Walk to benefit new pregnancy centre
By Agnieszka Krawczynski
The B.C. Catholic
A bouncy castle, a barbecue, and a walk in the park might be just what a new pregnancy centre needs to get on its feet.
Advokate Life and Education Services is organizing a fundraiser to give a boost to the new centre, set to open in Langley in June.
“We have to raise enough money not only to construct the pregnancy centre but to run it,” said executive director Jared White.
Advokate will hold a Hike for Life at the Al Anderson Pool Grounds in Langley May 7. It invites participants to enjoy free food, play games, and sign up to walk or run outdoors and raise funds for the pregnancy centre.
“The beauty of these kinds of fundraisers is that you’re committing to walk or run a 5k or 10k route and then get family or friends to sponsor you,” White said. The organization will also accept donations at the event.
The new pregnancy centre will be similar to Advokate’s Abbotsford pregnancy centre, Hope for Women. It will include two counselling rooms, a few offices, and a “baby boutique” with free clothing, diapers, and other supplies.
“We have enough money in the bank right now to finish construction,” White said. That’s largely because of a very successful banquet fundraiser held at Trinity Western University that raised $50,000, after expenses.
White said new funds will help the centre run after it opens in June. A new full-time staff member is still to be hired.
“We think it’s really important and we’re really excited about it.”
More information and registration for the fundraiser is available at www.raiseathon.ca/hikeforlife.
