A disappointed mother who was unable to get tickets for her daughter to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vancouver, threw her own party over the weekend, raising money for a good cause in the process.
Kailea Ridsdale said she spent countless nights trying to get tickets, refreshing Ticketmaster, and waiting in queue, but to no avail.
Then they faced the harsh reality of skyrocketing resale prices that were simply out of reach, she said.
So, the Pitt Meadows mother decided she was going to throw a party of her own.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, Ridsdale held a 'Swiftie Shake Off' for her daughter and others who missed out on the pop star's tour.
"The disappointment of missing out on the Eras Tour weighed heavily on us, especially on my daughter, Skyla. Explaining the ticket prices to my eight-year-old was a challenge, and I could see the sadness in her eyes," explained Ridsdale.
At first they invited Skyla's friends to a viewing of the Eras Tour movie.
But, as Ridsdale reflected on how many other Taylor Swift fans and their families might also be feeling the same disappointment at not being able to get tickets to the tour, they opened up the event to the community.
"The response was overwhelming," exclaimed Ridsdale.
They hosted 90 attendees in the hall at Pitt Meadows United Church.
Swifties of all ages, said Ridsdale, who came together to swap friendship bracelets, dance, and celebrate.
"The atmosphere was electric, complete with a photo booth and a dedicated selfie area," she said.
And they collected donations at the door, raising $250 for Alisa’s Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, a home-like, warm, friendly, and welcoming first-entry point for children, youth, and their supportive family members, who are victims of or who have witnessed physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
They also partnered the Odd Burger food truck, a plant-based food company, who donated a portion of their proceeds to the same cause.
"At the end of the event, my heart was full from all the hugs and joy shared among us," said Ridsdale, thanking Jessie Lavoie from the Lavoie Mortgage Group and The Create Shop for their support.
"It was a beautiful day of connection, joy, and giving back, and I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out."
