Another successful year for the BC Children’s Hospital fundraiser in Vanderhoof.
Vanderhoof Community for Kids (VCK) hosts the fundraiser and this year they raised $62,020 in one evening, Michelle Roberge said.
READ MORE: Photos— BC Children’s Hospital fundraiser held in Vanderhoof
Roberge is a member of VCK and has been instrumental in organizing the fundraiser for the past 10 years. ‘
“I am surprised every year because we raise incredible amounts of money in one night and that keeps you going,” she said.
The community has a population of 4,439 as per a 2016 census and Roberge said people here have been supportive year after year.
“Sometimes I think, the community is going to get tired of this and we are not going to get the support at some point, but just every year, people call me ahead of time and make their schedules around it. It is very exciting,” she said.
With the state of economy due to curtailments in the forest industry, Roberge said she didn’t think they would end up raising the amount they did.
There were 220 tickets printed and it was sold out before the fundraiser started on Oct. 19.
“I didn’t want to put any pressure on the community either. There is no set amount anyone needs to donate, could be five dollars to five thousand dollars, we are grateful for everything. It all adds up and is incredible how it all adds up so quickly,” Roberge said.
She said local businesses including small and home based businesses donated a lot. And added that the event is a good opportunity for small businesses to advertise.
“So we make sure that everyone who donates, they get that recognition. We encourage them to put their business cards next to their items.”
Volunteers of all ages helped during the event and Roberge said she has amazing team, without whom the fundraiser would not be possible.
The highest amount VCK has raised for BC Children’s Hospital is over $75,000.
“That year was just crazy. We don’t know what happened that year. But Vanderhoof has never disappointed,” Roberge said.
Personally for Roberge, as this was her 10th year organizing the event, she said she was the least stressed and had the most fun this year.
Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com
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