So on May 13 she’s hosting a fundraiser at her Main Street bar, Starlings, to aid those impacted by the fire in Fort McMurray, Alta.
While sitting around the bar earlier this week, Starling said there was lots of talk about the fire.
“Everybody is affected by it,” she said. “There are so many Newfoundlanders up there.” That includes many of her own friends who travel back and forth to Alberta for work.
“It’s such a devastation. It’s mind boggling.”
She wanted to do something to help those impacted and to make herself feel better.
“Everybody seems so down. It just feels like it’s the right thing to do.”
The situation, she said, really makes people look at how fortunate they are
“We’re sitting here complaining about the budget cuts; they got nothing,” she said. “Yeah, the budget was bad, but at least we have a home to come home to.”
She contacted the Canadian Red Cross and has received the go-ahead to host an event for the agency’s relief effort. With the federal government’s plan to match donations that come through the agency, Starling figured it was “the biggest bang for the buck.”
She has a bunch of musicians lined up to entertain during the day, there will be an auction, 50/50 draw and people can donate at the door. She’ll also be donating $1 from of every beer sold at the bar for the day.
Starling’s is not the only local business to get involved in relief efforts.
Tonight, and again on May 14, Rustica Gastropub will donate 15 per cent of every meal sold to benefit those affected.
NightSounds will also donate to the cause, with proceeds from the cover charge both nights and a ticket sale on a $100 bar tab going to help those affected.
Fox’s General Store has placed a donation jar on its counter and will be donating the proceeds from all ice cream and cake sales on Mother’s Day. Fox’s has also put out a challenge on its Facebook page for other business owners to help out.
Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker