‘It gives you an update’: snowmobile safety instructors urge riders of all ages to take safety classes as preparations begin for Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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‘It gives you an update’: snowmobile safety instructors urge riders of all ages to take safety classes as preparations begin for Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The provincial government has announced January 12 – 18, as Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week in Saskatchewan in observance of International Snowmobile Safety Week.

“Snowmobiling is a fun and an exciting family activity enjoyed by thousands of people across Canada, “said Jerry Jemieff, a Saskatchewan snowmobile safety instructor based out of Saskatoon, said snowmobiling is a fun and exciting family activity enjoyed by thousands of people across Canada, but it’s needs to be enjoyed safely.

“(There are) a couple of items we would like to emphasize,” Jemieff said. “Never consume alcohol or drugs while you’re riding a snowmobile. Become familiar with the snowmobile that you are riding. There are so many different types out there. We want to make sure you know the ins and outs of your actual sled. Operate at safe and reasonable speeds (80 km/hr, or slower if possible). We advise that you stay on the trail, because the trail is the safest place you can be.”

Jemieff said the snowmobile trails have now been opened with numerous volunteers working to sign them properly, getting the trails groomed.

“There are thousands and thousands of kilometers of trails, not only in our fine Province of Saskatchewan, but right across Canada,” he said.

Snowmobile Safety Awareness week this year will be observed by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and its 62 member clubs. Depending on weather conditions with over 11,000 km of snow-covered trails maintained and groomed already by snowmobile club volunteers across the Province. 

Activities and events held during Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week will promote responsible attitudes and actions that will foster the safe, family image of snowmobiling.

Jemieff said there have been a lot of changes in the snowmobile world over the last few decades, the biggest being the sled itself. He started riding roughly 25 years ago, but said today’s sleds have more technology equipped, which has helped improve safety.

“Today’s sled, they’re more comfortable,” he said. “They’re just all around more convenient to ride on. They have safety features built right into them. The newer sleds now are equipped with computers so if you have app for that area, you can let your parents know where you are at all times. If there is a problem, there is now safety features built into some of those warm-up shelters that are out there to provide if you do get into trouble.”

Jemieff said he strongly believes there should be more focused on snowmobile safety. A lot of his tips are directed towards riders ages 21 and younger, but he said older riders should look at taking safety classes as well.

“It gives you an update on what is to be expected out there,” Jemieff said. “An interesting fact we should all keep in mind: the RCMP and the Conservation officers throughout the province now patrol the trails, and they want to make sure you’re out there with proper safety gear. They want to make sure you have your driver’s license or safety certificate.”

Anyone born Jan 1, 1989 or later, you must take the safety class to ride on a provincial trail.

Longtime independent grocery owner/operator to receive Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Longtime independent grocery owner/operator to receive Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce has named Byron Guy of Harold’s Family Foods as the recipient of this year’s Legacy Award.

Byron Guy is a long time family business owner and operator in Prince Albert before retiring and selling Harold’s Family Foods a couple years ago.

“Byron has just quietly continued to support the community,” Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hughes said when asked why they chose Guy.

“He’s been on our list for a little bit here. It’s unfortunate we can only acknowledge one person a year type of thing, because we have some phenomenal business leaders within our community that there’s a significant amount of legacy,” she added. “What’s significant about Byron is his dad was one of the first few business leaders who were recognized with the Legacy Award in 1996, and Byron is the first one who is (from the) second generation to be acknowledged. That just speaks to the legacy and how it’s continuing on to be a success.”

Byron took over Harold’s Family Foods from his father in 1998. At the time, there were more than 50 independent grocery stores in Saskatchewan. Now, Harold’s is one of only six.

Hughes said Guy deserves credit for that success. She said they’ve had a regional impact that extends into Northern Saskatchewan.

“They’ve been able to continue that legacy,” she said. “Obviously, they’ve got the right formula.”

Hughes said it’s important to have long-term business owners like Guy rooted in the community because they provide generational knowledge to those just getting off the ground.

“They just have that expertise and knowledge that you can’t get from those big box stores because they’re so invested and it’s passed down from one generation to the other.”

Guy will receive the award at the Legacy Award Brunch on March 17 at the Coronet Hotel. Scotiabank is sponsoring this year’s Legacy Brunch, and Branch Manager Diane Ethier congratulated Guy for the honour.

