Janae Brownley of Battlefords Area Pride asked North Battleford council for some reduction in the cost to rent the Don Ross Centre for a planned gala fundraiser Feb. 1. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff) 

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

Battlefords Area Pride asks council for support for fundraiser gala to benefit new safe-space drop in

Jan 28, 2020 | 8:26 AM

Battlefords Area Pride hopes city council will support its upcoming fundraiser gala – A Touch of Class.

Committee member Janae Brownley asked council to reduce the rental cost for the group to hold the event at the Don Ross Centre. The committee is seeking any type of reduction. Council will decide at its next meeting.

City Manager Randy Patrick said the city can delay billing for the rent until council makes its decision.

The Feb. 1 gala event will feature a dinner and drag show entertainment, followed by a dance with a live band. Tickets are being sold for the full event, or for the dinner or entertainment separately.

Funds raised benefit an LGBT safe space. Brownley discussed the need for the facility in the community, saying it would be a positive supportive environment, open to everyone, and would help address issues of discrimination in society.

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“I think that kind of place in the community is a necessary place,” Brownley said.

Kelly Waters who is also on the committee said as a teacher she believes the drop-in facility would also offer support to struggling LGBT youth in the community.

The small non profit group also previously applied for a community grant for the event to help defray costs since the less costs they incur to put on the event the more funds they will have to develop the drop-in space.

Deputy Mayor Kelli Hawtin, who chaired Monday’s council meeting, said the city welcomes an inclusive community.

Following the meeting she said it is exciting to see such a proactive type of event.

“It’s something different and something new, and hopefully the community can get out and support it,” she said.

Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor is scheduled to attend the gala as a guest and will make a special presentation.

Tickets for the gala are available at various organizations and businesses in the community, including Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre and Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW