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On June 1 the Women Helping Women group held their fourth annual Garden Party and Silent Auction Fundraiser in Victoria. Over the past three years, these women have raised over $70,000. This year their goal was to raise $25,000 to be put towards the construction of the APU Primary School. The event was incredibly well organized and was held on the oceanfront grounds of one of the most beautiful homes in Victoria. Dariol also spoke passionately about the need for a primary school at APU, the fundraising goals, and the event itself. It was truly a stunning event, with perfect weather, an incredible location, and a wonderful group of energetic women who are all passionate about education. It was a winning combination, as not only did the group succeed in reaching their goal of $25,000, but they exceeded it by raising at total of $46,000! Check out the Victoria News Article on the event here:
It was decided at their meeting, held following the event, that $25,000 would go towards the construction of the Primary School and the remaining $19,000 would go towards scholarships/operations at APU. Some of these funds could also be directed towards the operating cost of the first year of operations of the Primary School.
On a sided note, Marie Rickard has just informed me that her Calgary West Rotary Club application for a District Simplified Grant was successful and she has $6,000 ready to send for books and supplies for the primary school. The Rotary Club of Olds has also made a similar application and is hopeful that a further $6,000 will be available within a couple of weeks.
Laura and I celebrated by calling Memory to tell her the wonderful news. Henry was able to tell us that the simple 2-classroom building could easily be constructed and ready for use this coming September. This news was very timely, as Memory and Henry had, just a few days earlier, explained to me that there was simply no existing space available for the primary school as every space at APU, including the water tower, is now fully occupied. Memory was prepared to use her own personal savings to construct a temporary timber shelter so that they could proceed with having a primary school in September. Needless to say, Memory was overjoyed when she heard the news.
A HUGE thanks to Dariol and her organizing committee for this much needed gift.
