I’m very proud to be helping the Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) with their upcoming comedy night fundraiser, An Evening of Laughter! Not only will it be a blast, but it’s for a good cause!
The OILRC will be hosting its first annual family-friendly comedy night and fundraiser, An Evening of laughter, on July 13 at the Gladstone Theatre.
The OILRC has been assisting in the empowerment of all persons with a disability in the Ottawa area for more than 15 years, providing them with important tools to enrich their lives and help them participate fully in the community.
In partnership with Yuk Yuk’s and the Gladstone, An Evening of Laughter will feature Gemini-nominated comedian, writer, and actor Don Kelly. As a stand-up comic, Kelly has performed across North America and has appeared on numerous TV and radio comedy showcases, including his own national television specials on CBC’s Comics!, CTV’s Comedy Now, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Debaters, and more.
The line-up also includes professional football player turned comic Mark Hatfield, Greg Schroder, Jenn Hayward, and Wafik Nasralla.
“We’re very excited to be starting what we hope will be an annual tradition,” says Chantale Sauvé, organizer of the event and coordinator at OILRC. “Part of successful independent living is maintaining social connectivity and community participation and, of course, having fun. That’s what we hope to achieve with An Evening of Laughter.”
All proceeds raised will be invested in the OILRC’s programs and services, which include one-on-one facilitation, and skill-building workshops like confidence, self-esteem, physical fitness, cooking, and overall healthy living.
This fundraising effort will also benefit the OILRC’s Direct Funding program, one of the most important resources for the organization’s participants. The program provides adults with disabilities monthly funds to hire attendants of their choosing, to schedule at their discretion – at home, at work, or in the community. Created by people with disabilities and the provincial government, the Direct Funding program is based on the principles of the independent living movement – that persons with disabilities should have control over their own attendant services.
An Evening of Laughter will also feature a photo booth, concessions, prize raffle, a 50/50 draw, and even some comedy presented by OILRC participants.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door, by calling (613) 236-2558 ext. 227, or emailing jessica@oilrc.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information:
Chantale Sauvé
Peer Support Coordinator
613-236-2558 ext 222
peersupport@oilrc.com
www.oilrc.com
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