An Okotoks society aimed at supporting community enhancement programs hopes humour will bring out the generosity in residents this weekend.
The Self High Five Empowerment Society is bringing Calgary stand-up comedian Daryl Makk to the Okotoks United Church for it’s a Night of Comedy on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. to raise money to support Foothills community enhancement programs.
The society formed in 2014 and aims to bring down the cost for people to attend fine arts, recreation and education programs and to help youths and adults build life skills.
“Community support is what we’re about so if we can get people coming to these fundraisers you are actually just giving back to your community,” said society board member Kelsey Raine Knibbs.
Money raised will support the development of community enhancement programs like Every Avenue Education, which offers academic support and experiential learning classes for varying cognitive and physical abilities and Self High Five, empowerment classes for adults using drama to explore bettering oneself through awareness and personal growth.
Knibbs, a behaviour consultant who worked in schools for 10 years, spearheaded Every Avenue Education, which will open its doors in High River in April.
“One of the biggest frustrations right now for people with exceptionalities and special needs there is absolutely no government funding for academic-based support,” she said. “Let’s say a student has a variety of special needs. A lot of time they end up just trying to get through the day socially and emotionally.”
Knibbs said these types of students often don’t have time to sit down and learn basic math concepts, reading and writing.
“They may have the ability to do that, but their social emotional behaviour may be getting in the way,” she said. “Because there isn’t enough funding to make that well-rounded, they end up missing out on these opportunities to learn skills that would allow them to be more independent as adults and get jobs.”
Makk’s performance this weekend gives the society an opportunity to provide a financial boost to these programs.
“I’m up for anything where I can help for education,” said Makk. “Any time we can help people get education and knowledge I’m a massive fan of that. It’s nice to see the society helping people who need help.”
Makk said this isn’t his first fundraising show.
“I’ve done fundraisers for a lot of different causes,” he said. “I find they’re fun because everybody is there to have a good time. They can be more fun than a club show sometimes.“
Known for his clever and original comedy, Makk pokes fun at situations including the hypocrisy of society, relationships, social media and his self-proclaimed motorcycle enthusiast status.
Makk got his start in comedy in 1993 after winning a comedy contest in Winnipeg and has performed for Just for Laughs, the Rocky Mountain Comedy Fest, Comedy Now and XM Satellite Radio, among others.
“I’ve tried every job under the sun from sales to truck driving to retail,” he said. “I would rather stand on stage in front of a bunch of strangers and try to make them laugh. I’ve realized the power of laughter and how much it can alter someone’s life in a good way.”
Tickets to see a Night of Comedy cost $25 and $30 at the door and are available at Tribal Connections in Okotoks and Wise Owl Café in High River.
The evening will also offer door prizes, vendors and a bake sale.
Donations to the food bank are encouraged.
For more information visit www.selfhighfive.org
