The Peace Region Dance Society made a presentation at Peace River’s Town Council meeting held last night. The Society asked for 10 thousand dollars from council for operating costs. President Ursula McDougall says they need the money to cover expenditures to pay rent, as well as keep them afloat to keep them going until May. McDougall adds at this point, they don’t have enough to keep them going for the rest of the season. She adds they are holding some fundraising events over the next few weeks to help raise some more funds. Among them, a Cash Raffle to be taking place February 20th. As well, a bottle drive will be held the next day. They are also planning a dance performance/dinner fundraiser within the next couple of months, which they expect will bring in about 10 thousand dollars.
Council, meanwhile, has agreed to provide them with some funding. A motion was passed to provide $2,500 to help them sponsor their annual Dance Festival. Councillor Tanin Behnke says they hope this money goes to helping them raise some more money and get them back on their feet and solid where they belong. Behnke, whose daughter attends the dance program, calls it a great asset to the community to have a dance society of this level and calibre in operation. She says the group is working hard to get back on their feet, which includes looking at the costs of services. Behnke says while it may mean costs for participants may go up, it may be what keeps the group from shutting down.
– Posted by BET
