A seniors’ group wants to improve its building by raising $100,000 during the next year and needs hundreds of pieces to fall into place to ensure it continues “livin’ the dream.”
The Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens’ Association announced on Feb. 15 that it plans to hold a fundraising initiative featuring a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle— “Livin’ the Dream” is its title — and is encouraging people to participate in the project.
People can buy a piece for $100 and have their names written on the back. The puzzle pieces will be assembled at the Timothy Eaton Gardens for public display. As part of the donation, donors can also submit a story about their life, career, sports accomplishments or deceased loved one, which the association would record and feature in a publicly displayed ledger.
The association will hold monthly banquets from September to December to thank donors. Also, anyone who purchases a puzzle piece will be eligible for prizes that community businesses have donated.
The organization expects the fundraiser to finish in February 2024. It will also provide receipts for income tax purposes.
The organization’s challenge is finding ways to encourage people to participate, which is why eligibility criteria include being born in Saskatchewan, having lived here for five years and being an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders’ fan.
Puzzle pieces will be available in March to purchase from the front desk at the Gardens.
“I think the title is really great, in ‘Livin’ the Dream.’ And if we all work together living this dream, we will continue to move forward and onward,” said spokesman Earl Berard.
An “unexpected setback” in the association’s finances prompted the group to develop this unique fundraising idea, he explained. When asked what kind of monetary difficulty had occurred, he replied that the association faced “outstanding issues” but declined to extrapolate.
The idea for the project arose because the cost to buy a 1,000-piece puzzle was inexpensive — only $27 — and the organization must watch every penny it spends, he continued. He found the puzzle at the Co-op and chose it because he liked the title of “Livin’ the Dream.”
“Because for us at our age, we have to fulfill our dreams,” added Berard.
People of any age can purchase a puzzle piece, while all 1,000 pieces will likely be sold because of the prizes that community businesses plan to donate and because of everyone working together, Berard said.
Berard thought selling 1,000 puzzle pieces might be a “chore” but hoped that accepting credit and debit cards would make it easier for people to give and ensure the association reaches its total.
The organization needs the money to refurbish its building — it’s in good shape but has areas that need addressing — including upgrading the hall, the stage and the floor.
“We’re asking at this time for (residents’) support as we move forward,” he added. “And we anticipate and look forward for major things to be happening and accomplished.”
For more information and to purchase a puzzle piece, call the Timothy Eaton Gardens at 306-694-4223.
