The calibre of kids coming out of the 4-H clubs across the country never ceases to amaze me. One club in Saskatchewan comes to mind when talking 4-H and role models that society can learn from. As a way of giving back and supporting the communities that support the 4-H youth that show at the Prince Albert Regional 4-H Show and Sale, clubs in the area rotate to feed and raise the charity steer each year to support local causes. Started back in 2001, over $175,000 has been raised, not counting this year’s financial donations. 

This year the Wild Rose Beef Club out of Shellbrook, Sask., looked after the steer and decided to fund-raise for a 4D CT simulator for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. This charity was chosen because the club currently has two families winning their fights with cancer. With the steer being donated by JGL Livestock and feed by Provetta Feeds, initial out-of-pocket expenses were taken care of, letting the kids focus on raising money. 

Through the generosity of community members and support across Saskatchewan and Alberta, the club raised $49,390. 

The club was especially excited to have Malcolm Jenkins, owner of the local Canadian Tire, match their total to the tune of $98,780. Jenkins spoke at the auction about why he was matching the donation and the effect this disease has had on his life with the passing of his wife Melba from cancer. 

A few days later the Wild Rose Beef Club got an unexpected surprise with the announcement that JGL Group of Companies out of Moose Jaw, Sask., decided to match the original money raised to bring the total to almost $150,000. Learning about the success of the sale from Prince Albert cattle buyer Alan Jackson, JGL CEO Shea Jameson said “he was all in and wanted to motivate more businesses to do the same.” 

Hats off to all donors that made this great event happen. Hopefully one of these days we won’t need to raise money to find a cure for cancer.