Dancers put talents to charitable use
Author: Leigh Blenkhorn
Date: Apr 25, 2008
The Barrie dance community is banding together to raise funds for two students in Africa and other local charities.
The fifth annual Celebration of Dance in Barrie will take place May 2 at Barrie Central Collegiate and feature 11 local dance troupes.
Organizer and event founder Celene McAuley said it is no ordinary dance recital.
“In the beginning it was just a way to show off the talent, but we made too much money on admission and decided to donate it,” she said.
Over the years the event has raised more than $5,000 to support those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and locally as well as the Barrie Native Friendship Centre’s young mothers program.
For the first time this year, money raised will help to sponsor two students in South Africa.
McAuley said the idea to sponsor a student came to her after she heard Stephen Lewis speak.
Lewis told the crowd one of the best ways to help is to sponsor a child and change their lives.
“One of our kids is just so excited to go to high school,” McAuley said. “That is kind of a shock to our students because they don’t even want to get up in the morning and go to high school.”
Shadrack Jackman, an Innisdale dance team member and emcee for the event, said the show is a great way to raise community awareness.
“I think this is a great opportunity to let people know what is going on around the world,” he said. “We get so caught up with what is going on here. It’s really an eye-opener.”
Leading up to the fundraiser the Innisdale dance team members have started a letter-writing project to the two African students.
Heather Wilson, also an Innisdale dance team member, said she is writing about the things they have in common including writing about life as a student.
“It’s actually this girl’s dream to go to high school. So by doing this fundraising she is actually going to be able to,” she said. “We are proud to be a part of that. It is something we take for granted.”
Admission for A Celebration of Dance in Barrie is $5 at the door with proceeds going to sponsor the children and the Barrie Native Friendship Centre’s young mothers program.
Refreshments will be for sale by Grandmothers helping Grandmother, with proceeds going to their program.
A Celebration of Dance in Barrie takes place May 2 starting at 7 p.m. at the W.A. Fisher Auditorium at Barrie Central Collegiate.
For more information e-mail Celene McAuley at cmcauley@mail.scdsb.on.ca.