“Byron has been a pillar of the Prince Albert business community,” Ethier said in a press release. “Byron’s father, Harold, was presented with the award in 1996. Byron continued the same commitment and legacy in the Prince Albert Community.”

“It is always a privilege to award business leaders for their commitment to the community,” Hughes added. “Without their commitment, Prince Albert would not be what it is today.”

For the last 34 years Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce has recognized members of the business community who have had a positive impact on Prince Albert and district. The Legacy Award is given to a long-time business owner who has made strong contributions.

Previous recipients include Trevor Ives, Don Moriarty, Terry Mason, Roses Stewart, Wayne Hansen and Ron and Shelly Horn.   

Finalists for this year’s Samuel McLeod Business Awards will also be announced during the lunch. The Samuel McLeod Business Awards will be held on April 11th and will honor business leaders in twelve categories.

Tickets cost $40 and are available on the chamber website.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Council gives unanimous approval for bylaw changes

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Council gives unanimous approval for bylaw changes

Bylaw changes allow new housing development to move forward south of Alfred Jenkins Field House

Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald

The Prince Albert city council has passed the necessary bylaws to allow a Metis Nation – Saskatchewan housing development south of the Alfred Jenkins Field House to move forward.

At their last meeting of the calendar year on Monday, council approved second and third readings for bylaws to close a portion of 30th Street West, and rezone the MN-S property from low medium density residential to high density residential and institutional.

City of Prince Albert planning and development director Craig Guidinger said the development is an exciting project.

“We’ve got nothing but positive responses for this excellent project, so (I’m) certainly pleased to stand before you today recommending approval,” Guidinger told Council.

Council approved the MN-S subdivision application in October to create 35 developable lots. Approval was on the condition that the two bylaws passed second and third readings.

On Monday, Guidinger told Council the type of housing the MN-S hopes to build is in short supply.

Both bylaws passed unanimously. Coun. Darren Solomon, who represents the area, made the motion to pass both of them, with Coun. Dawn Kilmer seconding.

There was also a public hearing for the development on Monday. No one spoke on behalf of the Metis Nation, and no one rose to speak against it.

The Metis Nation property is located south of the property that Lake Country Co-op made an offer to purchase. That matter was supposed to be debated at Monday’s meeting, but was removed from the agenda at the request of administration, who wanted more time for consultation.

Halliday thrilled to take executive director role with Parkland Restorative Justice

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Halliday thrilled to take executive director role with Parkland Restorative Justice

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert Parkland Restorative Justice (PRJ) has a new executive director after Crystal Halliday was recently appointed to the role.

Halliday has been actively involved with several different non-profits over the years in the city, and said she’s learned plenty of skills by watching the leaders she worked under.

When the opportunity came to put those skills to work at Parkland Restorative Justice, she jumped at it.

“It’s something that I am very passionate about,” she said. “I’ve worked with some really great executive directors over the years, and I feel like I’ve learned a certain skillset from that.”

Halliday previously served as the organization’s secretary-treasurer overseeing their recent audit. While that was happening, the board struck a committee to find a new executive director. They were about to present a job posting for approval when they decided to ask her to do it instead.

“Deacon Brad Taylor gave me a call and said, ‘I’m not sure if you’re looking for a job. I’m not sure if this is something that would actually interest you, but we do believe you might be (a good fit). At first I was very taken aback. I didn’t even know what to say to him. I just said I would think about it, I would pray on it, and within 24 hours I kind of had my answer.”

Halliday was one of seven applicants for the position. Taylor serves as the board chair, and said Halliday’s knowledge of the organization was a major asset, but so was her experience working with other non-profits.

“We went through seven applicants … and she still stood out as the strongest candidate, so we did our due process,” Taylor said. “We had some great quality applicants and we interviewed a two and Chrissy, for the type of position that we wanted—executive director and community coordinator—she had the right skill set and inside knowledge with the history of the organization. She can start in right off the hop. She’s informed with our vision and our support.”

Halliday will take over a role that looks a bit different from what her predecessors was, although the job title is the same. The search committee also rearranged duties between the executive director and program coordinator Seth Michael.

Halliday said it will still take some training to get fully prepared, but she’s confident she’s a good fit.

