REGINA — Dozens of children aged five and under at the YMCA of Regina took part in a new collaboration by creating the design for honey jars distributed by the Regina Bypass.
For the past number of years, Regina Bypass, with the help of a local beekeeper, has distributed its honey to the community.
“We give the jars to kids, partners, [and] first responders around us. So really, we share what we produce. There's no business behind it,” said Christophe Martin, general manager of the Regina Bypass, at an event Thursday.
The roughly 30 beehives are part of Regina Bypass’s initiative to enhance the environment and bring sustainability projects to the community.
“So it's a mix of environmental concern and being part of a community, bringing the kids, the bees. So that's what we are doing here.”
Eighty children from the YMCA of Regina contributed to the design, with the final artwork incorporating ideas from about 10 of them.
YMCA of Regina CEO Steve Compton said this helps kids bring out their creative side.
“They're expressing their creative sides. It's a really nice opportunity for the kids to do something a little different than the routine of the day.”
YMCA of Regina children also got to interact with bees and ask questions about the insects.
“It's nice for the kids to be able to see the bees rather than talk about the bees. They had a chance to interact. A couple of kids were able to put on the beekeepers' mini beekeeper suits. And everybody was interested in asking questions,” said Compton.
The Regina Bypass said it is interested in expanding the number of beehives at its location.
“Again, with the help of the farmer, we try to detect and locate alternative places,” said Martin.
Martin stressed the importance of bees for the environment.
“There are a lot of native plants in Saskatchewan that rely on bees, so it’s a win-win for us and the environment.”
