Left, Sgt. Lyle Korczak, Cpl. Ashley St. Germaine, Kim Laird, Monica Bonneau, Christie McDonald, Allyson Toye and Cpl. Janelle Samoila. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Make A Wish

P.A. RCMP make big donation

Jan 9, 2020 | 4:19 PM

Make A Wish Saskatchewan is going to be able to grant more wishes after receiving a big donation.

Thursday morning Prince Albert RCMP presented the organization with a check for over $40,000. The money was raised at the Regimental Ball put on at Plaza 88 in December saw around 250 people come out. RCMP Sgt. Lyle Korczak, who helped plan and put on the event said they are happy to support Make A Wish.

“The idea of what they do for kids across the country here and especially in our community as well, made it a very viable and unanimous choice,” he said.

(Submitted Photograph/Cpl. Janelle Samoila)

Korczak said they were happy with all the support they got from the larger community. Korczak said along with coming out to the event, attendees also were generous in making a range of donations to support the fundraiser.

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Korczak added it had been awhile since P.A. RCMP had put on a Regimental Ball, so they felt it was time to do one. Looking towards the future the Sergeant said they will reassess before making a decision about when to host the next one.

“Maybe like the Olympics, make it once every four years, to keep the want,” he said.

Anthony Chester had his wish for a fishing boat granted by Make A Wish Saskatchewan, his mother shared his story at the ball. (Submitted Photograph/Cpl. Janelle Samoila).

Allyson Toye regional manager with Make A Wish Saskatchewan said getting support from groups and people in the community is big for them as they do not receive support from government.

“All of our funding comes from donor events … and corporate donations and individual giving,” she said.

Toye explained with the donation her organization will be able to grant four wishes. On average it costs the community group around $10,000 to grant a wish. The wishes range from helping kids meet someone to sending them on a trip.

While P.A. RCMP took the lead in putting on the ball, the fundraiser got help from other groups. This included people from Diamond North Credit Union and other businesses who also helped out with planning and getting sponsorships.

“It takes a community to grant a wish,” she said.

Around 250 people were on hand for the Regimental Ball at Plaza 88. (Submitted Photograph/Cpl. Janelle Samoila)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn