The Alida Recreation Board's 2nd Annual Christmas fundraiser will be using comedy for a good cause, as they welcome comedian Andrew Albert to the Alida Hall on December 6. This year, proceeds from the evening will go to rebuilding the community's flood-damaged rink.
“Our rink was damaged in the floods last summer,” says Alida Rec Board member Margaret Peet. We have no rink this year. We're hoping to repair the damage to our waiting room with the proceeds of this evening.”
“Our rink has two sheets of artificial curling ice, a rink we use for hockey and skating, our waiting room was damaged and the basement was flooded. The curling ice pipes were lifted and the waiting room ceilings were damaged. As a result, we have no ice. We can't use our rink this year, but we're hoping to have things up and runnung by next year.”
Peet says that in addition to the six members on the Rec Board, there is also a separate rebuilding committee. “Last year, before the floods, we held our first event of this kind. We used the proceeds to redo the ceiling in the hall, so that got completed.”
“That first fundraiser was a sell-out and we're hoping for the same this year. We have 160 tickets to sell and we'd really like to encourage people to get their tickets early, but also to consider holding their Christmas party at our fundraiser. We have comedian Andrew Albert coming in and it's a licensed event with a supper of cornish game hens and cabbage rolls.”
“Not only did we sell out last year, but we had a waiting list,” adds Peet. “People came from throughout the surrounding area-not just Alida. We welcome anyone who'd like to come out.”
Peet says that the community of Alida will continue to adapt to life without a rink. “The kitchen volunteers usually hold breakfasts in the rink. This year, we'll be holding them in the Alida Hall, beginning the first Sunday in January.”
“There's a good community here,” she says. “Everybody knows everybody; everybody pitches in and everybody is so good to help out.”
“Hopefully, by this time next year, we'll have our rink up and running again, too.”
Alida Recreation Board's 2nd Annual Christmas Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Alida Hall. The event begins with Happy Hour and appetizers at 5 p.m., supper at 6 p.m. with comedian Andrew Albert taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tickets to the event are $40 each, with reserved seating and tables available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the following Alida businesses: M&N Diner Inc. 443-2567, Centre Street Grocers 443-2444 and Alida Post Office 443-2599, or from any Alida Rec Board Member.
