Students Raise $1,600 for Boreal Healthcare Foundation in Bake Sale

Students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic successfully raised $1,600 during a bake sale held on campus, benefiting the Boreal Healthcare Foundation. The event, titled “Bake for a Cause,” took place on Wednesday, showcasing the students’ efforts to combine academic projects with community service.

Turning Class Projects into Community Fundraisers

As part of a project management course, students from the Business Management program organized the bake sale to meet their fundraising target. Project Manager Vikas Singh explained that this initiative was planned since early in the semester, requiring months of coordination and teamwork. “Currently we are in the second semester of project management, and our assignment was to raise at least $1,000 for any foundation. We chose to donate to the Boreal Healthcare Foundation,” Singh stated.

The planning process began in September 2023, involving task division, securing necessary permissions, and arranging sponsors. Singh noted the complexities they faced, such as organizing the booth setup and managing logistics. The students initially aimed for a total of $1,500 but exceeded their expectations, contributing to a combined class goal of $2,000.

Participation from faculty was notably strong, with around 90% of staff members purchasing items and many opting to donate beyond their purchases. Singh commented, “Staff members were incredibly generous, often doubling their contributions.”

Learning Through Community Engagement

Instructor Nicole Galbraith highlighted the educational aspect of the fundraiser. The initiative allowed students to engage with real-world project management scenarios while supporting a local cause. “The fundraiser is part of our curriculum focused on developing a project through the five process groups. This hands-on experience helps students understand the execution phase,” Galbraith explained.

Galbraith expressed pride in her students, noting their professionalism and ability to engage with external stakeholders, despite many being international students unfamiliar with the local community. “They showed responsibility and enthusiasm while working with the foundation,” she added.

Andy Cohen, the Boreal Healthcare Foundation’s donor engagement and communications representative, attended the event and noted the significance of such support in enhancing local healthcare services. “The Boreal Healthcare Foundation has been committed to improving healthcare in Prince Albert for the last 40 years. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference,” Cohen remarked.

Cohen emphasized that events like this not only provide financial support but also help raise awareness for ongoing healthcare campaigns. “This bake sale allows us to discuss our initiatives, like the ‘equip the Vic’ campaign, and engage with the community,” he stated. The funds raised contribute towards essential equipment for local hospitals, including the introduction of the first MRI machine north of Saskatoon, which will serve over 150,000 residents.

As the event concluded, Singh reflected on the meaningful experience it provided. “This was our first time organizing such an event in Canada, and it was truly a unique experience. We learned many lessons about teamwork and community engagement,” he said, summarizing the students’ enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact.