Dancing for a good cause

By Dan Hilborn
Published March 20, 2004


Chinese, Italian, Filipino, Indian and even Scottish musicians and dancers will be on stage at the Michael J. Fox Theatre next month to raise money for one of the most valuable community resources in Burnaby.

The Charlford House recovery society for women will be the beneficiary when the Canadian Multicultural Exchange Centre Society presents its Spring Is Here performance on April 8.

Among the many dancers and singers on stage will be traditional Chinese dancers from the Chen Ling group, the Filipino-rooted modern dance of the Kathara Cultural Theatre Co., the eclectic sounds of Burnaby's own Brave Waves, the Italian folk dancers of Fame Friulani plus classical Indian dancer Shivani Singh.

Proceeds from the show will help to do renovations at Charlford House, a converted home which has served as a recovery house for women hoping to break the cycle of addiction to drugs or alcohol for the past 25 years.

"We see many, many women whose lives are saved because of this house," said Linda Shaw, program director of Charlford House. "And this is their home for as long as they need us."

The contribution was arranged by Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee after he attended a fundraising dinner for Charlford house last year.

Tickets to Spring is Here are available through the Charlford House Society at 604-420-6601.