The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop held their Half a Million Benefit Fundraiser on March 18 in the Cafetorium at Weyburn Comprehensive School. The evening featured the Ambiance Combo from the Regina Symphony Orchestra, who played a wide variety of music during the evening. Supporters were treated to mocktails and a mouth watering variety of h'ors d'ouvres. During the intermission, a number of new sponsors were announced.
Bronze sponsors ($500 - $5,000) were Weyburn Eye Care, RM of Fillmore, RD Funeral Chapel, Huebner Plumbing Ltd., Woodley Well Services Inc., Lloyd & Sandra Montgomery, RP Automotive, RM of Scott, Norman & Viola Flaten, NBA Enterprises Inc., Marcel & Linda Dauvin, SK Auto Recyclers Assoc., Allan & Donna Alexander and Sidewinder Coil Services.
Silver Sponsors ($5,001 - $10,000) were RM of Lomond, RM of Griffin, DFA Transport Ltd. and Weyburn Co-op Association.
Funds were also raised through a 50/50 draw, a raffle supplied by Southern Printers and various individual donations. Although there are still some amounts to come in that were not officially announced, Andria Brady, Executive Director considers the event a success.
"We feel the evening was an overwhelming success," she said. "Many wonderful supporters braved the snow and cold to enjoy an evening of culture and celebration. We cannot thank the community enough for their support. We have now raised approximately $300,000 towards our goal of $500,000."
The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop has been in operation since 1971 and has never before gone to the community for donations. The Ministry of Social Services who funds the agency has committed $1 million and will release the full amount and allow construction to begin on the new Day Program Building once the agency has a contribution of $500,000 in place.
Once the new building is complete, the Ministry will provide annualized funding for its operations. The agency will not be required to fundraise on an ongoing basis for this, nor for any specialized equipment required. The new building will be three times the size as the current Day Program building on East Avenue, and will allow the agency to double their capacity to serve 60 people.
The Wor-Kin Shop continues to accept donations via cash, cheque or credit card. As well, those wishing to donate their recyclable cans & bottles can simply drop them in the donation bin located in front of the SARCAN depot anytime.
