NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – On Saturday, August 27th over 100 guests came out in
support of the 1st Annual Community Dinner at St. Barnabas Church Hall in New
Westminster, and helped raise approximately $3,500 for Dan’s Legacy. The charity
provides therapeutic counselling for youth battling addiction as a result of childhood
abuse and trauma.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the incredible support we received from the community,”
says Barbara Coates, Executive Director at Dan’s Legacy. “For some time now the
media has been reporting more and more stories about the kids lost to overdose or
suicide; these funds will help us provide the critical counselling and life-skills programs
so desperately needed by young people in crisis.”
Guests of the dinner included clients from Dan’s Legacy, parishioners from St. Barnabas
Anglican Church, members of the Immigrant Link Membership Society and many others
who would not ordinarily have the chance to enjoy this type of event. Chef Amber
Anderson and her team of students from HAVE Culinary Training Society in Vancouver
whipped up a sumptuous meal with surplus ingredients donated by Save-On-Foods,
while volunteers, led by Union Gospel Mission’s kitchen manager Mike Miller, prepared
the appetizers.
“I have seen first-hand the incredible work Dan’s Legacy does counselling youth who
have experienced trauma,” says Chef Anderson. “My cooking skills, connection with
Dan’s Legacy and work with at-risk youth make it an ideal way for me to give back to the
community. My current students helped me prepare the food; it is a great way for
students to also give back.”
Dan’s Legacy would like to thank Ace Excavating Ltd., The Anglican Diocese of New
Westminster, Aunt Leah’s Place, City of New Westminster Councillors Chuck Puchmayr
and Lorrie Williams, Dependable Brake & Muffler, and the Rotary Club of New
Westminster for sponsoring a table. Thanks also goes to Bunches and Blooms for the
beautiful table arrangements, Starbucks for coffee service, Cool Air Rentals for keeping
everyone comfortable, the many local businesses who donated silent auction items and
the tireless volunteers.
If you missed the event but would like to donate to Dan’s Legacy, or you know a youth
who could benefit from the charity’s counselling programs, please visit
www.danslegacy.com for more information.
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