Manhattan Beach Retreat Centre hosted their annual fall fundraiser last weekend drawing well over 200 people from both Ninette and the surrounding communities, as well as from beyond the borders of Prairie Lakes.
“We invited the community and our own people to come and enjoy a nice turkey dinner and some fellowship,” says Camp Director, Aaron Sawatsky. “We were planning for about 250 and that’s about exactly what we had. We look forward to have everyone come together. A lot of the farmers here are almost done their harvest, and a lot of the retired seniors just love a place to come and gather. And what more nicer place than sitting on the shores here at Pelican Lake?” he adds.
The evening meal featured a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin’s, and as it was a fundraiser, the food was donated so more money could be put towards this year’s project.
“We have people also donate food whether it’s the potatoes, the turkeys, pies and even the buns and so we’re thankful for that. It really helps out and this is a fundraiser,” explains Sawatsky. “We’re trying to raise funds to replace the pool house which is 45 years old and needing replacing – and we’re close to our goal so we’re glad to meet it, but our biggest thing is just having a place that people come and spend an evening with us and just enjoy fellowship with one another.”
“So, it’s just a big drawing card,” he continues, “and people that have either come here as a child want to come back and just take a look again and what a great place to open doors and come on in and have a look around and enjoy a nice evening together.”
Fall projects underway as camp season wraps up
The fall season at Manhattan Beach includes clean up and starting some fall projects now that summer camp is over.
“We’ve got renovation projects always on the go, always washrooms to change, floors that need to be redone, and hopefully if the weather holds out, which it looks like it’s going to, we’ll put a little storage room addition here even on this building here.”
“And if somebody wants to help in construction and want to come down this fall and spend a couple of days and help put a 24 x 24 storage room on the dining hall, that would be, I wouldn’t say no!”
In keeping with the Thanksgiving weekend, Sawatsky shares his gratitude to all who helped with the fall fundraiser and who volunteered their time, effort and food donations.
“Yeah, I just want to thank all the volunteers that have helped me prepare the food, people that have donated the food, and even the people that are now still working and cleaning up and doing dishes! Just many hands make light work and I much appreciate their volunteerism and their help,” adds Sawatsky.
(From the files of Robyn Wiebe)