MOOSE JAW — Dozens of plastic paratroopers littered the Col. O.B. Philp Complex floor at 15 Wing Airbase, with only a handful anywhere near a target in the middle of a circle.
Attendees of the inaugural “Parachutes and Pancake Day” on May 7 flung parachute-connected army men from two floors up, hoping to hit a small bulls-eye below on the NATO symbol.
Base contractors Serco and Canadian Base Operators (CBO) hosted the breakfast as a fundraiser for Hunger in Moose Jaw since many employees volunteer there about once a month.
The breakfast ended up generating $1,000 for Hunger in Moose Jaw.
“It went over even better than anticipated,” said Shaunna Altman, office manager for Serco and co-ordinator for the volunteer group. “While there were a few kinks to work through, the day was filled with laughter, fun and great community spirit.
The event’s social committee served 93 breakfasts, including 75 tickets pre-sold and 18 tickets sold that morning, with the extra walkups causing a shortage of sausages and syrup, while the barbecue outside also failed to stay lit because of the wind, she noted. So, the committee knows it must prepare differently next year.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to mingle and connect with our fellow co-workers and friends,” Altman continued. “We’re already looking forward to the second annual Parachutes and Pancake Day.
The parachute drop was the highlight of the day and brought plenty of smiles to those who participated, she said. The winner received a $100 gift card, while the second-closest person received a $50 gift card and the third-closest person received a $25 gift card.
Altman thanked everyone who participated, organized or supported the event.
Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw, said Serco and CBO had a “great idea” using plastic army men for the fundraiser. Moreover, after watching some attendees toss the paratroopers over the railing, she chuckled and said, “I want to try one of those, too.”
Sept’s toss was close to the target, but not enough to land her a gift card.
Afterward, Sept commended the social committee for volunteering this year, after commencing their activities in January. She also lauded the creativity of the fundraiser.
Volunteers ensure Hunger in Moose Jaw can carry out its work, as such people contribute biweekly to the Good Food Box program or drive lunches to schools daily, she continued. The organization is always looking for volunteers, while the time commitment would be one to two hours a day.
The non-profit creates about 200 food boxes filled with fruits and vegetables, with a large family-focused Good Food Box retailing for $25, a small couples-focused food box retailing for $20 and an individual box going for $12.50.
As well, individuals can add more fresh fruits for an extra $15.
The 20-year-old program operates biweekly from September to June and payments are due on the Wednesday before each scheduled Tuesday pickup date.
Sept stressed that this program is for everyone regardless of income level, while there are no other requirements or memberships needed to participate.
“It’s just a really good opportunity to buy fruits and vegetables at cost-efficient prices … ,” she added. “It’s not a fundraiser for Hunger in Moose Jaw at all. It’s just a program to offer fruits and veggies to residents.”
All Good Food Box pickups occur at Zion United Church at 423 Main Street North from noon and 4:30 p.m. To purchase a food box, contact Hunger in Moose Jaw at 306-692-1916 or email at [email protected].
