The Wounded Warriors Weekend Gala fundraiser turned out to be a special celebration this year. Prior to the gala itself, all the Wounded Warriors in attendance from North Battleford and across the province were treated to a pre-gala dinner at Blend Restaurant where the Warriors and their families sat down with The Honourable Lt. Gov. Vaughn Soloman Schofield. Her Honour took the opportunity to personally present the “Military Service Medal” to many of our veterans who were unable to attend formal presentations in locations throughout the province.
Her Honour has been a staunch supporter of our military throughout her tenure as Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan as well as being a leading Patron of the Wounded Warriors Weekend Foundation.
The Board of WWWF presented Her Honour with a hand made quilt that commemorated her active participation on behalf of the Wounded Warriors Weekend Foundation.
The gala held at the Don Ross Centre is organized each year by a team of volunteers headed by Marlene Oleshko.
“The public awareness regarding the challenges of Post Traumatic Stress that our veterans, young and old, face on a daily basis is the main reason for this event,” said Emmons. “The Battlefords have been an incredible supporter right from day one and I dare say they are equally responsible for helping in the healing process of all our participants over the years, and I know in my heart their support has helped save lives.”
He added, “Yes, they raise funds each year which enable us to bring veterans and first responders from across Canada to our weekend but most importantly, they help our participants realize that they are not alone.”
The evening featured Country Music Hall of Fame members The Good Brothers.
“Blake Emmons and the Good Brothers were amazing,” said Oleshko. It was like having the Grand Old Opry in North Battleford!”
There was also an address by The Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield.
Ames Leslie, mayor of Battleford welcomed Her Honour and The Wounded Warriors.
Co-hosts of the evening were Blake Emmons and Roger White. A special bonus to this year’s event was a donation of two tickets to anywhere West Jet flies, donated by West Jet and won by Gary and Debbie Sheppard. Raffle ticket winners were: $1,000 - Parker Mackay; $500 - Darlene Panchuk; $500 - Bobbi Fineday.
The Army Cadets were in attendance this year as well. Lance Corporal Erik Littlepoplar led in the singing of O Canada. They did the coat check plus two Army Cadets sat on each side of the stage. They were MWO S. McInnes and MWO N. Perry.
Scotiabank was one of the main contributors that evening. They were willing to match up to $3,000 of donations that were received that night. With the generosity of those in attendance organizers were happy to announce that the donations received were more $3,000 so that meant a total of $6,000.
Earlier that day, Ryder Constantinoff, on behalf of Brandt Tractor Ltd. presented Emmons a cheque for $2,500.
During the evening’s festivities, Emmons took the opportunity to announce the launching of WWRW, which will take place in late November. It is a radio program “Wounded Warriors Radio Worldwide” comprised of information relating to everything military and the challenges facing our veterans and their families. The music format is everything 50s ,60s, 70s and 80s along with interviews and regular features which will be announced formally Nov. 27.
The organizers of this year’s gals wish to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers who have joined together this year to make the Wounded Warriors fundraiser an evening to remember.
