Airdrie Meals on Wheels has partnered with CanAm Wrestling, hosting a live pro wrestling event to raise funds for the Airdrie foundation to purchase meals for local residents.
The evening filled with wrestling shows is making its way back to Airdrie on Aug. 25, with wrestlers hitting the stage at 7 p.m. at the Town and Country Centre.
According to Lois Jones, the communications and media volunteer with Airdrie Meals on Wheels, guests can expect to see some “name brand wrestlers” in action, such as The Cheetahbear, Beautiful Bobby SHARP, and The Zombie Killer Mentallo.
The wrestlers will also be hosting photo opportunities and autograph sessions.
A portion of the proceeds raised from the ticket sales will go towards Meals on Wheels, while 100 per cent of the 50/50 raffle will sponsor the volunteer-led foundation. Jones is hoping to sell out all the tickets to the event, with a total of 300 attendees.
Ringside VIP tickets are $30, adult tickets are $20, tickets for youth aged five to 15 are $10, and there is no admission cost for those under five. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/3JhtggU or by emailing [email protected].
For the hungry wrestling fan, Big T’s Barbecue will be serving up many food options, including beef on a bun. Jones said alcohol, pop, candy, and chips will also be available for purchase.
Founded in 1983, Airdrie Meals on Wheels has been providing residents with healthy food options directly to their door for nearly 40 years.
“Meals on Wheels provides prepared nutritious meals to the residents of Airdrie who, for whatever reason, are unable to shop, chop, and prepare meals for themselves,” Jones explained.
The Airdrie-based foundation plans to use the funds raised from the wrestling event to support food costs used in each meal, which have increased steadily this year due to inflation.
Meals on Wheels uses a sliding scale based on a client's income to determine the price for a meal for each client. Fundraising efforts mean the organization is able to subsidize the cost to residents.
Although all residents can access Meals on Wheels regardless of economic standing, Jones said some people using the service need a hand-up and being able to offer those in need a less expensive, healthy meal option is important to the foundation.
“We actually believe everyone deserves a nutritious meal, regardless of circumstances,” Jones said, adding that anybody can be in an unforeseen and unexpected situation, without support. Meals on Wheels is able to step in and alleviate some stress by providing prepared food for its clients.
This year, Meals on Wheels has been supplying approximately 350 meals a month to Airdrie residents, according to Jones.
“It really is proof that it’s an integral part of the community,” she said.
Those wishing to use the Meals on Wheels service can visit bit.ly/3zK8iEs
