A brand new, fun-filled family event is coming to the West Island! The Children’s Gala to benefit West Island Community Shares will be presented by National Bank on February 17th at the Salle Pauline Julien under the theme A World of Fantasy. Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite fantasy world character and enjoy performances by Cirque Éloize and the West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra. The admission ticket also includes cookie decorating and face painting activities as well as a photo booth, a lunchbox and a dessert station.
“National Bank is committed to supporting organizations that respond to the challenges of the communities where we are present,” said Mr. Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Bank. “In the West Island, we are proud to support West Island Community Shares. The organization provides funding to 41 local community groups that, in turn, help more than 61,000 West Island residents.” The employees of the West Island branches have been hard at work preparing for the event and are proud to be helping their local community.
“During last spring’s flooding, we saw how quickly the West Island community came to the aid of its neighbours,” said Leanne Bayer, Executive Director, West Island Community Shares. “The Children’s Gala is a wonderful way for families to enjoy time together while helping less fortunate families.”
The fun starts at 11 am on February 17th with face painting, photo sessions and mascots. Lunch boxes will be served at 12 noon followed by performances at 1 pm. The dessert station opens at 2 pm. Admission is only $15 for children under 16 years of age and $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online at https://galadesenfants.com/en/gala/
Proceeds from the Gala will go towards West Island Community Shares’ annual fundraising campaign. The campaign runs until March 31, 2018, and the goal is to raise $1.3 million. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.communityshares.ca.
About West Island Community Shares
West Island Community Shares is a fundraising organization that currently supports 41 local community groups. These groups provide frontline services to thousands of residents whose needs range from support in coping with poverty, food insecurity, cancer, substance abuse, mental illness and more. Since 1998, it has raised and distributed more than $13 million to local community groups. West Island Community Shares’ model is unique because it distributes 100% of donations received to the groups it supports. It is the only not-for-profit in Canada to implement and to have sustained this model for 20 years.