“I’m not saying that it’s going to be completely smooth sailing, but I just think that we are an amazing team,” she said. “We do have a matching vision, and we have just overall values in our lives that match up. When you’re working in a non-profit sector, when you’re working on helping other people, working with people who have the same values is one of the most important things.”

Going forward, Halliday said she hopes to stabilize the organization’s yearly funding, while also introducing some new programs to their current offerings.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Parkland Restorative Justice makes $30,000 donation to support partners in Saskatoon and Regina

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Parkland Restorative Justice makes $30,000 donation to support partners in Saskatoon and Regina

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The newly appointed Executive Director, Prince Albert Parkland Restorative Justice (PRJ), Chrissy Halliday has announced a significant donation to two local organizations, Micah Mission and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) South Saskatchewan.

“It is really important that we continue to support our partner agencies and build on our commitment to work together to service our community,” said Halliday.

This donation of $30,000 to each organization follows the recent sale of the former Grace Mennonite Church building, which was originally donated to PRJ to use or sell as they saw fit. PRJ is sharing the proceeds with partner nonprofits to further support their community reintegration programs.

“When we had a large lump sum of cash, the board decided that … they would share the wealth,” Halliday said. “we’re constantly sharing resources and sometime the resources are just people and time, but this is a fantastic opportunity to unsure our partners stay involved and active.”

“It is really important that we continue to support our partner agencies and build on our commitment to work together to service our community,” Halliday added. “This donation is an opportunity to do just that — to strengthen our shared mission of healing and reintegration.”

PRJ received the former Grace building by donation when the congregation closed its doors. Halliday said they kept the building up and running for a year, but the cost of running it, combined with the lack of programming running out of it, convinced them to sell it.

“The building was an amazing gift; however, we came to realize that we did not have the capabilities to maintain the building as we would like,” Board Chair Deacon Brad Taylor said in a press release. “We sold it and are now using it as an opportunity to further strengthen our relationships with partner nonprofits.”

The donation to Micah Mission in Saskatoon and CoSA South SK, means both organizations can expand their programs that provide mentorship, housing assistance, education, and employment support for individuals reintegrating into society after serving a prison sentence.

“The gift that we have received from Parkland Restorative Justice will give us stability to carry our program forward for a few years to come (so) we really are able to provide the support (and) the encouragement that our organization supports. It provides community safety and strength for those who participate in the community in our efforts,” said Circles of Support Executive Director Charles Kooger.

“A major donation like this is going to directly impact our capacity to support the re-integration efforts of individuals entering the community of Saskatoon,” Micah Mission Executive Director Adriana Appleton added. “I think it will directly impact, as well, the feeling of belonging and safety, while supporting accountability, for these individuals and their efforts to really engage back into community after a period of incarceration.”

Appleton said many times, Micah Mission helps support former inmates who were incarcerated in Prince Albert, but are returning to their homes in Saskatoon. She said this donation will allow them to build relationships with inmates who will soon be released and begin living in Saskatoon

“(It) ensures that both of our organizations are contributing to community safety, and support for individuals,” she said.

CoSA South SK is based out of Regina. Kooger said he’s currently working with about four or five individuals who were previously incarcerated in Prince Albert, and have since moved to Regina after their release.

He said the strong partnership with Parkland Restorative Justice allows them to continue providing support for those trying to reintegrate.

PRJ is a non-profit organization that focuses on restorative justice principals like community healing, and reducing recidivism among former inmates.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

‘Play if Forward’ Campaign officially underway

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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‘Play if Forward’ Campaign officially underway

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The City of Prince Albert officially kicked off a new fundraising campaign for the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre.

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky announced the launch of the Play It Forward Campaign on Friday. The new leisure centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2025.

“This isn’t just a building, it’s a legacy,” Powalinsky said in a press release. “The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre will unite and inspire us, creating a space where future generations can thrive.”

Powalinksy said the facility would be a cornerstone of recreation for Prince Albert and the region it serves. He said donating would allow residents to “leave a legacy” with the community.

“Each dollar raised represents more than money. It represents a commitment to the future of Prince Albert and the region we serve,” Powalinksy said during the launch.

“Today I invite everyone in Prince Albert to donate. Every contribution matters.”

