Right after Super Bowl weekend, it seems a little bit unusual to have alcohol and barbecue so closely associated with romance and charity, but that's exactly the sentiment behind the second annual Beers, Burgers and Bouquets event at the Enjoy Centre. The fundraiser for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women also serves a second purpose – it helps the guys to bring home a proper gift for their significant other.
"Women's health really does affect us all," says Jim Hole of the Enjoy Centre. "We want the ladies in our lives to be well and this event is a fun way for us guys to help make a difference in women's health."
The guys-only evening will have the Enjoy Centre staff helping each man to arrange his own hand-made flower bouquet for Valentine's Day while special guests from the Edmonton Eskimos and the Edmonton Rush do the same.
The Lois Hole Hospital for Women is a national leader in women's health, offering a continuum of care for women in all ages and stages of their lives.
Last year's Beers, Burgers and Bouquets raised more than $10,000. This year, organizers hope to best that goal by bringing in between $15,000 and $20,000.
Apart from all that, Hole says that it's a great way for men to make sure they do right by their women on that special day next Tuesday.
"It's a very low-key event and I think the guys really appreciate it. It's very easy for the guys to pick up and know that they're doing the right thing for their wives or girlfriends. It's a bit of a no-brainer for the guys."
The event takes place on Monday. Tickets are $149 and are still available by calling 780-419-6800 (press 3), or order online at www.beersburgersandbouquets.com.
Local Catholic schools practice their hockey skills for charity
Roots of Change is about to get a huge slapshot of publicity, all thanks to four schools from the Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools.
Teams comprised of students and staff from St. Albert Catholic High School, as well as Vincent J. Maloney, Richard S. Fowler and école Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d'Youville will be participating in the second annual SACHS hockey marathon, all in support of the Roots of Change Foundation.
Organizer and SACHS student council member Aldo Esposito says that community involvement sometimes means you can do the right thing while going for a breakaway. Last year the school sent a mission group to New Orleans while the political situation in Nicaragua settled down. This year, organizers hope to be bound for Central America in short order.
"We still felt committed to the charity," Esposito said, referring to the Roots of Change Foundation. The St. Albert-based, non-governmental organization operates in Nicaragua with the objective of providing and improving the basic human rights of primary health care, employment and educational opportunities, all while helping to put more food on the table for most of the impoverished populace.
The action takes place during the mornings, afternoons and evenings on Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24 at the Mission outdoor rink located next to St. Albert High. A media and celebrity game is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.
This year's goal is to raise $5,000. Last year, they brought in $3,000.
For more information or to make a contribution, contact organizers at [email protected] or visit their Facebook page at SACHS's Second Annual Hockey Marathon.
Special Olympics volunteers take note
All volunteers for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in St. Albert and Jasper must attend a special rally taking place next Friday, Feb. 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. or next Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The rally is taking place in the gymnasium at Vital Grandin School located at 39 Sunset Blvd.
Attendees will receive their uniforms, accreditation, volunteer handbooks and area specific training as required.
For more information, contact the local organizing committee office at 780-458-4564 or at either its webpage www.stalbert2012.ca or via its Facebook page at 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.
