The Peace Pregnancy Support Centre hosted a Grillin’ for Good fundraiser on Aug. 23 that raised $2,169 for the Dawson Creek-based charity.
The centre hosted the event in the parking lot of the local Canadian Tire, a move its executive director credited for some of the barbecue’s success.
“It was a Saturday, it was the weekend, (and) a lot of people go to Canadian Tire and buy their things for the week,” said Katthya Gamero, the executive director of the Peace Pregnancy Support Centre.
“It went great, we had a rush hour, and we sold a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs.”
According to Gamero, the centre assists new parents, people who are pregnant, and people who have experienced pregnancy loss. The funds raised are expected to support all these groups, but especially people who rely on it for physical needs.
“We provide programs (that) are free. We welcome every mom, or single mom, or family, or male parent that doesn’t know what to expect or what to do – we give them information, and also, baby food,” explained Gamero.
She said the grills were initially supposed to be ignited at 11 on Saturday morning, but barbecue-lovers began to gather earlier, and the charity began serving food half an hour ahead of schedule.
Money raised at the fundraiser will go towards funding the programs and services offered by the organization.
“All this money will be for us to buy more things, like diapers and formula,” said Gamero – the centre has heard a specific need for formula and other items for babies. She said all of the money raised will return to the community in some form.
“All the money we’re going to get, it will be for them, for the community. We’re happy and thrilled to see how much money we (raised),” she explained.
“This centre, it’s for the people, and for the community, and we’re happy to be here and to help single moms or people that are struggling – sometimes, even mentally because they’re now overwhelmed with their babies and stress with their everyday lives. We offer life skills session for them.”
Gamero said physical donations, such as diapers, formula, and gently used baby clothes can be dropped off at their 10 Street location in the city.
