Richard Froese
South Peace News

The High Prairie Block Party to promote community services returned for the first time since 2019 bigger and better!

Several hundred people attended the event June 7 on Evergreen Drive. Heart River Housing welcomed the Children’s Resource Council as organizers.

“We are estimating we had 300-425 people and 23 organizations and agencies,” says Heart River tenant liaison co-ordinator Rhonda Keay, who started her role April 13.

Previously held in late August, the event in 2019 drew 110 people and only nine exhibitors.

Some invited agencies were unable to attend, she notes.

“We chose the date because we thought spring would be a better time for families and June 7 was a (Professional Development) day for all local schools,” Keay says.

“The purpose of the Block Party is to promote community resources and services that are offered in our community and a day for the whole family to enjoy.

“It proved to be a great opportunity for clients and organizations to meet face-to-face and to create a great working relationship and referral base.”

She trusts the local Block Party will spread beyond High Prairie.

“Tenant support would love to see this type of event in other communities in our Heart River Housing region,” Keay says.

CRC was delighted to join the expanded event.

“The CRC wanted to assist in showcasing the event and give families a chance to see what is available to them in our community,” CAO Naal Sharkawi says.

“We had contacted Heart River Housing and asked if they wanted to have a collaborative effort and give agencies a chance to provide information to community members,” Sharkawi says.

“Heart River Housing and the CRC wanted to hold a larger event with a free barbecue and activities for children to entice families to come see what services, program and resources are available to them.

“It is important that we continually provide information at events, whether they are large or small as not everyone is on Facebook.”

Organizers thank all all organizations and people who supported in the event in various ways.