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Chief Executive Officer Tim Keller of Lake Country Co-op speaks during the announcement of the Play it Forward: Connecting Communities Campaign at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre on Friday morning.
Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky spoke during the announcement of the Play it Forward: Connecting Communities Campaign at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre on Friday morning.

The Play It Forward Campaign has set a fundraising goal of $20 million and is already halfway there thanks to a $10 million donation from Lake Country Co-op.

“Lake Country Co-op is honoured to play a leading role in this initiative,” Lake Country Co-op CEO Tim Keller said in a press release. “We’re inviting businesses and individuals alike to join us in building a space that belongs to all of us by donating.”

The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre will be a home for all types of play—from cheering on competitive hockey games to splashing in the wave pool to competing in the lane pool.

“This project is a true testament to the power of collaboration,” Volunteer Campaign Planning Committee rep Ralph Boychuk added. “From city leaders, local businesses and community members to generous donors like Lake Country Co-op, everyone should be proud of the part they have played in shaping what this facility will become.”

The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre will be a home for all types of play from cheering on competitive hockey games to splashing in the wave pool to competing in the lane pool. This centre is designed to host activities for all age groups.

Powalinsky said there have been some challenges during the process, but he’s confident the project will come in on budget.

“Spring of 2025 is the target (for opening),” Powalinsky said in an interview afterwards. “We’re looking (at the) end of March or early April. Of course, everybody knows that

during COVID there was a spike in building costs that really forced the City to reevaluate the financial position. They’ve put extra money into the project, watched it very, very carefully, and with the revised estimates and construction costs, it will be projected where we’re right on the money.”

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Beck said NDP will continue to raise issue of northern food prices when legislature resumes sitting in 2025

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Beck said NDP will continue to raise issue of northern food prices when legislature resumes sitting in 2025

Elected officials need to find solutions that go beyond blaming Carbon Tax says Beck

Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck said her party will continue to make food prices in the north a priority when the legislature resumes sitting next year.

MLAs headed back home on Dec. 7, but Beck said there is still a need for to address the high cost of living in the northern part of the province, where residents have been hit hard by the increase in basic food prices.

“They need to be able to access health care and have access to food,” Beck said,” We are not going to get there if that party continues to fall back into the same old talking points.”

Beck said another issue in the north is high prices in transportation and a suspension of the fuel tax is something that would help bring prices down in the north.

An NDP motion to suspend the provincial 15-cent-a-litre gas tax failed in the legislature on Nov. 27, with the Premier saying there are better ways to save people money.

“In 2024, in a province as wealthy as ours, to have people coming down with scurvy is not acceptable. I think we can all agree on that. We put forward a motion. The member from Cumberland, Jordan McPhail, brought that forward with an honest intent, to work on both sides of the aisle in the legislature to come up with some solutions for what, I think we should again all be able to agree, is something unacceptable…. Of course, the Sask. Party voted that motion down, but doesn’t mean we’re done talking about it.”

In December, the NDP presented photos showing northern residents were being charged $18.09 for a 4 L jug of mile, and $19.99 for a 907 g package of grapes.

When asked about their response to increasing food prices in the north, the provincial government issued a statement saying the carbon tax was “a main driver” of inflation on a number of items, including groceries. The province said removing the carbon tax would make life more affordable.

Beck said before the last sitting at the Legislature, Premier Scott Moe talked about hearing the message of change. She said the government’s response to food prices in the north shows the province is not interested in change.

“Is that (the carbon tax) contributing? There is likely a portion of that cost that is increased, but what are the other factors? What are the other things we can control here right now? We’ve stated repeatedly our opposition to the Carbon Tax, but it still, as elected leaders, falls on us to find solutions. We’ve been putting them forward,” she said.

Beck said voters tired of fighting, and want to see solutions. She said McPhail’s motion was a good faith attempt to give the issue of northern food prices the attention it deserved.

This past sitting at the Legislature saw the introduction of a number of new members. More than half of NDP MLAs sitting this fall were brand new to their roles. Beck said she was happy with how her new MLAs performed.

“l have high expectations of this team and am happy to say they exceeded expectations,” said Beck. “I have heard people who have watched some in action saying this is a team that hit the ground running.”

In a press release on Tuesday, the Premier said he the government knows affordability is “top of mind” for many Saskatchewan residents. Moe cited the introduction of the Saskatchewan Affordability Act and the SaskEnergy Amendment Act as ways the government was addressing the issue.

