By Cecilia Nasmith

Using the courtyard at the Victoria Park beach as a dining-and-entertainment venue has been a hit for the past couple of summers.

Now, Cobourg council has okayed a two-weekend event in support of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre called Summer Social 4 Shelter, taking place July 26-27 and Aug. 9-10. Lindsey Edwards of Royal LePage realty has joined forces with El Camino, George and Orange, and The Market & Smor to transform the courtyard into a licensed beach canteen with food, drink and music overlooking the beach.

Edwards told council that the proceeds will support a Royal LePage fundraiser – 120 of its agents will be taking a 100-km. trek across the Sahara Desert for its charitable Shelter Foundation. One of them (herself) is from Northumberland.

She shared some details in her letter of request.

“For five straight days, my colleagues from Royal LePage offices across Canada and I will be hiking up to seven hours a day across difficult terrain in the hot and dry desert climate, with temperatures dropping considerably at night,” she wrote.

“We will be sleeping in large group tents, using camping-style bathroom facilities and going without electricity, cell service and the other comforts of home.”

She is required to raise at least $5,000, but is hoping to reach the $25,000 mark. Whatever she comes up with, 80% goes to Cornerstone and the remainder to the Shelter Foundation for national programs for violence prevention.

“I am so excited to bring this to Cobourg,” Edwards told council.

“I enjoyed the beach bar last year, along with hundreds of people – if I can bring that back and support Cornerstone, that is a wonderful combination.”