Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan is seeking participants in a unique fundraiser, asking people to give up their daily coffee in support of the organization. (Submitted photo/Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan)

By Trevor Redden

Kick Caffeine for a Cause

Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan seeking participants in one-week challenge fundraiser

Oct 23, 2020 | 1:11 PM

What would it take for you to give up your morning coffee for a week?

A provincial non-profit is offering the opportunity to make a sick child’s wish come true if you can set aside your cup of joe.

Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan is launching The Great Coffee Challenge, a creative fundraising initiative that simply requires you to give up your hot drink of choice, whether it be coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for just one week, and raise $48 within the first 48 hours of signing up for the challenge.

Allyson Toye, regional manager with Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan, says the concept is based on the sacrifices that wish kids must make in their lives.

“Our wish kids all have life-threatening medical conditions so of course they have to give up part of their childhood. Whether it be sports, friends, missing school, they give many things up due to their illness and treatments on their medical journey,” Toye said. “We’re asking our supporters to put themselves in the wish kids schools for a week and give up something they do everyday, like have a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

5h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

9h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

13h ago

Like many organizations that depend on fundraising, Make-A-Wish has taken a massive hit this year, forcing all involved to get creative. Two major golf tournaments and the annual dragon boat races were cancelled this summer, taking over $300,000 of typical revenue off the books.

On the other end, Toye said there are 250 kids across the province waiting for their wish to be fulfilled, as 76 per cent of all wishes are travel related. Given the current circumstances, some have changed their wishes to items rather than trips.

“We’re doing bedroom makeovers, shopping sprees, camper wishes, boat wishes, those kind of wishes. We are still granting wishes, it’s maybe just a little different look for many, or others are waiting it out to go see Mickey Mouse or whatever it may be.”

The Great Coffee Challenge will take place from Nov. 1 to 8, and anybody interested in taking part or contributing can register now. In exchange for the contribution of $48, Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan will provide participants with a hot/cold cup to enjoy your beverage of choice with once the challenge is complete.

–

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden