Franchisees raise funds for camp

Earl and Gerry-Ann Fraser know what it's like first hand to have a child with special needs; they are raising a grandson with Downs Syndrome.

Not only that, Earl said, as the Boston Pizza franchisees in Yorkton they see it virtually every day.

"We are a family restaurant," he said. "We see lots and lots of families. We see families with disabled children and able children and it's quite a dichotomy to watch. You see the challenges that families with disabled children have."

About a year ago, the Frasers themselves came up against one of those challenges with their grandson.

"When we tried to get him into a camp, we found out there were no camps for kids with disabilities other than Camp Easter Seals," Earl said. "Personally for us, and from our experience in restaurants, we thought 'what a great cause to work at'."

Following discussions with John Denysek, regional director for the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, the seed for a fundraiser was planted. Planning began in earnest in February and by May the Frasers were ready to present the plan to the rest of the Saskatchewan franchisees for a Boston Pizza Day for Camp Easter Seals. The owners liked the idea, in theory.

"We still had to do a bit of a sales job," Earl explained. "We had to say to the guys, 'you're giving away 10 per cent of your sales on this particular day,' and they're going, 'well, what's the payback?' Well, the payback is recognition in the community because we have disabled children in all areas of the province."

The franchisees were convinced and June 26 was set for the inaugural event. In Yorkton, the Frasers lined up local dignitaries including Mayor Bob Maloney, MLA Greg Ottenbreit and city Councillors Randy Goulden and Larry Pearen to serve guests at the restaurant and staff sold $2 Easter Seals cards to guests and other local businesses.

Denysuk, who also rolled up his sleeves and chipped in as a server-for-a-day, said the event was important on two levels. "First of all, it's creating the awareness that Camp Easter Seals exists and that helps attract more people out to camp and just the general public's awareness of the service," he said. "Secondly, the financial goals that will be hit-we're hoping to achieve close to 25 to 30,000 dollars. The cost of camp continues to escalate so fundraisers and partnerships like this are critical for the ongoing success of camp."

The fundraiser went beyond its financial target pulling more than $40,000 province-wide with Yorkton leading the way at $5,500. Amanda James of the Yorkton store, who sold 1,416 cards, was top fundraiser in the province.

Camp Easter Seals is the only fully wheelchair accessible camp in Saskatchewan. Denysuk said the money raised will send approximately 26 kids to camp.