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ESSMY club dances for Oxfam

The students of Ecole Secondaire Ste. Marguerite d'Youville (ESSMY) are kicking up their heels for a post-rodeo dance-off, all to support the school's Oxfam club.

The students of Ecole Secondaire Ste. Marguerite d'Youville (ESSMY) are kicking up their heels for a post-rodeo dance-off, all to support the school's Oxfam club.

Madeleine Pawlowski, the club's president, said the retro themed event called ESSMY 80s Dance-a-thon for Darfur has a decidedly contemporary purpose.

"We like to raise awareness about issues that Oxfam works on," she explained. Issues like fair trade, women's rights and Darfur feature prominently in the work of the international confederation of socially conscious organizations. It's as important to talk about the issues as it is to raise funds.

"Just bringing awareness to the community about what's happening in Darfur, the genocide there, and how we can make a difference, a positive impact."

Over 50 participants raised pledges to attend the eight-hour dance marathon that goes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Albert Parish Hall today.

For more information about the club, visit essmyoxfam.wordpress.com.

Taphouse celebrates Burt with music

Landon Burt was only 22 when he passed away earlier this month. It was only a little more than a year ago that he fell ill with brain cancer and never recovered. The Paul Kane grad was loved by his many loyal friends who have banded together to show respect and raise funds for charity.

Tonight the Brew-In Taphouse is hosting a special benefit concert to support a five-person team that will be taking part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in June. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and promises to be a full evening of good food and great tunes thanks to several musical acts including Lions for Sheep, Stone Iris, and Felix. In addition there will be prizes and a silent auction with some incredible items like a signed Ales Hemsky jersey.

Tickets are $10 each with proceeds going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The goal is $7,500, so a lot of support is needed.

Melanie Belley, one of the organizers, said any amount raised over that total would go to the Burt family to help them pay off some of Landon's extensive medical expenses.

The Taphouse is located at 9020 McKenney Avenue. Call 780-458-0860 for details. To support the team directly, visit www.conquercancer.ca and go to 'Team Burt'.


Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

About the Author: Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ecology and Environment Reporter at the Fitzhugh Newspaper since July 2022 under Local Journalism Initiative funding provided by News Media Canada.
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