REGINA — What began as a lively, game-show-style showdown at the SaskGaming Charity Challenge ended with more than $30,000 flowing directly into the hands of local charities, turning entertainment into tangible impact for communities in Regina and Moose Jaw.
Building on the momentum of its debut last year, the Survey Says Charity Challenge returned bigger and louder in 2026, drawing nearly 300 attendees and filling the room with palpable energy. Beyond the numbers, organizers say, the night was about recognition as much as it was about fundraising.
The event, created in 2025 and quickly embraced by community partners, features a “survey says” style competition where nonprofit representatives, backed by enthusiastic audience members, compete for a share of the prize pool. Its strong reception made bringing it back an easy decision.
“This event gave us the opportunity to bring several organizations together for a fun, lighthearted evening of friendly competition, all centered around celebrating their impact and giving back in a way that feels energizing and memorable,” SaskGaming said in a statement following the event. “The energy in the space reflected both appreciation and pride, and we’re proud to help create moments like this that bring people together in support of important local causes.”
Big wins for community impact
• Moose Jaw Food Bank claimed the grand prize of $10,000, support that comes at a critical time as food insecurity continues to rise.
• Moose Jaw Family Services earned $7,500 for second place, strengthening programs that support families and individuals in crisis.
• Family Service Regina secured $5,000 for third place, bolstering counselling and mental health services in the capital city.
• YMCA Regina, Circle Project and Carmichael Outreach each received $2,500 to advance youth development, equity initiatives and homelessness outreach.
• All Nations Hope Network and Regina Food Bank split ticket sale proceeds, receiving $2,000 each.
“The $30,000 in charitable funding awarded last night is just a portion of the more than $500,000 that is provided each year by SaskGaming, on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, to charities and nonprofits across the province,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan. “Our government is committed to a gaming sector that shares the benefits they receive with Saskatchewan communities and nonprofit organizations, and we commend SaskGaming and the province’s other gaming operators for helping us deliver on that commitment.”
SaskGaming President and CEO Blaine Pilatzke said the event reflects the organization’s broader mission. “Through our community funding program, we are proud to share the benefits of gaming with dozens of charitable and nonprofit organizations that make a difference in the two cities where we operate,” he said. “Our annual Charity Challenge is one of the more creative ways that we make that happen. Congratulations to the eight nonprofit charities from Regina and Moose Jaw that benefitted from this unique event.”
Where the money goes
For the Moose Jaw Food Bank, the $10,000 prize means more hampers on shelves and fewer families turned away. Demand has climbed steadily in recent years, mirroring national trends.
Moose Jaw Family Services and Family Service Regina will channel their funding into counselling, crisis intervention and preventative programming that helps stabilize families and support mental wellness.
YMCA Regina continues to build leadership and wellness opportunities for youth and families. Circle Project advocates for and supports Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals across Saskatchewan. Carmichael Outreach provides harm reduction services and outreach support for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. All Nations Hope Network offers culturally grounded support for Indigenous communities. Regina Food Bank remains a cornerstone of food security in the capital.
Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to community organizations each year. In addition to this year’s Charity Challenge participants, sponsorship dollars have supported groups such as Dress for Success, Heritage Community Association and Four Directions Community Health Centre.
SaskGaming is also preparing to support upcoming community events including Habitat for Humanity’s Home by Midnight and the First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Powwow.
Organizers say every charity that stepped onto the stage Thursday night makes a meaningful difference daily, whether through feeding families, strengthening mental health supports or creating safer spaces for vulnerable residents.
Inside the casino, teams laughed, strategized and leaned on the crowd for answers. Outside those doors, the results will be felt in quiet kitchens, counselling rooms and community centres across two cities.
On this night, the house did not win. Saskatchewan communities did.
