The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop held their Half a Million Benefit Concert fundraiser on March 18 at the Comp Cafetoruim. "We feel the evening was an overwhelming success.
The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop held their Half a Million Benefit Concert fundraiser on March 18 at the Comp Cafetoruim.
"We feel the evening was an overwhelming success. 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," said Andria Brady, executive director of the Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop.
Funds were raised through donations, a 50/50 draw, and a raffle supplied by Southern Printers. The Ambiance Music Combo from the Regina Symphony Orchestra performed a variety of music for the attendees, who were also treated to mocktails and h'ors d'ouevres.
The Wor-Kin Shop is still collecting donations in the form of cash, cheque, credit card, and recyclable cans and bottles (dropped in the donation bin in front of the SARCAN depot) to help them reach the full amount needed.
At the benefit concert, there were many bronze sponsors, who donated between $500 and $5,000 dollars, and a few silver sponsors, who donated between $5,001 and $10,000 dollars. The bronze sponsors are Weyburn Eye Care, Huebner Plumbing Ltd., RP Automotive, NBA Enterprises Inc., Allan and Donna Alexander, the RMs of Fillmore and Scott, Woodley Well Service Inc., Marcel and Linda Dauvin, Sidewinder Coil Services, RD Funeral Chapel, Lloyd and Sandra Montgomery, Norman and Viola Flaten, and Sask Auto Recyclers Association. The RMs of Lomond and Griffin, DFA Transport Ltd., and the Weyburn Co-op Association are all silver sponsors.
"We'll have a meeting in the next week or so and there will be additional fundraisers announced in the coming weeks," said Brady.
The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop has been in operation since 1971 and has never asked the community for donations until now. The Ministry of Social Services, who funds the agency, has committed $1 million and will release the funds when the agency has its contribution of $500,000 secured. Then construction can begin on the new building.
The new building will be three times the size of the current Day Program building and be able to serve twice as many people.
The Wor-Kin Shop has a waiting list almost equal to the 30 or so clients they are currently able to serve in their present facilities; as these facilities are inadequate, they need the new building to accommodate those who are waiting for their program services.
Once the building is finished, the ministry will provide the funding necessary for its operations and Wor-Kin will not be required to continue fundraising to support itself or for any specialized equipment required.
