By Charlene Tebbutt

Swish for a Cure nets record score

Jan 23, 2019 | 11:50 AM

Organizers of a charity basketball game in Prince Albert are thanking the community after the event pulled in nearly $90,000 for a good cause.

The Swish for a Cure charity event took place Tuesday evening at École St Mary High School. Dwayne Gareau, who coaches the school’s senior girls’ basketball team, said support from school staff and the local community was key to the success of the event.

Gareau said he was told Tuesday’s game set a new fundraising record.

“It came together last night and it was just awesome,” Gareau told paNOW. “We’re just genuinely moved. For us here, it exceeded our expectations, we were excited about it, we were really, really happy.”  

In total, the event raised just over $89,600 for the Victoria Hospital Foundation toward new equipment for patients with cancer. Tuesday’s event featured the senior girls’ basketball teams from École St Mary and Carlton Comprehensive Public High School, along with performances from the school’s band and cheer team, along with local dance groups.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

2h ago

Podium finish

Carlton boys claim third at 5A provincials, first provincial medal in volleyball since 2014

3h ago

Raiders win 4-1, win 4 in a row

Mrsic dominance continues as Raiders route Oil Kings

6h ago

Local philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins lent his support to the event, offering to match money raised by the school through T-shirt sales, a 50/50 draw and ticket sales. Conexus Credit Union also stepped up, making a $50,000 donation at the event.

Brent Smith, branch manager with Conexus Credit Union, credited staff at the bank for their participation in helping with the event, and the members who help make the bank successful.

Throughout 2018, the bank contributed $1.9 million through its community investment fund, which was spread across more than 100 projects.  

“Health services is important to us as well, it’s one of our key focus areas of our community investment,” Smith said.

“When we find initiatives that align to what we’re trying to achieve and how we’re trying to give back, it really starts a chain reaction that we’re able to move forward with.”

Gareau said school staff members were happy to take part in the fundraiser. 

“It’s something that we’re cherishing over here at St. Mary,” he said.

$89,623.02 raised for our hospital. Thanks Prince Albert!!! The pink game a massive success. Swish for a Cure was one of the best events I’ve been apart of. I love this city! Everyone played a part and I’m so proud of Ecole St. Mary high school for what we helped accomplish. pic.twitter.com/ng13tbpvm5

— Dwayne Gareau (@DwayneGareauPA) January 23, 2019

With files from Glenn Hicks

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt