May 18 fundraiser for Iqaluit shelters nets $12,000

Koel and the Twin Otters’ Parul Bahuguna, centre, with bandmates Anthony Fong and Tommy Tremblay, perform at the YWCA Agvvik Nunavut’s fundraiser gala at the Frobisher Inn May 18. The event raised funds for the Qimaavik Women’s Shelter and Sivumut House in Iqaluit. (PHOTO BY ED MARUYAMA)

The YWCA Agvvik Nunavut group celebrated with supporters of its two women’s shelters May 18 at Its second annual Ulluriaq Soirée gala in Iqaluit.

The event featured prizes, raffles and a silent auction to raise funds for the Qimaavik Shelter for battered women and Sivumut House for homeless women in Iqaluit.

More than $12,000 was raised, which will help cover all the extras needed to run both places, such as food, clothing, furniture and activities for beneficiaries, said Sheila Levy, president of the board for YWCA Agviik Nunavut.

“We’re doing it to contribute to our client’s well-being and hopefully to offer more programming and benefits that helps them lead more successful lives,” Levy said.

“We’re fortunate that we’re able to put on such a successful event,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without our wonderful board and employees, who make such a good team.”

More than 180 supporters and staff attended the May 18 event, which also featured musical performances by Iqaluit band Koel and the Twin Otters, and Canvas, with Joanne Ashley and Thor Simonsen.

“We really appreciate they’re making the event a success,” Levy said.

The event is the society’s biggest fundraiser of the year.