The Nanaimo Child Development Centre has rescheduled its Comedy for a Cause comedy show starring Jason Hewlett.
According to the organization’s website, a power outage the original night of the show meant the centre had to reschedule the event.
The show is now Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
The centre hopes to raise $50,000, which will help pay for speech pathologists and reduce the waiting list for the speech language pathology program.
“Speech therapy has always been one of the highest wait lists,” said Michelle Kocourek, in charge of resource development for the Child Development Centre.
Speech therapy can help a child who in non-verbal learn how to communicate with their family and peers, express their needs and wants.
Aprielle McLeod’s daughter Venice is enrolled in the centre’s speech therapy preschool program and has a support worker.
When Venice first came to the centre at three years old she barely spoke, said McLeod in a press release.
“She loves coming here and we have watched her blossom,” said McLeod.
Tracy Berg, CDC fundraising officer, said every visit was a “new breakthrough” for the family.
“It was like opening up a whole world for them,” she said.
To celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary, ticket prices were lowered to $50 for regular seating. VIP tickets are $79 and include a meet and greet with Hewlett after the show. Tickets are available by calling 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com. A welcoming reception is held at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Kocourek said she saw a show with Hewlett last year.
“I never laughed so much in all my life. He truly is the most entertaining entertainer I have ever seen,” said Kocourek. “He is just a phenomenal entertainer and every one is going to wish they were there.”
For more information about the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, please visit www.nanaimocdc.com or for information about Hewlett, visit http://jasonhewlett.com.
