Guest speaker Julie Abernathy came from Saskatoon to speak at the Wilkie and Area Life Association's third annual Celebrate Family Dessert Social, Nov. 27.
The no-admission fundraiser was a chance for the community to enjoy an evening out, support a great cause and take in Abernathy's speech; "on how we can best cultivate a culture of life within our community as well as country" says Georgine Thomas, president of the Life Association.
Abernathy had worked as a pro-life street counselor for Aid to Women, a pregnancy crisis centre in Toronto. "She [also] spoke of her experience helping women in Toronto with their struggle with abortion. She spoke about their life-saving work and affirmed the love-the-mother, save-the-baby approach," adds member Tish Ulrich.
Approximately 50 guests attended the evening, enjoying a variety of delicious desserts made by members of the association, as well as door prizes and a variety of items up for sale: flavoured coffees, teas, Advent candles, ornaments, Amaryllis bulbs and Christmas cards.
There is never an admission charge to any of the events put on by the association. The funds raised from the sale of these items "help to benefit our functions and making people realize that life is precious and should be protected at all stages" says Thomas. "By bringing people in to talk to the public about their work and experiences protecting life and helping others to protect life, benefits us all."
Rachel's Vineyard and Teen Aid are also organizations the Life Association supports with funds raised.
A trio of singers: Chelsea Gruber, Rachel Mamer and Allison Cey, accompanied by pianist Katherine Ulrich, also entertained the crowd with a beautiful rendition of Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven.
And "as well as Julie Abernathy, we were honoured to have attend our evening, Campaign Life Coalition Saskatchewan president Denise Hounjet-Roth," adds Thomas. "We would like to thank everyone that came out to join us. We hope you enjoyed your evening and invite you to attend next year's social."
