It's a unique, fun way to raise some funds and give people something to do at the same time. The Humboldt District Hospital Foundation's first annual Spring, Health, Home and Leisure Show is right around the corner. The show, to be held at the curling rink in the Humboldt Uniplex, will open April 27 and close April 28. Funds raised by this show will go towards the HDHF's $750,000 Equip to Care campaign, which is putting together money for general equipment purchases at the Humboldt District Hospital.It's taken a lot of work to get the show to this point, but the interest in the event has been high, noted Lorrie Bunko, HDHF executive director. Their space for exhibitors has been full for nearly three weeks, Bunko indicated. Over 70 exhibitors have signed up to display their wares at the show, both indoors and out, so spectators will not be disappointed.This is a first time event for the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation. "We continue to be unique in our fundraising efforts and feel that this event will be welcomed by the residents of the Humboldt district," stated Bunko. Profits made from this event go back to the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation to purchase medical equipment for the Humboldt District Hospital. Holding this event was something Bunko dreamt up. "We keep needing to be unique in our fundraising," Bunko said.While they were dreaming up ideas for new types of fundraisers, some people asked them if Humboldt had a spring trade show similar to that which the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) holds every fall.The community didn't have such an event, until now. "We put two and two together and decided to do this," Bunko said. They cleared it with the Chamber, to ensure they weren't stepping on toes, and once the HDCC gave it their okay, the HDHF ran with it.They chose the curling rink as the venue because of its easy access and its size. "It's all one floor," Bunko pointed out, which means that it's easy for everyone to get into and around in, even if they have limited mobility. The large size of the arena allows for a large number of exhibitors inside, and easy access to those who want to be outside as well.There will be access into the show from the parking lots on either side of the building, she added. There will be things to do for the entire family at this show; not just for adults and older children, Bunko indicated. For the kids, the Saskatchewan Science Centre will be on hand for the first day of the show. They have promised to keep children attending the show very busy with interactive play stations, UV bead bracelet making and a live stage show at 2 p.m. where they erupt a volcano. "We want to make it an event for all ages," Bunko said. "And we want it to be educational and we want it to be interesting." They heard that the Saskatchewan Science Centre did road shows, and thought they would be a perfect fit for this event, so they arranged for them to come out. If the kids still have more energy to burn after their time with the science centre crew, they will be able to visit the Reel Attractions bouncer, which will be on site as well. The show boasts an amazing lineup of exhibitors that complement the name of the show - health, home and leisure. Bunko feels the event will appeal to everyone - women, men and children - of all ages. There will be a variety of displays of health and wellness products, travel trailers and boats, real estate and recreational ideas such as fly-in fishing camps, she promised. One exhibitor, Adventure Destinations, which owns fly-in fishing camps in northern Saskatchewan, has discounted a trip for two to one of their camps - Twin Falls Lodge, located north of LaRonge- for the HDHF, and they are raffling it off. Tickets will be on sale at the show and afterward. The draw will be made May 31.The St. Mary's Villa Foundation will also be in attendance to publicly show their most recent purchase of a mobility van for St. Mary's Villa, and the St. Elizabeth's Ladies' Auxiliary will be hosting a bake sale on April 27.
