Happy New Year. Wishing all our readers much health and happiness for 2020.
Don’t forget, the grad class of 2020 will be out for their bottle drive Jan. 8.
After a busy December in Unity and a busy 2019, Unity is ready for more activities in 2020.
Here is a review of some of the things that made Unity so wonderful in 2019.
Overall in 2019, Unity and provincial causes, benefitted from $255,248.59 representing fundraising done within the community or donations to projects, activities and organizations from businesses in the community
One significant project was installation of Parkview Place generator thanks to more than $77,984 in donations.
In the first quarter of 2019, Unity played host to 21 events that benefitted the community. . Twelve more events were hosted from mid-April to the end of October. The ball diamonds were the biggest contributor in summer hosting six events
The Wall of Fame induction celebration event, Unity Western Days and a motocross circuit event round off those events.
Volunteer hours, local economic spinoff and community pride are difficult to calibrate, but all this activity was beneficial to Unity’s well-being
While the money wasn’t presented until November, the Knights of Columbus held a gala fundraiser event in March to benefit the Pattison Children’s Hospital and raised $17,757.
A mental wellness barbecue in May raised $1,582. Delta Co-op earmarked the proceeds from their home centre barbecue in May towards the Unity Health Care Auxiliary, raising $1,000.
At the Citizen of the Year banquet, the Unity Western Days committee presented $5,000 to the Unity Lions Club in recognition of their many years of service to rodeo days.
The weekly “Chase the Ace” fundraiser continues until that elusive ace is found, which will deliver funding to the Unity Golf Club, Unity and District Heritage Museum, PAW park and KC Rescue.
Other examples of community support:
- 8th Avenue Estates and Prairie Moon Inn and Suites donated $500 each to the Unity Fire Department to help cover the costs of elevator rescue training and firefighter instructor training;
- 3-on-3 ball hockey donated $7,250 to the Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park;
- $50,000 came from Richardson Pioneer Ltd. and Unity Credit Union towards the purchase of a Zamboni;
- Several donations combined with $30,500 from the Candace Heitt Memorial Run went to pathway improvements at the health centre and in the ball diamonds;
- In early July, the Knights of Columbus presented proceeds from their 2018 charity appeal to the Unity Food Bank and Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park;
- The 2005 German Pavilion passed on $600 to Parkview Place, $600 to LTC activities and $1,228 to Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park;
- Delta Co-op donated $4,409 to Sask Central Victim Services from their Fuel Good Day promotion;
- Oct. 12, Tyler Zunti Memorial Volleyball Tournament donated $2,800 to UCHS for scholarships and the school and $5,400 to mental health;
- Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op presented STARS with $1,135, proceeds from their trade show breakfast;
- Unity Golf Club presented $9,000 towards purchase of a new fairway mower and $2,000 for a chilled water filling station at the Unity Community Centre;
- Delta Co-op donated $6,000 in money and materials to hockey boards at the Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park, along with more than 65 volunteer hours;
- Unity Credit Union pledged $3,000 towards the Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park hockey boards ,and more than a dozen hours of volunteer labour;
- UCHS students support Telemiracle, donated $597.50 from football to mental wellness, topped off by $110 by SLC, SLC donated $295 to KC Rescue from their haunted hallway and $534 from a chilli cook off was split between the Terry Fox Foundation and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital;
- A haunted house created by volunteers donated $2,102 to KidSport Unity;
- Hollyhock’s Greenhouse presented $1,038 to the Unity Legion representing proceeds of the Canadian Liberator tulip project;
- Press Herald donated $175 to the Unity Fire Department and $170 to the Unity Legion;
- UCHS students collected 1,867 lbs of food Halloween night with additional donations coming after that;
- Mistletoe Magic’s silver collection supported Unity museum.
In addition thousands of dollars in scholarships from community businesses and organizations are awarded to graduating students to assist with the costs of post-secondary education.
The annual Secret Santa campaign is another demonstration of community generosity. Often community businesses donate either through dress down days or a “in lieu of gift” at staff social events.
Recently Unity Credit Union donated $935 in dress-down-day funds to the Unity & District Food Bank.
What is important to note in all of these donations is that none would have been possible without the collaborative efforts of organizers, hosts, sponsors, donors and those who support the events and activities hosted.
Pat yourselves all on the back, as we have all donated to, supported an event or fundraiser held, or volunteered. Without these contributions, would not have made this remarkable total possible.
