Hey, everybody! Reader here.
I am proudly born and raised in Saskatchewan.
There’s a lot of great things about this province – including the variety of beautiful landscapes, from sand dunes, to lakes and forests, to grasslands. Wonderful cultural diversity, amazing arts and food, so much great sports action… I could go on and on. We’ve got a bit of everything here.
But in my 46 (almost 47) years roaming the planet, there’s one thing that makes Saskatchewan the best – the people.
Especially when it comes to their amazing generosity, that never ceases to amaze me.
Of course, Telemiracle 48 ran February 24-25 in Regina, with the 20-hour telethon, featuring a ton of Saskatchewan talent, raising another huge total:
All the money raised stays in Saskatchewan, and allows the Kinsmen and Kinettes to purchase specialized medical and mobility equipment for residents living with physical challenges.
Get this – since the first TeleMiracle, back in 1977 (the year I was born), the telethon has raised more than 165 million dollars! Unreal!
Meanwhile, the 47th annual Easter Seals Snowarama was held over the weekend, and set a new record!
Where did that money come from? Well, there were 175 riders and bowlers that took part in the festivities, and even though the actual ride was cut short this year, due to the weather, a great time was had by all.
The second annual “Bowlarama for Snowarama” saw 55 bowlers raise $19,079, while the Snowarama Desert Chapter, which includes past Snowarama riders, held a motorcycle ride in the United States, and raised over $77,000!
And, of course, there were a ton of individual pledge raisers who stepped up, including the top three – Kenn Propp, who raised $35,365, Kevin Hruska, who raised $25,070, and Rudy Flaman, who garnered $21,599 in pledged for the cause.
The money raised through Snowarama supports Camp Easter Seal, the Summer Fun Program, and Adaptive Technologies Services, and allow local residents experienceing some form of disability to access these important and often memorable experiences.
And of course, throughout the month of February, the SJHL’s Yorkton Terriers held their “Save the Terriers” season ticket blitz.
In late January, the club stunned many, when it announced that its financial situation had deteriorated to the point that there were fears that the team wouldn’t be able to finish the current season, let alone carry on into 2024-25.
The team kicked off a ticket drive, with a goal of selling one-thousand season tickets by the end of February.
And the fans stepped up, showing that the Terriers are a valuable piece of our community!
Even though the drive didn’t quite hit the one-thousand mark, ultimately reaching the 931 mark, the money raised was enough to get the Terriers back onto solid financial footing, and they’re good to go for the 2024-25 SJHL season.
Fundraising efforts will continue, but the Terriers are in good shape, thanks to a community that rallied around them.
From local restaurants and donors providing pre and post-game meals, to minor hockey teams raising money, alumni donations, and even rival SJHL teams stepping up to lend their support, the Terriers have been feeling the love.
And going to games over the last little while, you can feel it in the stands.
Bigger crowds, bigger 50-50 jackpots, and especially more noise! It’s been awesome!
I should be surprised, but I’m not really, because that’s what we do in Saskatchewan
When someone needs help, we all step up and do what we can, to help in our own way.
I remember several years ago, when one of our former announcers and his partner lost their home in a major apartment fire.
They lost virtually everything, and community groups like the Salvation Army, local businesses, and even fellow co-workers helped out, to help them make the best out a tough situation.
Why is Saskatchewan so generous?
I think a huge part of it is the strong sense of community that exists here. Whether it’s rallying together to support a family in need, volunteering at local events, or simply being there for one another in good times and bad, the people of Saskatchewan truly embody the spirit of generosity.
Another factor is the abundance of resources and opportunities available in the province. From the farmland that produces a huge variety of crops, to the thriving economy that provides jobs and stability for its residents, Saskatchewan is a place where everyone has the chance to succeed and give back to their community.
But most of all, I’d say it’s the kindness, compassion and decency of the people that truly make this province a generous place to live. Whether it’s holding the door open for a stranger, sharing a meal with a neighbor, or simply providing a friendly ear to someone who needs it, the people of Saskatchewan go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels welcomed and supported.
If you ever find yourself in need of a little extra kindness or generosity, look no further than the beautiful province of Saskatchewan. You’ll be able to find a warm welcome, a hug, and a helping hand wherever you go.
It’s just one of the many reasons that Saskatchewan my favourite place on Earth!
