Nearly 100 charities attended the Friendraiser at the Conexus Arts Centre on Thursday, giving locals an opportunity to learn more about the work being done in their community.
“We want people to learn about the good things happening in your community. Figuring out what you like? What areas of interest do you have? Is it the environment? Is it gardening, or is it food insecurity?” explained Donna Ziegler, CEO of the Saskatchewan Community Foundation, which put on the event.
Event organizers estimated about 500 guests were in attendance, from board members to donors, with the hope of building relationships with charities.
“One relationship can lead to many more donations and connections with people who share the same interests. We’ve heard those stories, and a number of charities here today have received donations as a result,” said Ziegler.
Those connections could also lead to creative ways to support charities.
“One of the charities that was here a couple of years ago provides sports equipment for kids. Someone couldn’t donate directly, but they said, ‘I’m going to do a sports drive at work and collect all the sports equipment for you.’ Those are the relationships we’re talking about,” noted Ziegler.
This year marks the fourth Friendraiser, with the idea inspired by another organization.
“We had looked to our friends at another community foundation, and they had put on a sort of fundraiser event. And so we were like, why not do that here in Saskatchewan,” said Karley Stangel, event and charity officer at the Saskatchewan Community Foundation.
Preparations for the event begin roughly three months in advance.
“We work together over three or four months to put an event of this scale together. It takes a lot of thought, and we pay attention to so many details to make it a successful and impactful event,” said Rylie Bryden, student leadership and events lead at the Saskatchewan Community Foundation.
Organizers are hopeful next year’s event will be bigger and more impactful.
