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

Students from Saskatchewan Polytechnic turned a classroom assignment into a successful community fundraiser, raising $1,600 for the Boreal Healthcare Foundation. The event, titled “Bake for a Cause,” took place on September 27, 2023, in the campus cafeteria, showcasing the efforts of students in the Business Management program as they executed a comprehensive project management assignment.

The initiative required students to plan and implement a fundraising project with a target of at least $1,000. Project Manager Vikas Singh detailed the planning process, which began early in the semester. “We started planning this in September and worked for about three months,” Singh explained. The students faced challenges such as dividing tasks, securing necessary permissions, and organizing the booth setup.

Two groups collaborated on the project, with expectations set to raise around $1,500. The students surpassed their goal, raising a total of $1,600 and contributing to a combined class target of $2,000. Singh noted the enthusiastic participation from faculty, stating that “around 90 percent of staff came to use and bought something, and they donated, like a double amount, which they bought from us.”

Educational Experience Meets Community Support

Instructor Nicole Galbraith emphasized that the fundraiser was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in project management while benefiting the community. “The fundraiser is part of our curriculum on developing a project through the five process groups, and the main group is execution,” she said. Galbraith highlighted the importance of giving back, noting that all proceeds would be donated to the Boreal Healthcare Foundation, which has been a key player in local healthcare for over 40 years.

The students demonstrated professionalism throughout the planning stages, engaging with the foundation as a critical external stakeholder. Galbraith expressed pride in her students’ achievements, stating, “You could see their enthusiasm and enjoyment.”

Attending the event was Andy Cohen, the donor engagement and communications representative for the Boreal Healthcare Foundation. He reiterated the significance of community support, saying, “Every little bit helps.” Cohen explained that fundraisers like this contribute to long-term improvements in healthcare services in Prince Albert and surrounding areas.

Raising Awareness and Building Skills

Cohen noted that the bake sale also served to raise awareness of the foundation’s ongoing campaigns, particularly its efforts to equip local healthcare facilities. “This bake sale helps us talk about the equip, the Vic campaign,” he remarked. As the region anticipates expanded services, including the first MRI machine north of Saskatoon, events like this are vital.

Singh reflected on the experience, stating, “This is our first time in Canada, and it was a new experience because we haven’t done anything like this back in India.” He conveyed a sense of accomplishment, highlighting the lessons learned from organizing a successful community event.

The “Bake for a Cause” fundraiser not only provided students with practical experience in project management but also fostered a sense of community involvement and support for healthcare initiatives in Prince Albert.