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Trade Show raises money for preschool

Oct 19, 2014 | 4:07 PM

An annual trade show at L’Ecole des Petits preschool in Prince Albert brought out about 30 different vendors.  Bouncy castles, face painting and a canteen were set up in addition to the vendor tables in the Holy Cross School gymnasium.

Reyna Siwak, president of the parent board at the preschool said the trade show is one of the major fundraisers they do throughout the year.

“It’s been a hit every single year so we look forward to it and we get a lot of families coming out with their kids,” she said.

Siwak said the trade show began about six years ago.

“It was just something that was different, something that was a little bit new as opposed to selling tickets and things like that and we’ve just carried it on from there,” she said.

Last year, about $5000 was raised for the preschool and Siwak hopes for a similar number this year.

“We are a non-profit preschool so we very much depend on fundraising to take place throughout the year in order to ensure that we can carry on the preschool,” she said.

She said they do have a number of returning vendors but have some new ones as well. 

Roxanne Piche from North Battleford has been involved with Juice Plus for seven years but this is her first time participating in this trade show.

“I’m really enjoying the vibe; it’s a great place to be,”she said. “Lots of moms, lots of families so I’m feeling like I fit right in here.” 

In addition to vendors, local fundraising initiatives were given the chance to take part.  The trade show donated a table to Ears for Arabella, which seeks to fundraise for a girl who was born without outer ears.

Chantelle Rodgers, a body talk practitioner and friend of Arabella’s family, was selling bracelets to fundraise for Arabella’s surgery. She said this is their first time selling the bracelets.

“I’m just very moved by everyone’s support and the love that everyone’s showing and we’re just really honoured,” she said.

The cost to get into the trade show was $2 and Jara Macfarlane, a teacher at the pre-school said the event is a good way to get people involved.

“We try to promote activities that will bring forth a lot of people from the community,” she said.

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