When it comes to taking steps to help the less fortunate, there’s a group in Elgin that knows that dance well.
The Elgin Ballroom Dance Club made a $5,000 donation to Christmas Care Thursday (Dec. 11) bringing the club’s total donations to children’s charities to nearly $60,000.
“Life isn’t a waltz for everyone,” said treasurer Linda Dekort, of Dutton. “We are proud to be able to share with the community.”
The Elgin Ballroom Dance Club made a $5,000 donation to Christmas Care Thursday (Dec. 11) bringing the club’s total donations to children’s charities to nearly $60,000.
“Life isn’t a waltz for everyone,” said treasurer Linda Dekort, of Dutton. “We are proud to be able to share with the community.”
The club charges a nominal fee for dues, only $130 a couple for a 13-week session, but because the club’s teachers don’t charge market rate for their services, there is money left over, she said.
Started as a millennial project, Ed Donkers from Frome, and Hilary Vaughan of St. Thomas, have been the club’s teachers since its founding. Vaughan has volunteered her time and Donkers gets paid a nominal amount
Started as a millennial project, Ed Donkers from Frome, and Hilary Vaughan of St. Thomas, have been the club’s teachers since its founding. Vaughan has volunteered her time and Donkers gets paid a nominal amount
Hilary Vaughan, of St. Thomas, left, presents a cheque to Al Mintz co-coordinator of Christmas Care, and Ed Donkers, of Frome, hands over another Thursday night at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 41 on John St. in St. Thomas, while dancers with the Elgin Ballroom Dance Club enjoy their annual Christmas party in the background. Vaughan and Donkers are instructors of the dance club and the instigators of the club’s giving ways.
Vaughan, who also managed the club’s money in the early years, noticed the bank balance building and suggested charitable donations. Donkers agreed. They decided charities that benefit children would be something everyone could support. In addition to Christmas Care, the club has given to the pediatric department of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario, Timken Centre capital campaign, Talbot Teen Centre, St. Thomas Public Library and the Autism Society of Canada.
In addition to money, the club sent Christmas Care food and toys collected from members at its annual Christmas Party Thursday night.
“Our charitable activities are really made possible because Hilary and Ed have been so generous with their time and talents,” said Dekort. “We are happy to support Christmas Care this year. We think they do great work and we know our contributions to them will help many families.”
Thanks to Elgin Ballroom Dance Club for this article. What a fantastic idea to combine a fun activity with fund-raising! Since it was founded in 2000, the dance club has donated nearly $60,000 to children’s charities in the region.
In addition to money, the club sent Christmas Care food and toys collected from members at its annual Christmas Party Thursday night.
“Our charitable activities are really made possible because Hilary and Ed have been so generous with their time and talents,” said Dekort. “We are happy to support Christmas Care this year. We think they do great work and we know our contributions to them will help many families.”
Thanks to Elgin Ballroom Dance Club for this article. What a fantastic idea to combine a fun activity with fund-raising! Since it was founded in 2000, the dance club has donated nearly $60,000 to children’s charities in the region.
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