Hub Staff

There was plenty of clowning around at St. Joseph's School on Saturday afternoon as Klash the Clown entertained young and old as part of an afternoon of children's fun and entertainment that raised funds for the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund.

John Martelli played and sang songs to start the afternoon off, which also included popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, a raffle and door prizes

Sounds of laughter and screams of excitement filled the school's gymnasium as Klash thrilled dozens of children with his interactive show of jokes, juggling, balloon twisting and other tricks.

Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund Coordinator, Katherine Martinko said she formed the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund in September after hearing about the crisis in Syria, with the goal of sponsoring a family to come and live in Saugeen Shores. “We've been matched with a family of 13. Eleven children and two parents will be arriving very, very soon, probably in December or January,” said Martinko.

Event organizer Valerie Brisson gave thanks to John Martelli for providing live music and to St. Joseph's School for donating the gym space. She also gave thanks to volunteers and local business who donated raffle prizes and items to help out with the afternoon's event. “I was really, really touched as to how supportive the local businesses were and how eager they were to help,” she said.

The event raised $1721 for the refugee fund.