ZZ Top-signed guitar up for auction
All year round, small crews of women working with Egadz’s Action to Employment program mow lawns and shovel driveways for elderly and disabled clients.
“It’s a win-win because the seniors need assistance in the community and it teaches our youth extremely good work ethics,” said the non-profit’s executive assistant, Geselle Doell.
Action to Employment launched in 2015 as a partnership between Egadz, the Saskatoon Health Region and Client Patient Access Service. It provides social, leadership and employment skills to youth and young mothers struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
Action to Employment costs about $100,000 to run each year, but the program doesn’t receive any government funding. Instead, it relies on donations. Much of that money is raised at an annual fundraising dinner and an auction for a signed guitar donated by Lou Paquette. Paquette has a collection of 40 signed guitars. In 2016, he donated one signed by The Eagles. This year’s donation is signed by the rock band ZZ Top.
“Lou is the most selfless person we know at Egadz. He is very community driven, and because of his own experience growing up, he has a passion for youth,” Doell said.
Paquette lived on the streets on Montreal when he was young. Doell said his support, which also included the donation of a truck for the program, is huge.
Last year, the fundraising dinner and guitar auction raised nearly $50,000 for the program.
Doell said Action to Employment employs anywhere from three to six people working full-time and up to 15 casual staff. She said the program makes the women feel a part of the community and gives them a chance to help others, in addition to earning money. The workers often develop special connections with their clients.
When some of the women found out one of their clients was in the hospital, they brought her flowers, she said. Payment for their services is by donation only.
The Action to Employment fundraising dinner takes place May 11 at the German Concordia Club. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for a table of eight. They can be purchased by calling 306-9316644. The guitar auction starts on May 5 at 6 a.m. on Rock 102.