CARLYLE - During the summer, two local residents, Tyler Matthewson and Dustin Boutin, met and decided to plan a function to bring mental awareness and its challenges to the forefront.
The regular financial pressures of day to day living, combined with nearly two years of public health restrictions, have stressed people to a new level and the two organizers felt it was time to bring these issues out in the open. A fundraising supper was planned and the event took place on Oct. 23 at the Carlyle Memorial Hall.
Both Matthewson and Boutin were impressed with the turnout.
“This was a first-time event and advertising was done basically by word of mouth. We eventually added a Facebook page and ended up with 145 people attending from all over southeastern Saskatchewan,” said Matthewson.
Rylan and Cindy Weir catered the supper and employees of the Queen of Hearts Beauty Lounge served the refreshments.
Matthewson’s sister Katie Gavelin, mom Nancy Matthewson, and Promises Wedding and Rentals owner Tania Yanchycki helped with the organizing and setup. Jody Veroba was the guest speaker. A live auction was held and there was a large 50/50 draw. The net proceeds from that 50/50, which reached $2,700, were donated back to the event by its winner Kayle Swanson. A very impressive $33,000.00 was raised from this inaugural event with all proceeds going to the Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Matthewson and Boutin couldn’t be happier.
“The generosity and positive spirit of small-town Saskatchewan was very much in evidence on this night,” said Matthewson. We plan on holding our second annual fundraiser next year.”
For further information on this event and its various sponsors, which are too numerous to mention here, please visit their Facebook page, Mental Health Awareness Supper & Fundraiser.
