Food, music and hula hoops are ingredients in the recipe for healthy fun to be had at the Picnic in the Park fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
This is the second annual picnic where people are invited to enjoy a healthy meal of barbecued beef or vegetarian burgers, hummus, pitas, vegetables, whole fruits and cookies for dessert.
This fundraiser fits in with the association's idea of raising awareness for a better lifestyle including healthier foods and outdoor activity, said Melanie Setter, Canadian Diabetes Association summer student.
Entertainment includes local performers The Bricks, a university-student duo who play folksy, sort of hippy music and maybe a bit of punk.
"They're really an amazing band who do a lot of shows for free," said Setter. "They're really quite talented."
Chris Urbanski plays folk country music and then there's a magician, David DeVore, who will keep everyone guessing about how he does what he does.
There will be face painting, arts and crafts, games and a hula hooping challenge for children of all ages, Setter added.
The grown ups can check out the silent auction items after dinner including a few pieces of jewelry, passes to the YMCA, Gold's Gym, the Cineplex, tanning, goodie bags from Lush and gift certificates.
The fundraiser raised about $2,000 last year with 50 people in attendance and this year there's a bigger goal.
"I would like 100 people to come and enjoy themselves," said Setter.
The event costs $10 per adult, $5 for children under seven years old.
“Last year’s event certainly was a ton of fun and created lots of interest in the community," said Boyanne Young, branch coordinator for the Association’s Northern Region. "The event benefits the Association’s Northern Region, which provides local diabetes education and supports research like the work of our very own Dr. Sarah Gray of UNBC. We look forward to the community’s generosity once again this year in attending the picnic and enjoying the evening so that we’re able to support the more than 16,000 individuals and families living with diabetes in the Northern Region."
For more information or to make a donation to the event call 250-561-9284.
