NANAIMO – The United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) is hosting its annual Starlight Film Festival, which is a major fundraising event, at Nanaimo’s Galaxy Cinemas on Friday, October 9.
For $20, teens enjoy a fun and safe night at the movies with their friends, pop, pizza, popcorn and XBOX. Movies include 21 Jump Street, Anchorman 2, Bridesmaids, Grown Ups 2, White House Down and World War Z (all rated up to 14A).
Parents are asked to drop off their children at midnight (doors close at 12:30 am). The event ends at 6:30 am the next morning. United Way staff and volunteers ensure that no teens leave the movie theatre throughout the night and get picked up safely in the morning.
“It is worth staying up all night volunteering at the United Way Starlight Film Festival when you see how much fun the teens have,” said Christopher Briggs, a United Way volunteer and Leader Donor. “The proceeds help the community and it is personally rewarding to be a part of it!” Briggs has been organizing the volunteers for seven years now, and volunteering with this event for the last 10 years.
United Way raised $10,500 at last year’s Starlight Film Festival. Proceeds from the Starlight Film Festival help fund 33 local programs in the Central Island region, and 28 programs throughout Comox Valley and Campbell River. United Way funds a variety of programs for teens, including a youth suicide prevention program, in-school mentorship programs, an anti-bullying program, children who witness abuse support program and a teen centre for skills building and recreational activities.
Tickets are available at www.uwcnvi.ca or at the door (cash only at the door).
United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) has been at work for more than 57 years in the community. With a mission to improve lives and to build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action, UWCNVI invests in strengthening people and communities including Campbell River, Courtenay-Comox, Port Alberni, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island and Ladysmith.
Funds donated annually by local businesses and individuals for United Way’s Community Fund provide an essential network of social services in communities across Vancouver Island.
