Gale Presbyterian Church, Woolwich Community Services and the Woolwich Counselling Centre are joining forces to raise funds with a fish fry and auction next month.

The idea came from Betty Ann Spink, who spearheads fundraising at Gale Presbyterian. Last spring she approached the two community agencies about doing a joint fundraiser, with the proceeds to be split three ways.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity to get our name out there and tell people what services we offer,” said Kelly Christie, community resources coordinator at WCS.

The fish fry is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Elmira Lions Hall. Dinner will be served between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., with bidding on silent auction items. Howell’s Fish Fry will be serving up the meal, which will include salads, dessert and drink. At 7, there will be a performance by the Waterloo Regional Police Male Chorus, followed by a live auction at 8 p.m.

The Lions Hall has a capacity of 400, but Christie is hoping to get closer to 500 people out, expecting that some will eat and leave early while others come later for the chorus and live auction. Tickets are $15.

Christie said WCS’ share of the funds will go toward programs that aren’t funded by the United Way or provincial government. Between 45 and 50 per cent of the agency’s budget comes from community donations and fundraisers like this one.

Tickets are available at WCS, the counselling centre and the Gale Presbyterian church office.

Organizers are still looking for more donations for the live and silent auctions. For more information on donations, contact Christie at 519-669-5139 or email kelly_wcs@yahoo.ca.