Brooke Wozniak’s (right) Pina No-lada was a big hit. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local fundraisers

Mocktail Challenge mixes fun with fundraising

Nov 16, 2025 | 12:00 PM

Crediting the work of his hype person and the help of his wife, Prince Albert’s Tyrel Moe emerged one of the big winners from the city’s first-ever Mocktail Challenge.

In addition to serving the most drinks, among the six celebrity bartenders, he also raised the most amount of money with over $3,800.

Saturday’s event at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club was a fundraiser for both the local Big Brothers Big Sisters Chapter (BBBS) and the Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC). In total, over $10,000 was raised.

Over 100 people showed up for the event which pleased BBBS Prince Albert Development Coordinator Natasha Thomson.

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“We were so happy to have such a great turnout tonight. Every everyone had a great time, and it was so much fun.”

When asked about partnering with the CASSC, Thomson explained the idea for the fundraiser was born last spring during a discussion at the community networking coalition meetings. Karen Anthony-Burns, the committee’s former coordinator suggested doing a mocktail challenge based on a bartending competition she had seen done in Saskatoon.

“This is a partnership event but we are working towards the same cause of helping our community become healthier and have a supportive place for youth. And we felt that this was a cause that lined up for us.”

Evert Botha’s Pink Flamingo won over the judges with the highest score. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Mayor Bill Powalinsky joins in on the fun. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Sasha Sukkhu is the current coordinator of the Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee and is also a registered counselor and a university professor.

“I saw the value of doing applied community research. And what better way to do it than get involved with all members of the community as well as children, family, and to make a difference.”


Sukkhu explained the mentorship program at Big Brothers, Big Sisters is very dear to her heart.

“Seeing how many children I’ve worked with in the school system that haven’t been able to have mentors, that haven’t been able to have people to help, guide their way. So, this was something that is very dear to me and that’s my passion.”

The Prince Albert and Area Community Alcohol Strategy Committee was launched almost 10 years ago and its mandate was to help Prince Albert return to a positive relationship with alcohol, and essentially provide non-alcohol related activities that can be fun for all ages. Speaking to the audience, Anthony-Burns was overcome with emotion as she discussed the long process involved in getting to where they are today.

Sukkhu was equally proud of what they have accomplished.

“It’s amazing, soul fulfilling and so rewarding. I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout, and it just inspires me to go further. 
And so, yes, it was hard work but it was worth it.”

The race for the fundraising title was exceptionally close, with Mayor Bill Powalinsky receiving an additional $600 in donations after the event, bringing his final total to $3,940 and earning him an honourable mention.

The competitos from left to right: Robin Poliszuk, Bill Powalinsky, Ty Moe, Evert Botha, Dr. Visham Sukkhu and Brooke Wozniak. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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