The Pembina Counselling Centre (PCC) is inviting the community to its annual spring fundraiser, this time featuring “When the Heart Trembles – A Testimonial”, on Thursday, April 9th, at Winkler MB Church. The event is free, with a freewill offering taken to support the centre’s work helping local families navigate mental health challenges.
A story worth sharing
Two years ago,16-year-old Abishai Redekopp suffered a heart attack while playing in the schoolyard at Emerado School. PCC Executive Director Chris Derksen explained that the event will not only be covering the heart attack itself, but also the ongoing challenges the family faced.
“Fear can be debilitating… everyone in that family struggled with that afterwards,” Derksen said.
He pointed out the significance of having someone from the community share their personal journey, “When people come to Pembina Counselling Centre, they’re not volunteering when they conclude their counseling and saying, ‘hey, sign me up to speak at your fundraiser.’ We don’t solicit that.”
A message of hope
Derksen expects the Redekopps’ story to resonate with parents, teens, and anyone facing anxiety or stress.
“By and large, the most special thing that draws people out to a fundraiser is hearing a firsthand account of how they were helped, of how their lives were transformed.”
He added that the event is meant to inspire hope and break down barriers around seeking help:
“For the parents who have anxiety about their children… this is going to be so powerful.”
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Supporting PCC’s mission
While the event is PCC’s main fundraiser of the year, Derksen said the primary goal is spreading a message of hope. The organization provided nearly 6,000 appointments last year, up from just over 2,000 when Derksen started seven years ago.
“People are struggling… and we at Pembina Counselling Centre just want people to know, there’s help for you. You don’t have to suffer alone.”
Details
The evening begins at 7:00 pm, and attendees can enjoy coffee and desserts. Free tickets are available at the Pembina Counselling Centre website.
– with files from Chris Derksen