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

Students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic transformed a class assignment into a successful community fundraiser, raising a total of $1,600 for the Boreal Healthcare Foundation. The event, named “Bake for a Cause,” took place on September 27, 2023, in the campus cafeteria, where students sold a variety of baked goods to staff and fellow students.

The initiative was part of a project management course in the Business Management program. According to project manager Vikas Singh, the idea for the bake sale emerged early in the semester. The students were tasked with planning and executing a project that would raise at least $1,000 for a charity of their choice. Singh noted, “We planned this from September, and it took around three months to bring everything together.”

Community Engagement and Student Involvement

The organizing team faced several challenges, including dividing tasks, securing sponsorships, and arranging the booth setup. Singh mentioned that their efforts paid off as they surpassed their fundraising goal. “We anticipated raising around $1,500, and we finished slightly above our target,” he stated.

The event saw impressive participation from faculty, with approximately 90 percent of staff members purchasing items and often contributing additional donations. Instructor Nicole Galbraith emphasized the educational value of the fundraiser. She explained that the initiative allowed students to gain hands-on experience in project management while contributing positively to the community. “This project helps students learn through the five process groups of project management,” she said. “Instead of keeping the revenue, they donated all proceeds to a charity in Prince Albert.”

Support for Local Healthcare Initiatives

The involvement of the Boreal Healthcare Foundation underscores the importance of community partnerships. Andy Cohen, the foundation’s donor engagement and communications representative, attended the bake sale and highlighted the significance of such efforts. “The Boreal Healthcare Foundation has been investing in local healthcare in Prince Albert for the last 40 years,” Cohen explained. “Every little bit helps. Fundraisers like this are crucial as we work towards equipping our hospital.”

Cohen also noted that the bake sale helped raise awareness about ongoing campaigns, such as the Vic campaign, which aims to enhance hospital services in the region. “Fundraisers get us closer to the specialized needs we require, including the first MRI north of Saskatoon,” he added.

As the event concluded, Singh reflected on the experience and its impact. “This was our first time in Canada, and we had never organized anything like this back in India,” he shared. “It was an amazing experience, and we learned so much from it.”

The Bake for a Cause event not only achieved its financial goal but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and local organizations.