ESTEVAN — The third annual Wishlist Craft and Trade Show, hosted by the No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadets Squadron, took place on Dec. 7 at the cadets' building, drawing a significant turnout from the community.
The event, which featured over 40 vendors offering diverse gift options, provided a festive atmosphere, while also supporting a worthy cause.
The event also included attractions such as pictures with Santa and the Grinch, a raffle table and 50/50 ticket sales. Admission was by silver collection and/or a donation of non-perishable food items for the Estevan Salvation Army's food bank.
"Last year, we filled the back of a vehicle [with food donations]," said Brandy Cullen, one of the organizers with air cadets, noting that this year they also had food donations coming in.
The funds raised from the craft show will go towards bathroom renovations at the Wylie-Mitchell Building, an undertaking estimated to cost $50,000.
According to organizer Julia Florell, "This was the best [show and sale] so far." Cullen added that the event involved extensive planning to improve upon previous years.
"We're trying to get it to a place where everybody just remembers every year, this is what's going to happen," Cullen said.
Volunteers, parents and cadets played a vital role in the event's success. Cadets helped set up tables and chairs, volunteered at the doors, worked the canteen and served as Santa's helpers.
"These kids love coming to [these fundraising events]. They love being together. It's like a social event for them," Cullen said.
In addition to the craft show, homemade jam made by the SCC was available for sale, further contributing to the fundraising efforts.
"We enjoyed it," Florell shared about the jam-making process. "We had fun in the kitchen making it. And all the cadets donated, so the money came from the cadets to make the jam."
Looking ahead, the air cadets have other big projects on their 'wishlist,' including flooring updates, painting and canteen renovations. The group's efforts are driven by a commitment to improving the building's facilities for cadets and the community.
"We have a big wishlist," Cullen acknowledged. "Linda Beam is the main person on our fundraising committee, and she is wonderful."
"The projects she wants to do are amazing," Florell added.
To make their projects come true, the cadets are having a number of different fundraisers throughout the year, including a Mother's Day show and sale in April among many other activities planned for 2025.
Cullen said the previous project – major roof repairs – is now completed, which allows them to focus on other needs. Washroom renovations are slated for May when the air cadets program wraps up, so they won't be as disruptive.
