15 Wing kicks off annual workplace charity campaign

If you see men and women dressed in military clothing manning check-out stalls at Superstore and Safeway next month, take note – it’s all part of one of the largest charitable organization drives in the country.

Personnel from 15 Wing Moose Jaw kicked off their annual fundraising campaign on Oct. 5 in front of close to 100 students, support staff and dignitaries in the O.B. Philip complex atrium, with attendees receiving a rundown of how to donate and some of the activities they’ll be taking part in this year.

“We’re members of the military and we’re always looking for ways to give back to the community every way we can and this is a way we can do that,” said campaign organizer Capt. Greg Donker. “It’s especially nice in that it focusses on the local aspect, as well as the national aspect, so it’s pretty awesome we can do this and help out the community.” The campaign is part of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, which sees different governmen- tal branches all uniting to raise funds for charitable organizations. Locally, that includes the YMCA, Humane Society, Transition House and the United Way, which further distributes donations under its umbrella.

The event – which runs until Nov. 30 – is aiming to raise around $40,000 after bringing in over $30,000 last year. Throughout Saskatchewan, the campaign brings in close to $500,000 annually. Donker was quick to point out that those looking to donate to this 15 Wing cause can be both from the base itself, as well as the community. Civilians are more than welcome to make donations, which is part of why 15 Wing personnel will be taking part in their grocery bagging stint from Nov. 1-4.

“Anyone can come on by and talk to us there and donate if they like; they can also contact us at the base or any of the other events in the community,” Donker said.

15 Wing is also holding a hockey pool and will be hosting a curling bonspiel; civilians are welcome to take part in both. Organizers made sure the kick-off itself was memorable, too: the event closed with a pie-in-the-face bidding war that saw four high-ranking officials – including 15 Wing commander Denis O’Reilly and deputy commander John Hall – ‘lose’ and endure the whipped cream mess. The battle raised more than $1000. Seeing the top brass at the base get right into things was something Donker hopes is a sign of things to come. “We’d really like to see everyone at 15 Wing get involved, including civilians,” he said. “This is one of those things where every little bit helps, and if we can get the kind of support we’ve had in the past, we know it’ll be a successful campaign.

Anyone looking to make a donation or for more information on events can call 15 Wing at 306-694-2222.