There was a spotlight on an agency that's called upon to support people in crisis in our community and its volunteers Friday night (Mar 16th) at their annual fundraiser.

Lacombe Victim Services held its 16th annual Comedy Cabaret.

Program Manager Debbie Barron says funds raised are used for training advocates, who provide practical and emotional support to people in need.

“Our advocates are all volunteers; they give of their time freely, so it’s very, very important that we keep them up to date on the training.  When they start with us they take basic training, which is an online course, 70 hours.  But over the course of the years we do other training like NOK (next of kin notification) training, domestic violence training, sex assault training, so that when my girls go out, they are up to date on all the proper information so they can help the clients the best they can”.

Royal LePage was also on hand, delivering a cheque for more than $9,000.

Barron says they're fortunate to receive ongoing support from the local realty company.

“Royal LePage has been donating to us for about 8 years; we use that money to help domestic violence victims.  This allows me to have gift cards to help a victim when they come in right away, I can give them some quick cash, I can put them up in a hotel, if they need cab fare to get to a program in Red Deer I can do that”.

To date Royal LePage has donated more than $69,000 to Victim Services.

Barron says they continue to seek volunteers to serve as advocates, supporting victims of crime, such as assault, child abuse, break and enter, motor vehicle collisions and property crime.

Advocates are on call for Lacombe Police, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information you can contact Debbie Barron at 403-782-3279 ext. 152.