Organizers of the 40th Annual B.C. Elders Gathering coming to the lakecity this summer are thrilled to receive a $15,000 donation for the event from Walmart.
“We would like to thank Walmart, Williams Lake, B.C, for stepping up and taking a lead to be one of our major sponsors,” Chief Joe Alphonse said in a press release accepting the funds this week.
Hosted by Tletinqox Government Office the 40th Annual B.C. Elders Gathering will take place July 11 to 14.
Events open to the public during the gathering include a Tent City in the Stampede grounds, First Nations arts and crafts exhibitors from all across Canada featured in the Curling Rink, and a Wild West Show.
There is no charge to watch the Wild West Show, or visit the Tent City, but there will be a $2 daily fee to visit the arts and craft exhibits.
The gathering of Elders is not a public event.
The Elders will participate in workshops, tours, and will have a special time of their own to visit the arts and crafts exhibits.
“This Gathering is all about our Elders,” Alphonse said.
“It’s about honouring our Elders and giving back to them.
“This gathering has been such a huge success in the past years, it is going into its 40th year, and Tletinqox Government Office, is honoured to be the host community for the event.”
More than 3,000 Elders and as many as 10,000 other visitors are expected to converge in the city for the gathering, Alphonse said.
“We are expecting over $1 million to be dropped in the city’s economy,” Alphonse said.
“Not all Elders will use our services that we will provide for them, and they will venture out into the city, and so we are asking all businesses to be aware of this major event, and be prepared.”
He said the event organizers still need major support in many areas such as financial and volunteer resources, to co-ordinate some tours and workshops for our Elders.
People who would like to volunteer at the event are asked to contact the volunteer co-ordinator Betty Derkson at 250-392-3918.
More information is also available at the main website at www.eldersgathering.ca.
For information on becoming an event sponsor and to receive an information package about the event contact sponsorship chair Darwin Stump, at dstump@tletinqoxtin.ca or 250-394-4240.