that funding at the end of March 2018.
“We will have no more funding to keep the Ally Centre open,” said Rolls. “We are devastated that the funding is not going to be available. We have to try and find something else, some other way to keep the door open and that may mean more fundraisers.”
Plans are already underway for another fundraiser.
The centre and St. Patrick’s Church have partnered to host a kitchen party fundraiser on May 7. The event will take place from 1-5 p.m. at the church, hosted by Donnie Campbell, featuring live music with donations
at the door.
For more information about the Ally Centre of Cape Breton, phone the office at 902567-1766 or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ CB.4.harmreduction/.