WESTLOCK – Westlock and area residents put on their dancing shoes and really got down for the cause as the Dance 4 Hope fundraiser returned earlier this month following a hiatus during the pandemic.
The event, held Aug. 20 at the Rotary Spirit Centre, raises funds each year for Westlock’s Hope Resource Centre and helps support those affected by family violence.
More than a dozen participants danced together, both in person and virtually from home, under the guidance of local jazzercise instructor Kerri Wiegand. The event also featured hip hop artist Parker Blades, a silent auction and prizes for the highest pledge earners.
“Dance 4 Hope 2022 brought a powerful message,” said Hope Resource Centre executive director Sylvia Yoder. “This was our first hybrid fundraiser — we had some women raising funds, that were dancing and streaming in, and some here in person.”
In previous years, Dance 4 Hope has been held in June, presented in the format of a street dance in downtown Westlock and has raised between $12,000 and $14,000. The total amount raised for the centre this year was reflective of the “current economic state recovering from a global pandemic”, noted Yoder, adding that the “fundraiser was more than successful.”
She noted inspiration for the annual event and work done by the Hope Resource Centre comes from her grandmother and the words she shared.
“My grandmother who lived through the depression, gave generously with her heart, soul and what she had. She remains my inspiration for the work we do in our community,” said Yoder. “My grandmother's words brought an important reminder to be grateful for our health, freedom, choice and the value of healthy relationships … that lift us up, encourage us and give us hope when hope becomes difficult to find.”
