Spiritual expo raises funds for Alzheimers

An annual Timaru expo focused on the spiritual raised $4000 for charity last year and is expected to beat that amount this year.

Door sales and site rentals for the Body and Soul Expo will go towards Alzheimers South Canterbury.

Last year the money went towards the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

‘‘We choose a different charity each year,’’ Timaru Spiritual Association president Lyn Mansel said. ‘‘We try to keep it local.’’ Mansel was confident the expo could raise more than $4000 this year because they were hosting more stalls than the Caroline Bay Hall could handle, with 44 being set up inside and two outside.

‘‘More people want to come than we can fit in,’’ she said.

‘‘A lot of people want us to have it twice a year.’’

It was possible the Timaru Spiritual Association, which runs the expo, would move the event to the Alpine Energy Stadium in the future if interest continued to grow.

‘‘We quite like the energy down at Caroline Bay though,’’ Mansel said.

Mansel said the expo was a chance for people to see where around South Canterbury they could get clairvoyant readings, palm readings, chakra balancing, and other spiritual help.

‘‘It’s an educational thing as well as a fundraiser,’’ she said.

Psychics, channelers, and a tai chi master are scheduled to host workshops, talks, and demonstrations in the Caroline Bay Community Lounge.

For the first time buskers are being encouraged to book a spot at the event, with a harp player set to play for a brief period.

‘‘I’m still looking for other buskers to create a bit of atmosphere,’’ Mansel said.

The people responsible for the Timaru Community Christmas Dinner will provide the food, including a sausage sizzle to raise funds for the holiday dinner.

The expo is open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults, children free.