Shriners ‘Rock Candy’ concert fundraiser this Friday

Over 300 tickets sold, still tickets left

October 21, 2024, 9:12 am
Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There’s still a few days left to purchase the remaining tickets for the Moosomin Shriners 11th annual fundraiser this weekend at the Conexus Convention Centre on Oct. 25.

The local Shrine Club’s fundraiser has become a tradition, known for entertainment, great food, and raising money for kids.

“It’s not a sellout yet, but we’re quite happy with the way it has gone,” said Bill Thorn of the Moosomin Shriners, who estimated well over 300 tickets have sold.

Doors open at 5:30 pm with supper starting an hour later, followed by an update from club president Leo Ilustrismo, then entertainment courtesy of the classic rock and party band Rock Candy. There will also be a special guest speaker.

“We have a child coming in who has been in the Shrine hospital system,” Thorn said. “They make a brief presentation, a 15 to 20 minute presentation on their experience with Shrine hospitals.”

This year, attendees will hear from eight-year-old Easton Weitzel from Regina, who has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease.

“He’s being cared for at the Shrine Hospital in Montreal,” Thorn explained of the ongoing treatments. “We’ve had one other child in that system, and he started out at 18 or 20 months, and he’s now a 15-year-old and he goes to Montreal two or three times a year for two or three days at a time.”

In addition to funding the hospital visits, the club donates to local causes with this year’s beneficiary being the Playfair Daycare.

“We have to give a certain amount of our money away to our hospitals, but we do a little bit of local stuff, too,” Thorn said.

The annual fundraiser is also a great way for anyone considering joining the Shriners to see firsthand how the club helps the community. Service groups are always looking for new members, and the Moosomin Shriners are no exception.

“The Shriners are always looking for new members,” Thorn confirmed, recommending those curious to chat with a current member at the event for more details. “They’d be more than happy to share some of the values and important work we do make our world a better place to live, particularly for children that are afflicted with serious ailments.”

Anyone interested in tickets can call Margaret at (306) 434-8112.