REGINA, Sask. — For a child who dreams of dancing on stage, learning an instrument or discovering a passion for theatre, the cost of lessons can be the difference between getting a chance and watching from the sidelines.
A major fundraising effort by Cultural Connections Regina is helping change that reality, with $200,000 raised at its 2026 India Night Gala going directly to Creative Kids Saskatchewan to help local children access arts, music, dance and cultural activities.
The sold-out event welcomed more than 600 guests to Regina’s Delta Hotel on Oct. 3. Organizers formally presented the funds to Creative Kids on Monday, with the money expected to help more than 400 children in the Regina area overcome financial barriers and participate in activities that can shape their futures.
“For many families, the cost of activities such as music, dance, theatre and art classes is simply out of reach,” said Dean Kush, CEO of Creative Kids Saskatchewan.
The organization helps families pay for lessons and other creative opportunities when financial circumstances would otherwise prevent their children from taking part.
Kush said costs can add up quickly, from registration and lessons to instrument rentals and equipment. For children with artistic ambitions, he said, those expenses can stand between them and the chance to discover what they are capable of.
“Thanks to the funds raised and the hard work of Cultural Connections, hundreds of local kids will have opportunities to participate in meaningful cultural activities,” Kush said. “Gaining confidence, finding belonging and most importantly maybe unlocking their potential.”
More than lessons: A chance to belong
For families who have received support, the impact can extend far beyond the classroom or rehearsal space.
Krista J. Konkin has watched her daughter grow through theatre lessons funded by Creative Kids. She said the opportunity gave her daughter confidence, friendships and a place where she felt she belonged.
“Creative Kids gave my child more than lessons—it gave her a place to belong, the confidence to stand in front of an audience and perform, as well as a new group of friends,” Konkin said. “Her experience has been life-changing as she has discovered her passion.”
Kush said Creative Kids has seen young people develop their abilities over years of participation, including a young woman who took ballet classes before going on to pass an examination at the National Ballet that he said no Canadian had previously passed.
He said those outcomes demonstrate how access to the arts can open doors, whether a child ultimately pursues a career in the arts or simply gains confidence, friendships and a stronger sense of identity.
“Participating in these cultural activities can build self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, to name a few,” Kush said. “But overall it can be a life-changing experience for a young person.”
Cultural Connections Regina chair Renu Kapoor said the decision to support Creative Kids reflected the organization's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to explore creativity and cultural heritage, regardless of a family's financial circumstances.
“As the Creative Kids mandate aligns so closely with our own, we believed it was important to give more Regina children a chance to explore their creativity through dance, music and heritage lessons,” Kapoor said.
“Participating in creative activities helps children develop lifelong skills that set them up for success in adulthood, and no child should be excluded because of financial barriers.”
Kapoor said the gala's success reflects the commitment of the community, including the volunteers, donors, sponsors and guests who have supported the event over the years.
“Thanks to the support of so many people in our community today that we can present our final cheque of $200,000 to Creative Kids,” she said.
The India Night Gala is now in its ninth year and has raised more than $1.3 million for charities and community causes since it began.
The need continues to grow
Creative Kids Saskatchewan was established in 2010 to reduce financial and social barriers to arts and cultural activities for children and youth aged four to 19.
Since then, the organization has provided more than $8.76 million through 18,351 approved applications, supporting young people in more than 294 communities across Saskatchewan.
Kush said demand continues to grow, meaning the organization cannot always help every eligible family that applies.
“We unfortunately continue to have to turn down some eligible applications, leaving some kids in an understandable state of disappointment,” he said.
The gala's contribution will help Creative Kids respond to that need in Regina, where the funding is expected to support more than 400 children.
Kush also credited the provincial government's support for helping keep the program running. He said Creative Kids' operating costs are covered through Saskatchewan Lotteries, meaning the money raised through the gala can go directly toward opportunities for children.
Saskatchewan Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross, who attended the announcement, praised the organizations and volunteers behind the fundraising effort.
“Creative Kids is such a wonderful program offering financial support for Saskatchewan children and youth to participate in artistic and cultural activities,” Ross said.
She added that creative experiences help children discover their interests, develop confidence and connect with others.
“When we invest in those little kiddos and all of the sparks that grow in them, we're investing in the future,” said Regina South Albert MLA Aleana Young, who attended on behalf of Opposition Leader Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP.
Schizophrenia Society named 2027 gala beneficiary
The announcement also looked ahead to the 10th anniversary of India Night, with Cultural Connections Regina naming the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan as the beneficiary of its 2027 fundraising gala.
Society CEO Sean Barschel said the organization was honoured to be selected.
“The Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan is honoured and excited to be chosen by Cultural Connections to be the recipient charity for India Night 2027, and excited that it's the 10th anniversary,” Barschel said.
The society works to improve the quality of life for people affected by schizophrenia, psychosis and related mental illnesses.
The next gala is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2027.
