The Haliburton County Heat Bank’s annual fundraiser in partnership with Carnarvon’s Rhubarb restaurant raised $29,183. The Nov. 14 evening was the most successful to date, said Tina Jackson, heat bank coordinator.
“Haliburton County has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in all of Canada,” said Jackson. “The Heat Bank’s working really hard to help folks overcome struggles related to heating and hydro, and this is our largest fundraiser of the year.”
Jackson said Rhubarb, and owner Terri Matthews-Carl, have been instrumental in helping the event succeed.
The restaurant was closed to the public and staff volunteered their time to serve a gourmet dinner while attendees had the chance to bid on donated items from various local businesses.
Musicians Nick and Benton sang and Ted Brandon hosted the evening as MC.
The Heat Bank, founded in 2013, aims to provide emergency access to heat and firewood for vulnerable Highlanders.
Their annual fundraiser at Rhubarb has raised over $124,000 since it began.
