The toys were delivered to Piwapan Women's Centre on Dec. 24. (submitted photo/Melanie Potts)

By Derek Cornet

Christmas Spirit

Educational toys donated to Piwapan making an impact

Jan 7, 2020 | 4:53 PM

Christmas was already two weeks ago, but an act of kindness for children at Piwapan Women’s Centre is bound to provide some happiness for some time.

Last month, La Ronge resident Melanie Potts organized a fundraiser in conjunction with her Discovery Toys-selling business and the local centre. The goal was to provide new toys for children spending the holidays there, as well as for general use in the child care room and for future use.

“I looked into a charity that was close by and spoke with some of the directors at the Piwapan Women’s Centre,” Potts said. “They had mentioned they had never heard of such a thing. It’s called gifts in kind to where people donate the money, and I take the money and in turn, turn it into a gift give.”

In total, close to $1,200 was raised for the endeavour through a variety of local sources including numerous individuals. The La Ronge Elks donated $500 with other cash donations coming from Northwinds Bus Lines, The Source and Rona. So far, $700 was spent on toys, which were wrapped and delivered to Piwapan Dec. 24.

Potts mentioned it was an exhilarating feeling to be involved in the fundraiser, which she did for the first time. She was also impressed by the amount of support she received, as well as the positive reaction so far online. Potts already has plans to organize a similar fundraiser for Easter.

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“I couldn’t believe the community didn’t hesitate and right away as soon as they heard what I was doing donated the money,” Potts said. “It was very rewarding to know we live in a community that kind of comes together and did that.”

The donation consisted of educational toys. (submitted photo/Melanie Potts)

Piwapan Program Manager Shauna Nagy was involved with the fundraiser and she said staff and clients at the centre are grateful for her support. She noted it was the first time the centre partnered with someone for such an initiative and it made an impact for children during Christmas.

“We thought it was awesome she selected Piwapan to do the fundraiser,” Nagy said. “She obviously sells Discovery Toys, which are really high-quality educational toys. We were very honoured to be chosen.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno