A concert, fashion show, barbecue and silent auction will take place in Surrey this month to help young people in Sierra Leone.
The People’s Foundation of Sierra Leone (TPF) will host its biggest fundraising event of the year June 14 at Surrey Christian School’s Secondary Campus
Salone Fest, a celebration of youth empowerment in Sierra Leone, will offer the community a chance to see the difference TPF is making abroad and to experience a bit of Sierra Leonean culture through displays of authentic fashion, food and artwork.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a barbecue, followed by performances by local musicians Good For Grapes, an 
award-winning folk band and reggae artist Ezra Kwizera. A fashion show will be held during intermission.
Guests will also be invited to bid on an array of silent auction items, some of Sierra Leonean origin and others from local donors.
Founded in 2005 by Surrey’s Krissi Bucholtz, TPF seeks to grant bright young leaders the opportunity to pursue education and affect positive change in their communities. To achieve this, the charity offers annual scholarships to applicants who have proven themselves to be academically proficient, career-driven and active in their communities. In addition, TPF holds HIV/AIDS sensitization workshops, conducts mentorship and counselling programs, and develops entrepreneurial activities in several communities across Sierra Leone.
Bucholtz, who spends most of the year teaching in Sierra Leone, works closely with leaders in these communities to help grow and strengthen all of these activities.
Tickets to the event are $20 for adults and $15 for students, available at the door or at Eventbrite.com by searching “Salone Fest.” All proceeds will go towards furthering TPF’s efforts. Surrey Christian School is located at 15353 92 Ave. For further information, contact Ann McBurnie at 604-576-0904.
