Latin Canadian culture hits downtown Red Deer on March 22 with a Spring Latin Fiesta at Festival Hall.

“Right now, we are just inviting everybody to join us, and have fun and contribute to a good cause,” says Juan Quijada of the Salvadorian-Canadian Association, Red Deer branch.

On March 22, Festival Hall will open its doors at 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. to host a night of music, dancing and delicious food and drinks.

This event is a fun way for adults to celebrate Latin Canadian culture, while donating to a non-profit organization, he says.

Quijada explains that the proceeds will be sent to El Salvador to aid a group of nuns who take elderly people off the street and give them a place to live.

The sisters provide shelter, food and healthcare for these people, but rely on donations to keep their centres open.

All of the proceeds from this event will be sent to El Salvador for nursing homes to keep their doors open as well.

The event boasts DJ Mr. Latin Beatz as the primary form of musical entertainment. There will also be a raffle and traditional Salvadorian food and drinks available.

The Salvadorian-Canadian Association functions as a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of poverty, illness and low quality of life in Mexico and El Salvador.

The Red Deer branch of the Association has 12 people involved. Quijada says that he and a few others work to put together fundraising opportunities to donate proceeds to causes in Mexico and El Salvador.

Tickets cost $12 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Jose Jose Latin Restaurant, UniMarket, Las Palmeras, Clean City Systems INC., Absolute Fitness and Old Mexico Taco Buffet. The event is open for all ages 18 and up.

For anyone interested in becoming involved in volunteering for this or future events, information is available on the Comunidad Salvadorena Canadiense Red Deer facebook page.

reporter@reddeerexpress.com