Serenity, the ship from the film of the same name (2005).

Serenity, the ship from the film of the same name (2005).

Serenity’s next mission: Empowering women

Kwantlen screening two sci-fi films to raise money for Equality Now and the Surrey Women’s Centre.

Kwantlen Student Association is screening the science fiction films Serenity and Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog to raise money for two women’s rights organizations, Equality Now and the Surrey Women’s Centre.

The event, known as Can’t Stop the Serenity, takes place Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in the Main Conference Centre at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Surrey Campus, 12666 72 Ave.

Doors open at 4 p.m.

The event, in its 10th year, takes place in more than 50 cities worldwide each year, and has raised more than $1 million for women empowerment charities.

Serenity, released in 2005 as a continuation of Joss Whedon’s short-lived sci-fi series Firefly, stars Nathan Fillion and Oscar-nominated Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog is an Emmy-winning 2008 musical celebration of geek culture, superhero movies and comic books starring Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day.

Founded in 1992, Equality Now is an organization that describes its mission as working for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women and girls around the world.

In countries worldwide, its outreach battles against sexual violence, forced and underage marriage, trafficking of women and female genital mutilation. A trusted charity, it has received a five-star rating from charitynavigator.org.

The Surrey Women’s Centre offers a wide range of crisis, court and counseling services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other forms of family violence. They offer services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including a mobile crisis service to get victimized women into a safe situation as quickly as possible and provide any support that is needed to for ongoing safety.

Opportunities to learn about the two charities will be available at Can’t Stop the Serenity.

The event includes a silent auction of geeky swag and door prizes. Food and drinks will be available by donation.
This event is organized in cooperation with Kwantlen Women Organizing Opportunities for Women and is sponsored by the Kwantlen Student Association and local businesses and people who have donated their time and support.

Ticket and volunteer information is online at http://cstssurrey.blogspot.ca/

For more information, email cantstopkwantlen@gmail.com

Surrey Now Leader