THUNDER BAY - It’s the biggest birthday party of the year and everyone should be invited, which is why one neighbourhood is looking to bring some of the celebrations to their own back yard.
The Vale/Limbrick Community Action Group is hosting a fundraiser and barbeque on Friday to raise money to hold a Canada Day celebration for children living in the area.
Amy Manning, a member of the steering committee for the Vale/Limbrick Action Group, said everyone is welcome to come down to the neighbouhood to toss a few extra dollars into a money circle.
“Every child should be celebrating Canada Day,” Manning said. “I feel so patriotic. I am so happy I am in Canada. One of the things I’m trying to teach the kids in Limbrick is to be proud of your country.”
The goal is to raise enough money to host a barbeque, bring in a bouncy castle, and of course, finish off the night with a fireworks display.
Manning said many people in the neighbourhood want to go to the Marina to take in the big show, but that isn’t always an option.
“I can’t get to the Marina because I have four kids,” Manning continued. “It’s just impossible. I tried to get there on a bus, but I had to turn back. It’s just way too hard with four kids, especially when I’m a single mom. I’m telling my story, but it applies to a lot of kids in Limbrick.”
The Vale/Limbrick Community Action Group has been working for the last several years to fundraise and bring events to the neighbourhood. In the past they have hosted community feasts, talent shows, barbeques, a wreathe sale, tubing trips, and a Powwow in memory of Otis Perkins.
According to Manning, there are many challenges facing the neighbourhood, including a growing drug problem. So for her and others in the neighbourhood, hosting these types of programs help bring the people together and improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.
“It’s very important because we’re trying to take back our neighbourhood,” she said. “I’m talking for a lot of people in Limbrick. My most important thing is protecting Limbrick and the people in Limbrick.”
Everyone is welcome to participate in the fundraiser on Friday that will be taking place at the playground in the Limbrick neighbourhood throughout the day.
