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Fundraiser raises over $20,000 for PAGC Feed the Homeless Program 

November 14, 2023 in Giving Back
Explorer: Fall 2023

This summer, Points Athabasca and Athabasca Basin Development teamed together for a second time to run a fundraising event. On August 31, over 100 people from 25 organizations gathered together for an afternoon of golf or, for those who don’t love the rain, an afternoon of fun at the Stoked Center. The event raised $20,000 for the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC)–Urban’s Feed the Homeless Program. 


Pictured (left to right): Lyle Bouvier, CEO of Points Athabasca, Rosie Charles, Tech Services, PACG; Geoff Despins, Executive Director for PAGC-Urban, Deanna McKay, Main office, PAGC; Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development. Missing: Jason Ahenakew, PAGC-Urban

“We can’t thank everyone enough for contributing to this fundraiser. This $20,000 will help us feed many vulnerable people in the days to come,” says Geoff Despins, Executive Director of PAGC-Urban. “There are many people without homes in Prince Albert that need support for various reasons. We want our building to be a safe place for them to come and get a lunch, some stew and Bannock or maybe a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and possibly work with our staff to address some of their needs.” 

PAGC Urban’s office is located behind the Gateway Mall in Prince Albert in the Margo Fournier building. The staff run numerous programs, including training and employment services, mental health, driver training, recreation programs for youth, and more. PAGC previously had a van that would drive around and feed the homeless. “Unfortunately, our funding for the Moose Van program has run out, and we had to make the difficult choice to let some of our wonderful staff go,” says Geoff. “Our staff that run other program areas will take turns pitching in where they can. We have a great team of people who do everything they possibly can, but we can’t keep up to the need with our current funding.” 

Many thanks to our event sponsors: 

  • Athabasca Basin Security , who came on board as our meal sponsor and donated funds for prizes 
  • Long Lake Insurance for sponsoring the Hole in One 
  • Caribou Transport, Graham Group, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, Lonona Contracting, Flyer Electric, and Cameco for being Fun sponsors 
  • SIGA, Optek Solutions, Zu.com, First Nations Insurance, Tru North, Symmetry Public Relations, Rise Air, Arctic Beverages and Points Athabasca for sponsoring holes. 
  • And to the many others who participated by entering a team of participants – thank you! 
Our non-golfers had a great time at the Stoked Center! Thank you for all our sponsors for helping us have a great day for a great cause. Pictured (left to right): Trevor Glynn, Optek Solutions, Shauna Loewen, Athabasca Basin Development; Margaret Powder, Uranium City, Terri-Lynn Beavereye, Black Lake Ventures; Michelle Fehr, Rise Air; Krissy Mitchner, Points Athabasca; Jacy Estralshenen, Points Athabasca; Jamie Naldzil, Points Athabasca; Robert Gaida, Points Athabasca, Kristine McWilliam, ABD; Sean Jesse, Tru North.

Also, we can’t have an event without the volunteers to make it happen. Glen Strong at Points Athabasca and Allison Strong, our former summer student who has now transitioned to a Communications Coordinator role with Optek Solutions – thank you both for leading the charge! Treena Fosseneuve, Kristine McWilliam, Shauna Loewen, Rochelle Robillard, Brent Neville, and Kevin Aebig – thanks for all your hard work in setting up, cleaning up and everything in between. 

Want more information about PAGC-Urban’s homeless program? Contact Geoff Despins at PAGC Urban at gdespins@pagc.sk.ca.