It's a small town effort that has extended beyond the community of Canora.
The City of Yorkton has been a wonderful supporter of the "Chase Kraynick Pay it Forward Splash Park," demonstrating kindness and generosity in memory of Chase.
Chase Andrew Kraynick was born in Yorkton, in March of 2005, the eldest child of Clint and Rachel Kraynick, a big brother to Cooper. Some of Chase's favourite things were riding his green bike and playing farming with Cooper. He loved the farm, and couldn't wait to be with his Dad, riding on all the machinery, watering the cows, picking mushrooms, feeding chickens and looking after his and Cooper's pumpkin patch.
Chase was suddenly taken from the world in a tragic farming accident on May 24, 2011. He was only six years old but Chase made a difference.
In 2011, the Canora Junior Elementary School took on the task of spreading the idea within the community that it only takes one person to make a difference. They taught students the concept of "Paying it Forward" and handed out Pay it Forward cards to each student asking them to think about ways to use them.
Chase was only six when he came home with his card thinking of ways he could make a difference. Whether it was shoveling the neighbor's driveway in the winter or opening doors for others, Chase's heart was so full of love and goodness to share. The lesson the family learned was that no matter how young or old, rich or poor, everyone has something to give.
"When he passed away," his family says, "we handed out these cards to all the people who attended his funeral and still do until this day as a reminder of who Chase really was... a loving little boy with so much to offer. We are asking that you take the time to use these cards to pay forward all the love, good thoughts, generosity and kindness for others in Chase's memory. Please show this in your actions and deeds to support someone else who may need it."
Debbie Sweeney, an employee at the Yorkton Coop Gas Station is among those who are opting to "pay it forward."
Several months ago, Debbie had requested some of Chase's "Pay it Forward" Cards indicating that she wanted to display them at the registers in the store. Not only did she want to display them, but she wanted to use them.
Debbie is often in charge of fueling up all the vehicles at the pumps. One day a large SUV pulled in and asked her to "fill it up." For those of you who drive these vehicles, you know how big their tanks are! After Debbie finished fueling the vehicle, washing the windows and asking if they needed their oil checked, she handed them a Pay it Forward Card and told them that the gas was being paid by her that day!
But the story doesn't end there. The lady driving the monstrous SUV was not only deeply moved by Debbie's act of generosity, she too wanted to pay it forward. The lady later told Debbie she continued on to Superstore where she not only bought her own groceries, but she paid for the customers groceries that were in line behind her. She too passed on Chase's Pay it Forward Card.
"Our hope is that one day one of us will receive one of Chase's tattered Pay it Forward Cards that have passed through the hands of several kind and generous folks.
Thank you Debbie for your generosity and kind heart! We are so touched by the way people are finding ways to help one another and build on Chase's legacy of "Paying it Forward"."
Learn more at chasekraynickpayitforward.wordpress.com.
