Shediac Gala Fundraiser and Silent Auction
More than 85 artists and artisans have donated over 125 works of art for a Gala Fundraiser & Silent Auction to raise money for the three legal actions launched to protect our province’s environment against the development of the shale gas industry. The event will take place on Thursday August 28th 2014 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Multipurpose Centre in Shediac. In addition to the silent auction, there will be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, as well as live entertainment featuring local musicians. Admission is $10, which will cover costs related to venue rental and food.
“Whether Acadian, Anglophone or First Nations, from here or away, everyone I contacted was equally enthusiastic about this event, and their generosity is a testimony to the growing concern about the protection of our environment in regards to the fracking industry,” explains event organiser Adeline Thomas, an artist originally from Petit-Rocher. She’s been involved in the anti-shale gas movement for several years.
Art lovers and collectors will not want to miss this auction, which includes works by Roméo Savoie, George Goguen, Nancy Schofield, Elaine Amyot, Danielle Ouellet, Claire Chevarie, Brigitte LeBouthilier and many others. Susan Jardin, and Gerry Collins created works especially for the occasion.
Profits from the auction will be equally distributed amongst these 3 legal action funds:
- The New Brunswick Anti Shale Gas Alliance (NBASGA) Science Suit: filed with the Court of Queen’s Bench, June 22, asking for a moratorium on the development of unconventional shale gas and oil until such time as long-term, population-based scientific studies demonstrate that it can be done safely.
- The People’s Lawsuit: filed with the Court of Queen’s Bench in Saint John on June 26th by a group of 18 plaintiffs against SWN Resource Canada, the federal and the provincial governments.
- The Aboriginal community of Elsipogtog for legal fees relating to the rights and interests of First Nations in an effort to stop shale gas exploration and development projects of hydraulic fracturing in New Brunswick.
NBASGA coordinator, Roy Ries, says they are grateful to the artists and artisans who have so generously donated their work and to the organizers. “Their commitment is a testimony to the growing concerns of the people of this province regarding the government’s position in backing the development of the shale gas industry. I also want to emphasis that, the success of our collective efforts, including the success of this particular event, depends on public support and participation,” he added.
The NBASGA, which represents 22 non-profit, community groups across the province, has already raised more than $100 000 and plans on doubling that amount in the near future. According to their spokesperson, another fund raising event initiated by a local musician will be announced soon.
For more information or to schedule an interview with one of the organizers or artists contact: Adeline Thomas, Gala Co-ordinator
Phone: 506-533-9277, c-227-2777
Email address: adelinethomas@rogers.com