Miracle Theatre’s most recent work has raised $209,433.40 to create the Prince George Seniors’ Emergency Fund. The Fund will aid those elderly community members who are unable to meet the cost of basic necessities such as adequate food, rent, medication, or household essentials.
The success of their latest project set two records for Miracle Theatre. The $209,433 amount is the largest single contribution to the community they have made to date. That sum also means the theatre has now passed the million dollar milestone by donating a grand total of $1,064,713 to worthy causes in Prince George.
Long-time theatre professionals Anne Laughlin and Ted Price led the productions of Here On the Flight Path and Lunenburg, which were presented on a rotating schedule throughout April. This two play strategy was adopted when Laughlin and Price became aware of the number of local seniors struggling with financial hardship.
Producer Anne Laughlin said: “It was a real eye opener to learn of the growing number of our elderly who are simply running out of money in their last years. The problem is so widespread throughout Canada that financial experts have even come up with a name for it – longevity risk.
Given the urgency of the problem Miracle Theatre wanted to raise a substantial sum quickly. Director Ted Price came up with the idea of producing two full-length comedies simultaneously.
“We decided to mount ‘Here On the Flight Path’ as well as ‘Lunenburg,’” said Price. “Both scripts are by Canada’s most produced playwright, Norm Foster. The idea worked. Right off the bat the project got a lot of attention. And then so many people came to one show and had such a good time that they returned on another night to see the other show.”
The entire proceeds from the project are now under the trusteeship of the Prince George Community Foundation. The funds have been placed in a permanent endowment. Every year the disbursements will be used by the Prince George Council of Seniors to assist those most in need.
Laughlin and Price attributed the success of the project to three factors. Price said, “Enormous credit goes to playwright Norm Foster. He knows how to engage and entertain Canadians more than any playwright I know. Audiences love his work.”
Price added, “And then we have a remarkable team of volunteers behind the scenes. They do everything from taking care of the audience to complex carpentry. And they do it so well.”
Laughlin said the final factor was the community. “This town has to be up there with the most generous and supportive anywhere. Not only are people eager to buy tickets, but with every production the numbers willing to be sponsors or donors is outstanding. Five who were especially supportive include, Penny and Bill Stewart, Noreen and Jim Rustad, Vonda Hofferd, Norm Foster, and finally, an anonymous donor. This last individual arrived at the Foundation to make a substantial donation above and beyond the funds Miracle Theatre has raised.” Laughlin explained that this additional contribution was made available immediately and is invaluable in covering the period until the annual disbursements from the Emergency Fund Endowment can be allocated. “All this generosity shows us the kind of people that live in this town. They are an enormous part of what makes Prince George such a special place for us all.”
