FSJ seniors non-profit to fundraise through barbecue

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John non-profit society is hosting a barbecue fundraiser to keep rent low for senior residents. 

According to a Facebook post uploaded to Abbeyfield House Fort St. John’s page on July 21, the fundraiser has been scheduled for July 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Abbeyfield House Fort St. John, located on 96 Ave. 

Kimmy Fenton, Abbeyfield House’s manager, said the fundraiser will be selling hamburgers or a hot dog with a bag of chips and a drink for $5. 

“All the money stays local, and it helps keep the rent low for our seniors,” Fenton said. “It helps with activities and also makes updates to the house, which need to be done.” 

This will be the second time the society has hosted this fundraiser, and it previously raised just under $3,000. 

This year, Abbeyfield does not want to put a number on how much they hope to raise. 

“We’re just super grateful for anything that people want to come out and support us for our seniors,” Fenton said. 

The funds raised will help keep things cheap for seniors at Abbeyfield House. 

She said, “With their rent, it includes all their meals, cable in their bedroom, everything they need day to day.” 

“We don’t believe seniors should have to pay a whole bunch of rent and then not be able to afford other things.”

Fenton asked the community to come out and support the seniors who “work hard all day selling the tickets, and they love to see everybody come out.”  

No registration is required for the event. Companies can call or text 250-794-6699 to have their orders delivered.  

Abbeyfield House will also be selling 50/50 tickets: three tickets cost $5, and seven cost $10. Tickets can be purchased until 3:30 p.m. on July 24, and the live draw will take place at 4 p.m. 

Tickets can be bought by contacting Kimmy Fenton or visiting Abbeyfield House.