–with files from Jason Kerr and Valerie G. Barnes-Connell Jordan

Mont St. Joseph and Prince Albert Raiders fill shelves at food bank with Christmas donation

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Mont St. Joseph and Prince Albert Raiders fill shelves at food bank with Christmas donation

Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald

The staff and residents of Mont St. Joseph Home and Prince Albert Raiders have joined forces to help make sure the city’s most vulnerable residents have something to eat.

The two organizations both ran campaigns for the food bank, and on Dec. 5, they combined their donations and handed them over to the Prince Albert Food Bank.

“It’s really important to our Mont St. Joseph organization that we support our community as best as we can,” said Jessica Gale, the Director of Foundation Development for the Mont. St. Joseph Home. “One of our missions is to give and receive care, and for us to be able to raise some much-needed supplies for our community really serves our mission. It’s Christmas time, and it’s one of the ways that we can give back.”

Gale said it was absolutely astounding to see how many boxes and bags of food Mont St. Joseph residents, staff, and community members made during the campaign. A final total was not available by press time, but Gale said they were happy with the result.

“We put it out to anybody who has a connection to our home and was interested in helping us with our donation this year,” she said. “We had four tables out and we started a small competition between each one of our neighbourhoods to see who could fill their table the best.”

Gale said they were also happy to partner with the Raiders. On Dec. 3, the Prince Albert hockey club asked fans to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank. In a statement on social media, the Raiders said they were pleased with the response.

“This has got to be one of the biggest food bank donations we have ever given,” the club said in a statement posted on social media. “Thank you to everyone for your generosity. Big thanks to Mont St. Joseph Home for helping us out with this haul to the Prince Albert Food Bank for the holiday season.”

The food bank game is one of several campaigns the Raiders run during the holiday season. On Dec. 6, they held their annual Teddy Bear and Toque Toss Night, then on Dec. 10, they hosted Prince Albert’s Santa Anonymous Night with the Optimist Club, where fans were encouraged to donate an unwrapped toy.

The Mont St. Joseph Home also has other activities planned for the holidays. They’ve partnered with the Salvation Army to run a few Kettle Bells as part of the organization’s annual Christmas fundraising campaign.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Premier happy with first legislative session since election, opposition blasts session as ‘missed opportunity’

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Premier happy with first legislative session since election, opposition blasts session as ‘missed opportunity’

Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he’s satisfied with what his government was able to accomplish during the first sitting of the Legislature since the fall election, but NDP leader Carla Beck said the government left too many opportunities on the table.

In a press release on Tuesday, Moe said the government knows affordability continues to be “top of mind’ for many Saskatchewan residents. He pointed to the new Saskatchewan Affordability Act as a sign the government was taking those concerns seriously.

“It is a fulfillment of the commitment we made during the recent election campaign,” Moe said. “It aims to deliver long-term sustainable support for all Saskatchewan residents and families.”

Moe said he was also pleased with a recent SaskEnergy Amendment Act, 2024, which he said fulfills the government’s commitment to extend the carbon tax exemption on home heating.

Effective January 1, 2024, Moe said that the removal of the federal carbon tax from residential SaskEnergy bills is saving the average Saskatchewan family approximately $400.

The provincial government argues that due to the expected increase in the carbon tax on April 1, 2025, from $80 to $95 per tonne, the continued removal of the federal carbon tax from residential SaskEnergy bills will save the average Saskatchewan family approximately $480 in 2025.

“By passing The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024, our government will continue providing Saskatchewan residents with real relief by keeping home heating exempt from the carbon tax,” Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Jeremy Harrison said in a press release.

“It was unfair for the Liberal-NDP federal government to provide carbon tax relief for people who live in one region of the country, and our government will keep fighting until the carbon tax is removed everywhere, on everything, for everyone.” Harrison.

The Scott Moe led government in addition has also introduced The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act. The Act will allow municipalities and First Nations to opt in to new rules that regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items that may be used as street weapons, such as large knives, machetes or bear spray. 

“We know from talking to police and community leaders there is a need for strengthened resources to ensure each Saskatchewan resident enjoys a safe and flourishing neighbourhood,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod in a press release. “There is no room for any form of violence in Saskatchewan. We are ensuring that these rules will give communities more options to address individuals that use street weapons to intimidate or harm people in public spaces, and empowering SCAN officers to actively respond to nuisance or dilapidated properties to address immediate safety concerns in an effort to create safer communities across Saskatchewan.”

