In the wake of the recent tragedy that saw numerous injuries and deaths of 16 Saskatchewan sportsmen, the ripple effect of the loss to the province was felt throughout the population. Often times, after a tragedy strikes, people are left feeling helpless. It is at these times that folk are faced with a fork in the road, one where the choice is to either simply exist in the after effects, or to take action. Thankfully, Medstead is a community of strong people with the heart and energy to take the bull by the horns and step up.
This fundamental goodness was made apparent on Sunday, April 15, when the Medstead and District Recreation Association (MADRA) hosted a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the Village Hall. According to Cheyenne Orange, Secretary of the Association, it was Merv Seidle who made the call to action at the MADRA meeting just four days prior. Seidle notes that, aside from being involved in the hockey community for his whole life, he had no vested interest in the matter. Nonetheless, posters advertising the event went up on Thursday and donations for supplies trickled in, including the pancake mix and the sausages.
Ready at 8:10, the doors to the fundraiser were open from 8:30 to noon on Sunday and saw a turnout of roughly 175 people. The event was on a by donation basis and served fruit, muffins, pancakes, sausages and warm beverages. Organizers note that folks came in waves, and each person donated roughly $30. According to Seidle, the funds are to be allocated to the Humboldt Broncos and to Stars Ambulance.
Nine volunteers worked the kitchen, feeding the numerous people who came from Glaslyn, Leoville, Spiritwood, and, of course, Medstead. At the tail end of the event, people who were not necessarily involved in the process kept doing what they could, stacking chairs, wiping up, gathering garbage. The spirit of community and support that was thick in the room showed the true best of humanity, its ability to empathize, support, and after the worst has happened, continue to act its best.
