Saltspring Island will be getting a royal visit tonight, but don't expect Prince Charles.
The visitor is a member of vampire royalty featured in Twilight Saga: New Moon.
Nanaimo actor Cameron Bright, who plays Alec, one of the villainous Volturi, an ancient coven of vampire law enforcers, is travelling to Saltspring Island today to help raise funds to aid a local girl stricken with Compartment Syndrome.
After suffering a relapse of the painful medical condition in which nerves and blood vessels are compressed in an enclosed space, Jasmin Wilson, 8, has had to return to B.C. Children's Hospital for extended treatment.
Bright, who just wrapped up a whirlwind global promotional tour for the Twilight sequel, was moved after learning of the family's plight. He'll appear at an autograph session in the multi-purpose room of Gulf Islands Senior Secondary at 4:30 p.m., and for a Q&A session at 6:30 p.m. preceding the final screening of New Moon at the Fritz Theatre tonight at 7 p.m.
Funds will be raised through donations; $2 charged for autographs and $3 to have your picture taken with the actor who'll next be seen in Eclipse. Local businesses have agreed to match funds raised, up to a per-business ceiling of $100.
Saltspring Islander Mike Best asked Bright, 16, if he would make an appearance after learning that Michael Levy, owner of the Fritz, a.k.a. Salt Spring Cinema at Central Community Hall, and his staff wanted to raise funds for Wilson's family.
"Without any hesitation Cameron was happy to help out, which says a lot about his character," said Levy, who is suffering from kidney failure and knows how stressful it must be for Jasmin to undergo dialysis and face more surgery.
"This poor girl needs something to pick her up, and the family could sure use some financial relief."
Bright has been involved with other charities on Vancouver Island, most recently as spokesman for Best's Island Kia Youth Sports Fundraiser in Nanaimo.
Said Levy: "This is a good demonstration of what a community is capable of pulling off in a short period of time."
Tickets to tonight's screening go on sale at 6 p.m.
For more information visit thefritz.ca
mreid@tc.canwest.com
