The lunchtime guest list keeps getting longer for Tuesday's benefit barbecue and silent auction in support of Lakeland Mills employees.
It's looking like it will be a full house at the College of New Caledonia courtyard. The 20 second-year students in CNC's culinary arts program organizing the event initially thought they'd have 1,000 mouths to feed. Now they're expected a crowd of 2,500.
"I'm personally humbled by it, the outpouring is crazy with the community stepping forward," said Lakeland sawmill worker Wayne Muxlow.
"I appreciate everything everyone's been doing. I understand there's a fair few going [to the barbecue] and I'll be going too. There are so many people that know about [the fire] and when you talk about it and you kind of know how everyone else is feeling, it all helps."
Pacific Western Transit has donated an all-expense-paid ski trip to Whistler and is also operating a free bus shuttle service from Pine Centre Mall to CNC, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
"Our hearts are deeply saddened by this tragedy," said Robin Sanda, Pacific Western Transit's director of safety. "It has been amazing to see the community come together to support families who have been affected by the fire."
Gift baskets, gift certificates, and the mayor's suite at CN for a Cougars game are other items that will be set up for bid at the silent auction. Initiatives Prince George, Ohh Chocalat Cafe, P.G. Floor Fashions, the Ramada Hotel, CNC IT services, Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, Marmot Hill Gardens and Women's Zone Fitness are among the donors.
A dunk tank and other activities will be set up for kids to keep them occupied. Admission to the barbecue is $10 per person and includes a hamburger or hot dog lunch with salads, dessert, and beverages.
See Monday's Citizen for more
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