The Giving Back Team volunteer group hosted its annual Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Sale on Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Qu’Appelle House Special Care Home. Since 2012, the Giving Back Team has raised over $46,000, donating funds to various organizations. “All that money has gone back to the community,” said head volunteer Bernadette Sokalski. “Usually we target young people, seniors, even animals, because we find dogs are fairly good pets for humans.” Sokalski began the fundraising initiative by selling chocolate chip cookies and with a bottle drive, but switched to strawberry jam since 2015. “The rhubarb comes from anywhere in Saskatchewan as far as Nipawin to Cupar, to Lajord and [goes] to numerous people in the city,” said Sokalski. This year, the team made 450 jam jars, with 250 of them pre-sold. As of Saturday afternoon there were 200 left. The money will go towards the recreation department at the Qu’Appelle House, which houses a total of 55 people. “They [the residents] love their bingo, we do lots of activities,” said administrator and director of care Bev Schatkoski. “We have at least four activities a day for the residents ... with lots for them to do. Exercise, bingos, happy hours, you name it.” The Giving Back Team has been visiting Qu’Appelle House a few times a month over the past four years, forming a strong connection in the process.
