Sherwood Care’s annual fashion fundraiser fields doubled support

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They took to the runaway for a great cause.

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Almost 50 volunteer models wore wares from the local Salvation Army Thrift Store all in good fun to support the Sherwood Care during the fifth annual fashion show and silent auction at the Community Centre’s Agora on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The evening raised more than $8,500 for the local long-term care facility, which far exceeded the 2023 event’s total of $4,000.

Funding from that evening will not go toward the $113-million Sherwood Care redevelopment facility, which is currently under construction. Just like its annual Grand Parade fundraiser, money raised during the evening will support additional programming and offerings.

“This is a great example of community spirit because it takes all entities to make this happen,” said Sherwood Care’s CEO Kathy Fortunat. “Money raised tonight will not go forwards the new building. It’s going to support the quality of life for our residents who live at Sherwood Care.”

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Such extras include music programming, live musical performances, special events, and purchasing speciality equipment.

“We believe in that quality piece for our residents. It’s those extra programs, those extra events that we put on. It’s that speciality chair that can take someone out of bed, who could not be able to get out of bed. It costs $7,000, but it’s very important for the quality of life for those people,” Fortunate said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from everyone at Sherwood Care for recognizing the work that we do and more importantly, for supporting our residents.”

The evening included a few fashionable spins from Mayor Rod Frank, Ward 3 Coun. Lorne Harvey and Ward 8 Coun. Katie Berghofer. The mayor praised Sherwood Care for its efforts and hard work.

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Hitting the runway this year was the full roster of the Sherwood Park Crusaders as well as U18 Park Girls Volleyball Club.

One of the Sherwood Park Crusaders captains Tait Ross said the whole team had a blast volunteering. Between the goofy outfits, hand selected by each player, and the poses and struts, the evening was filled with laughter. The crowd of Sherwood Care supporters also oohed and awed each time a player was announced from Quebec or various U.S. states such as Colorado, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Jersey.

“It was nice to be able to reach an audience outside of the rink and show some personality. The majority of the time, we are just seen as hockey players on game days, but we are much more than that, and I hope we can continue to have an impact on the community outside of the rink,” Ross said.

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“To be able to get outside of our comfort zone a little big and interact with the community, it’s more than worth it. Not only does it bring us closer with the community, I believe it helped us as a team become tighter knit,” added the Cru defenceman, who hails from Conquitlam, B.C.

U18 White Parks Girls Volleyball Club player Londyn Marshall enjoyed shopping at Salvation Army as a team before the event, which helped create some fun attire and make new relationships with the Cru players and event volunteers.

“It was great to meet others in the community involved in high level sports. I also enjoyed connecting with members of the larger Sherwood Park community who we represent as we travel throughout the province and play. The larger community helps make Sherwood Park an excellent place to live and grow up in,” Marshall said. “To have people in attendance from children to grandparents involved in volunteering and supporting Sherwood Care was great to see and shows the health of our local community.”

lmorey@postmedia.com

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