Mabel’s annual Stevensville barbecue raises funds for two local charities

An end-of-summer tradition in Stevensville is on its way to becoming bigger and better each year.

On Saturday, a steady flow of people stopped by Mabel’s Charity Barbecue, an event started by Karrie and Steve Ewing, as well as their five-year-old daughter Mabel.

Mabel decided last summer she wanted to do something for Happy Days Sanctuary after attending another event in their neighbourhood that raised money for the organization.

They also helped Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE) and raised a total of $1,000 to be split between both causes.

While a tally for this year’s edition was not known when Fort Erie Radio stopped by their family home and business–MKS Fences & More on West Main Street–Karrie said an important goal of the event is that their daughter continues to learn about helping others.

“Whether you have lots of money or not very much, sharing what you have is important,” she said.

Both beneficiaries of last year’s fundraising efforts were “ecstatic” with the result and that Mabel was putting the team together again on Saturday.

Karrie added that the funds raised to benefit both causes are great, but they also aim to spread the word about COPE and Happy Days Sanctuary and the needs those organizations have.

“It all plays a role in raising awareness,” she said.

Food donations were also being collected for COPE.

Fort Erie Radio asked Mabel about why she likes helping animals and people, to which she responded, “I like giving dogs treats.”

A bit shy, she was also asked if she plans to do this every year, to which she replied with a confident nod.

Mabel is headed into senior kindergarten at Stevensville Public School next month.

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