Banff businesses and community groups are swinging into action once again, as plans are coming together to raise funds for the YWCA’s women’s shelter.
Hosted by the Banff Ski Lounge and YWCA, and to be held at the Dancing Sasquatch, Live In Freedom will feature a fashion parade of Ski Lounge apparel, a live art demonstration, DJ and auction.
The event will take place at the Dancing Sasquatch Thursday, May 12.
“We think it’s going to be a really fun event, " said organizer Bec Johnson, CEO of Banff Ski Lounge. “The women’s shelter is having some financial difficulties and we thought the best idea would be to have a fun event and get local women involved.
“We’re going to have local ladies modelling in a fashion parade, all sizes and all ages. Right now, we have eight models, but we need about 15. "
Clothing from Barcelona-based SkunkFunk and the U.K.’s Hunter boots will be featured and will be available at a 15 per cent discount; which will be matched by the Ski Lounge. As well, purchasers may donate up to 15 per cent further to the shelter.
Both companies have also donated clothing, along with goods from other local businesses, which will be auctioned off as a further fundraiser.
“After the fashion parade, we’ll have a live auction, " said Johnson. “Right now we have the SkunkFunk and Hunter items, but we’re also asking other businesses to donate to the auction. Things like massages and jewellery would be great.
“And we’re going to have artists creating live to add to the fun. We’re hoping to raise as much as we can for the Y’s shelter. It’s something that’s really needed in the community. "
The Ski Lounge also held a winter fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre. Live In Freedom is the operation’s spring fundraiser.
“We’re trying to be different from the winter fundraiser, " said Johnson. “For that we had ski suppliers donate equipment. For the women’s shelter, we’re trying to be different and fun. It’ll be a good community event and we’ve had good support from businesses like Bow Valley Basics, which donated flyers, and the Dancing Sasquatch, which donated the space.
In a recent report to Banff council, where the YWCA asked to have a $7,000 to $10,000 recycling fee waived, the Y stated the shelter has so far been used for 294 nights in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, compared to 49 nights in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
While negotiations over the recycling fee are ongoing, Y officials said the fee could mean the difference between the shelter staying open or not.
Anyone interested in modelling, or donating items to the auction, should contact Kiomi at the Banff Ski Lounge at 403-762-0706 or via email at [email protected]
