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A group dedicated to raising funds for Canada’s oldest ballet has hit a major milestone of its own.
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The Volunteer Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is in its 75th year and is believed to have donated more than $1 million in support since its beginnings as a ladies auxiliary in 1949.
Co-president Holly Beard said the diamond anniversary is “pretty exciting” but also comes with its share of responsibility.
“Daunting is maybe a strong word, but it’s kind of a lot of history, so you want to make sure you continue the history and improve the shop and improve the donation to the ballet,” Beard said in an interview Thursday.
The group will formalize the three-quarters of a century mark at a luncheon prior to its annual general meeting at the Winnipeg Winter Club on Oct. 10 with yet another cheque presentation to members of the RWB board attended by dignitaries, suppliers and other valued guests.
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It started out with individual fundraising events before opening a consignment store in 1967. Things, now firmly located on Corydon Avenue, remains the major fundraising operation for what is now an independent non-profit organization.
It started selling antiques and gifts but in recent years has moved toward furniture and artwork closer to mid-modern and contemporary styles. Things took over a neighbouring property in the fall of 2020 and managed to make expansion work during Covid.
“It’s also enabled us to more than double our annual donation to the ballet, so it’s been a pretty profitable expansion for us,” Beard said.
The shop is updating its website and looking at some rebranding, but what hasn’t changed is that it’s a business completely run by volunteers.
“I think there’s a lot of people dedicated to the ballet, and to fundraising for the ballet, so that’s been one of the driving forces. Also I think as people retire, they’re looking for something to do and the challenge of running the business with volunteers has intrigued a number of people. … And for a lot of people, it also provides a bit of a social network.”
That social aspect includes hearing the stories behind some of the items people bring in to sell, or donate.
“It sounds funny, but people want to know that their (items) are going to a good home.”
kevin.king@kleinmedia.ca
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