McLeod said the legislation builds on the Bear Spray Regulations (The Wildlife Control (Capsaicin) Products Regulations) passed earlier this year. The Act’s rules will prohibit people from possessing and carrying large knives, bear spray and other street weapons in public spaces where a municipality or First Nation has chosen to opt in to the new rules.

The government says the rules will also prohibit people from defacing or altering street weapons in a manner that makes them easier to conceal. 

However, NDP leader Carla Beck said the most recent session in the legislature showed no signs the new government was listening to voters.

Beck said the government is out of steam and out of touch, and offers no immediate solutions to the rising cost of living.

“I think this session has been a huge missed opportunity for the Sask. Party,” Beck said in a press release.

Following the fall election, Beck said the Saskatchewan NDP has focused on on healthcare and the high cost of living, presenting several bipartisan solutions that the Sask. Party blocked.

“People elected us to fix issues and get stuff done. But every step of the way the government refused to change,” said Beck.

Beck said the Saskatchewan Party’s tax measures will not provide relief until 2026, if ever. She said residents could have seen taxes reduced on gas, groceries, and kids’ clothing in time for the Christmas holidays.

“The session is over and done with, and life won’t be any easier for all the hardworking people struggling to put gifts under the tree,” Beck said. “Life won’t be any different for all the people who need healthcare and need to fly to Calgary or Toronto to get it. People are no better off and it’s incredibly frustrating.”

“The Sask. Party ignored calls to work across party lines to address critical issues.” Beck added. “They blocked an emergency motion aimed at investigating Northern Saskatchewan’s rising cost of living, which has contributed to a resurgence of scurvy, with at least 27 reported cases. An emergency motion to get Saskatchewan’s healthcare system out of last place through a bipartisan healthcare committee was similarly blocked.”

Beck said her party is ready with a team that will work with community leaders to build made-in-Saskatchewan solutions and show the residents to be a government in waiting.”

Klassic Kruisers provide boost to Salvation Army toy campaign

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Klassic Kruisers provide boost to Salvation Army toy campaign

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald 

Prince Albert Salvation Army community ministry co-lead Major Ed Dean said they are grateful for a donation of toys from the Klassic Kruisers Kar Klub that will help ensure more children have a gift under the tree this Christmas.

“It is always a welcoming call because getting enough toys to serve the community is always a challenge,” Dean said. “We want to make sure every child we are reaching out to has a gift. When the Klassic Kruisers called, we didn’t know what was coming, but it’s always excited to see.”

Dean added that it’s impressive to see a small club like the Klassic Kruisers identify a need, and step forward to fill it.

Dean said roughly 230 families are registered have received toys from the Salvation Army this Christmas. He estimates that means roughly 500 children between the ages of zero and 14 years of age will need a gift.

“We do the toys rather than a food hamper (program) because there was already somebody doing that piece,” Dean added.

Dean said most of the Salvation Army’s fundraising at this time of year goes directly into the meal programs. The organization prepared 50,000 meals this past year, while also fundraising to send children to camp, distributing clothing free of charge, and operating a warming centre.

Dean said those are all important programs, but providing a toy for every child is particularly special.

“Every family, their desire to give their child the best Christmas that it can be,” Dean said. “When the Salvation Army does something like this, it’s allowing a family to say, ‘okay, I can pay the rent, and I can give my child a Christmas…. This bridges some of the gap for families who are maybe struggling at this time of year. There are enough expenses already.”

Klassic Kruisers Car Club president Les Nemish was on hand to donate the toys on behalf of the club. Nemish said they have donated toys to the Salvation Army a couple of times in the past, and were happy to do so again this year.

“We’re fortunate as a car club that we have a community that supports us, and we’re giving back to the community by donating to the Salvation Army,” Nemish said.

“Having kids and grandkids, and seeing the smiles on their faces when they receive a gift, that’s priceless. We don’t get to see those faces, but we get to see the faces of Major Ed and Major Charlotte when we bring the smiles in here. We know the smiles that are on their faces probably (mirrors) the smiles of the kids who are less fortunate.”

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

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