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Sun Peaks Fire Department gala raises over $35,000

This year’s annual Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Gala drew a lively crowd, broke the dance floor and brought in significant support for two local charities, highlighting the generosity and spirit of the community.

Tyne Roberts presenting an award during gala. Photo by SPIN

The annual ​​Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society gala delivered one of its most successful nights yet, according to organizers, drawing a large crowd, record-level energy on the dance floor and raising just over $35,000 for two local charities. The Community Association of Whitecroft and fire department society received just over $17,500 from the event proceeds.

From organizer Tyne Roberts’ perspective, the night exceeded expectations.

“We have a fantastic event organizer and planner and she did a wonderful job this year,” Roberts said

The enthusiasm among attendees was so strong that the dance floor couldn’t keep up.

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“This was the first year we had such a good turnout on the dance floor that people were dancing so much, we actually broke the dance floor,” Roberts said. “It was really exciting for us.”

Fundraising success and community generosity

One of the standout moments came during the open donation period, where attendees contributed funds directly, separate from auction or raffle items.

“It was just straight donations,” Roberts said. “It’s exciting to see community members who are able and willing to donate like that. Their willingness to support local charities is always inspiring.”

A night to celebrate community spirit

Beyond the fundraising success, organizers described the event as one of the most enjoyable evenings they host all year.

“It’s always a really fun event,” Roberts said. “It’s exciting to see members of the community come out, support the charities, dress up, mingle and dance. We look forward to it every year.”

The gala serves not only as a fundraiser but also as a key community gathering, a chance for residents to celebrate, connect and show support for causes close to home.

A message of gratitude

Roberts expressed deep appreciation for everyone who attended, donated and helped make the night meaningful.

“We’re so proud to host this event every year, it’s our favourite thing that we do,” Roberts said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the community members who attend regularly and the new members who join in. We really appreciate everyone’s generosity for the local charities year after year.”

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Author
Girl with dark hair stands in front of a bench with a black blazer and white tee shirt. She is wearing black pants and there are plants in the back ground. It is sunny and cloudy.

Aibiike Alymova enjoyed telling stories her whole life, though she first dreamed of a career in film directing, she found herself in Kamloops, pursuing a journalism degree. 

Her journey in journalism started in 2021, when she moved from Kyrgyzstan to pursue her education. For the first two years, she walked past the office for Thompson Rivers University’s student newspaper, The Omega and pull the doorknob, but every time it would be locked. In her third year, she heard The Omega was back, applied for the sports editor position and got it. She worked closely with the TRU WolfPack and the Kamloops Blazers, learning the basics of journalism. 

Growing up in Kyrgyzstan, Aibiike started skiing when she was a kid and she’s looking forward to experiencing winter at the resort. She is not only excited about the colder seasons, but also eager to see what summer at Sun Peaks has to offer and get involved in the community all year round.