REGINA, Saskatchewan, Nov. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The men and women of Saskatchewan who build our roads came together in Regina to build a magical night of incredible generosity, raising $113,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan (RHMC-SK) through their annual charity auction.
Over the past 9 years, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA), with the help of Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, has raised over $307,000 dollars for charities across the Province. The funds are raised during the association’s annual convention in Regina.
Shantel Lipp, SHCA President explains, “One of our members, Craig Slobodian from Redhead Equipment, wife Tricia and daughters Blakeney and Mya experienced the power of Ronald McDonald House when 13 year old Mya, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Radiation had to be conducted in Saskatoon, so Mya and her Mom spent 48 days and counting at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan. It is a facility that wraps their arms around families while their children are in hospital or are undergoing treatment. Our members wrapped their arms around the charity that helped one of our own. We more than doubled our past record. It was amazing.”
Karen Linsley, Fund Development Coordinator with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan states, “We were in awe of the generosity of the members of the association. Ritchie Bros who also have a connection to RMHC-SK, did a wonderful job of reminding people about the mission of the House. This is one of the largest 3rd party fundraising donations that the House has ever received.”
The Slobodian family’s experience while at RMHC-SK deeply affected them. It was a place of love, warmth and respite during one of their darkest times. Mya turned her journey with cancer towards helping other families by fundraising for RMHC-SK. Mya began her fundraising efforts by going without birthday gifts and donating all the money to the RMHC-SK. When other individuals and companies heard what she was doing they got on board and made donations themselves through various fundraising ideas. Before the auction, she inspired over $10,000.00 in donations. Craig describes that, “when we learned RMHC-SK would be the charity for the SHCA auction, Mya created Christmas wreaths for the auction. We all pitched in, picking up the phone to find items and spread the word. We are so inspired by the strength our daughter had to fight and beat cancer and how she is now using this experience to make a difference for others.”
Great roads build the economy, save lives and money, help the environment and create jobs. Great roads lead to prosperity. Next time you are in the orange zone driving past a road building crew, waive or a honk and thank the SHCA members for not only building great roads, but for also building community.
For more information contact:
Shantel Lipp
SHCA President
M: 306.533.9583
slipp@saskheavy.ca
Karen Linsley
Fund Development Coordinator, Ronald McDonald House - SK
306-244-5700 Ext.115
klinsley@rmh.sk.ca
Craig Slobodian
M: 306.539.5764
Craig.Slobodian@redheadequipment.ca
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/617607b6-3e94-4328-9776-94e9d76346e3