Despite a poor turnout for the town’s first ever information fair held in recognition of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, Rimbey’s Victim Services program co-ordinator believes the event was a step in the right direction.
“It increased awareness about what we do and we need to get the word out there,” said Janet Porter.
During the fair, held April 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Rimbey Community Centre, several booths were manned by representatives from agencies that provide support to victims of crime, tragedy and natural disasters. These included representatives from Neighborhood Place, FCSS, Red Cross, Women’s Outreach, the Edmonton Sexual Assault Centre, Rimbey Ministerial Group and Students Against Drunk Drivers. Information regarding suicide prevention was also available.
Rimbey RCMP were also on hand to provide fingerprinting kits for the children.
Const. Luke Halvorson gave a roll-over demonstration using a special vehicle with cloth dummies set up inside to show what can happen to motorists who aren’t wearing seat belts in that situation.
Despite the cold wind and chilling temperatures, children scrambled in and out of the emergency response vehicles parked in the community centre parking lot checking out all the bells and whistles and interesting paraphernalia inside.
The fair also included some light-hearted fun at the expense of Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson and Coun. Paul Payson. The pair obligingly donned plastic cover-ups and became the target of several whipped cream pies tossed, mostly by the younger set in the crowd, directly into their faces. All funds raised through the pie toss went to the Rimbey Food Bank.
Gene Steeves from Keyera Corp. barbecued hotdogs and hamburgers for the event.