SIGA Day of Sharing draws big crowd

The Prince Albert Friendship Centre held a barbeque in the afternoon giving food, clothes, and 100 care packages to those in need.

Operations Manager of the Casino Karen Whitecalf told paNOW this was the biggest crowd they have had.

“It impacts our employees and they come out and volunteer their time, and sorting out the clothes it brings out the teamwork,” she said. “The other people it impacts are the people outside lined up today. It could be their only meal, so it gives you a lot of gratitude for what you have seeing people less fortunate than you are.”

“That’s what gives me the drive to keep doing this year after year is just seeing the smiles (and) that gratitude the less fortunate people have,” Whitecalf added.

She said the SIGA Day of Sharing is an initiative where employees from each of SIGA’s seven casinos spend a day volunteering to help make a difference in their communities and it’s the third annual event of its kind.

The 100 care bags handed out were for 50 men and women. The items included but were not limited to toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, brushes, gloves, soap, and socks, among other things.

“They are very thankful for us, they’ll come up to the employees and say ‘thank you for the meal,’” Whitecalf said.

After the deck work. (Submitted photo/Karen Whitecalf)

The clothes were all donated and were much appreciated given the recent cooler weather.

Georgette Arcand, the program director of the Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Centre said it’s important to help those in need.

“This is our clientele, so we see them every day all day so it’s nice to be able to offer them a meal, clothes, and stuff that’ll get them by for now,” she said. “Sometimes they don’t get to eat, so having a hotdog will help them and it gives people a positive outlook.”

–

Ian.Gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12

by Ian Gustafson

SIGA Day of Sharing draws big crowd

What's Trending