Winter Blues Newsletter

In times of need, we often look to our neighbours for support. That was the case again in the South Junction neighbourhood, where residents organized a fundraiser for families involved in the fire that took place on Franklin Avenue in early January, but it was also an opportunity for friends to get out of the house, have some fun and try to “Beat the Winter Blues”.

The fundraiser, held at Davenport Perth Community Church, was organized by folks from the community who, after hearing that Councillor Adam Giambrone had set up a trust fund for the victims of the fire, asked if there was something more the community could do.

Soon after their first meeting, the organizing committee sprang into high gear. They decided to name the event “Beat the Winter Blues” because they wanted it to be a way to get together with their neighbours in spite of the gloomy weather and have some fun. They also put together a lineup of activities and entertainment for the evening, including “Celine Dion”, who wowed the local audience with her wonderful voice and dazzling costumes. A local photographer donated a print for auction and Councillor Giambrone’s office provided a door prize. The food, all homemade, included chilli, curried chicken and rice, which was donated too.

The fundraiser brought in over $1,600.00 for the residents who fell victim to the fire. This is on top of the $1,878.00 raised through the Franklin Avenue Fire Trust Fund. The three families most affected by the fire attended the function and were overcome with gratitude. They expressed their thank-yous to the councillor and his staff and to all their neighbours who supported them in their time of need.

Special thanks should go to Marjolein Winterink, Karen Williams, Roy Mitchell and Lindsay Karabanow for providing their time, energy, spirit and goodwill to this project. Without these individuals, who made up the central organizing committee, this event never would have happened.