STOUGHTON - Alannah Threinen is the activities co-ordinator at the Stoughton New Hope Pioneer Lodge, and she is always looking for ways to raise money for the activities fund for the residents.
On March 28, they held a bake sale, and the proceeds covered events at the lodge.
All of the baking, which filled seven tables, was donated by staff members, family, friends and local businesses. There was a wide variety of items to choose from.
In the communal area, tables were set up for visits with the residents and a table that held silent auctions. The bake sale brought a lot of action with over 100 people checking out the goods for sale.
Once visitors had the chance to make purchases, they could go into the shared area and enjoy a beverage and a treat.
Monies generated from these fundraisers cover such costs as their New Year's Day event, bingo and Kentucky Fried Chicken suppers.
For Valentine’s Day, the Stoughton Ladies' Auxiliary held a tea, serving the residents in fine china and supplying snacks.
In March for St. Patrick’s Day, they celebrated with a carnival party. They had cotton candy, candy apples, fresh lemonade and nachos, but the most fun was when the residents could toss a pie in the faces of staff members and anyone else who volunteered to be in the chair.
The money helps to purchase bingo prizes and activities for their daycare friends who visit regularly during the week.
Events such as a carnival, outings to the Kenosee Kitchen Lake Party, ice cream social and a coffee trip are all funded by this money.
“Anything our residents request, we do our best to make it happen,” said Threinen.
In the spring, they will look for donations for their community garden, including seeds, flowers or plants, which the Stoughton Girl Guides help to plant.
“It was a big hit last year,” Threinen said. “Some of the residents loved picking the fresh vegetables.”
