Emokhare Paul Anthony
Daily Herald
The stage is now set for Prince Albert community to witness a live performance of the Wizard of Oz on Aug. 15-24, while also raising money for the new Ronald McDonald’s House in Prince Albert.
Local business owner and philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins has announced that his family foundation will donate $10 to the house for every show ticket sold. He’s hoping Prince Albert residents will pack the E.A. Rawlinson Centre in response.
“We want to fill the show,” Jenkins said. “I’d like to sell out every show. If we sell out every show, that helps Ronald McDonald House to the tune of $60,000. We’ll start building that place in the fall and have it ready next summer for kids. It’s a great cause and a good show.”
Jenkins is on the committee to help build the new Ronald McDonald’s House. He said the matching donation campaign for ticket sales will help bring attention to the Broadway North Theatre Company, which is producing Wizard of Oz, while also reminding people about the Ronald McDonald House fundraising campaign.
Jenkins said they haven’t launched a formal fundraising campaign yet, but donations are already trickling in to help meet the $8 million target. He is confident the community can raise that amount.
“We like to kill two birds with one stone,” said Jenkins, who helped found the Broadway North Theatre Company more than two decades ago. “It’s a terrific show, (and) by going to the show, people will help to build Ronald McDonald House.
“People want it,” he added. “It’s a very good thing to have in Prince Albert.”
Jenkins said every year the theatre company does two musicals, one at Christmas and the other in the summer. The company has been doing this for 27 years.
Jenkins said each show must be a popular show that will attract people like the last Christmas show, which attracted 6,000 people.
“We want to reach that same target and beyond,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins is a former owner of Canadian Tire. The local philanthropist said the Ronald McDonald fundraising efforts have helped keep him busy.
“l feel great at 81. I’m still above the ground and alive. I am excited,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins said they plan to launch a formal fundraising campaign in September. He said they have already received some major pledges, but don’t have a total at this time.
The Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation is a not for profit organization that recognizes the power of community and the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change by fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources to build strong, supportive communities that uplift that empowers all individuals.
Tickets to see the Wizard of Oz are available at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre box office. A full preview of the show will be available in Tuesday’s Daily Herald.
–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
