A few Surrey-based organizations and charities are in party-planning mode this week, for diverse causes.
Events on the calendar include fundraisers hosted by Seva Foundation, Semo Foundation and Sources Foundation.
On Nov. 2, Seva Foundation’s inaugural Casino Royale gala promises "an unforgettable evening filled with glitz, glamour and generosity" at Empress Palace Ballroom in Newton, with casino games all night. The event is listed as sold-out on eventbrite.ca.
The foundation's roots are at Seva Thrift Store, opened on Scott Road eight years ago with a concept to repurpose, recycle and reuse Indian clothing.
"Over the years," says Raj Arneja, event organizer and Seva Foundation fundraiser, "we have helped so many women come into the workforce, for older widows giving them a new lease and now love volunteering at Seva. Finally we became a charity, the Seva Foundation. Our initiative now is to raise critical funds and advance our goals to establish and advocate for programming and services aimed at addressing health inequities experienced by women from marginalized groups, with a focus on immigrants and refugees."
Meantime, a Rock Around the Clock Sources Sock Hop is planned by Sources Foundation on Nov. 2 at Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club with the goal of raising $425,000 for the development of Foundry South Surrey.
"Over 200,000 young people in B.C. struggle with mental health issues, and less than 25 per cent of them receive the mental health services they need," says a post on trellis.org/rockaroundtheclock, where tickets are sold.
"To serve the needs of South Surrey, White Rock and Cloverdale, Sources will be developing Foundry South Surrey. For the first time, young people will have access to free support all under one roof. Services include medical care, substance-use support, counselling, employment services, and housing and income assistance, among others."
Elsewhere in Surrey, SEMO Foundation's fundraising gala, #INSPIRE2024, is planned Saturday, Nov. 9 at Taj Park Convention Centre in Newton. The annual fundraiser, featuring emcee Sonia West, live entertainment, dancing, dinner, prizes and more, supports Surrey Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Team Keian and Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Tickets are sold for $75 and up on eventbrite.ca.
“After two years of the summer rooftop event, we had many requests to go back to the evening format,” Manny Kang, director of the SEMO Foundation, told Black Press Media earlier this month.
Semo Foundation was created 23 years ago when Kang’s mother, Tarsem Kaur Kang, passed away. Her nickname was “Semo” and she was passionate about fundraising and helping others. “We do all of this in her memory,” Kang said. “This is her legacy, helping others.”
Later this fall, on Nov. 29, a Guiding Our Spirits Home gala is planned at Aria Banquet Hall by FRAFCA, or Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, to raise funds for an Indigenous Village Hub, "a safe, cultural, inter-generational space offering services and support." Tickets are sold for $161.08 on eventbrite.ca.
