A simple act of community generosity has grown into a heartwarming story in Esterhazy after a unique auction item from the St. Anthony’s Hospital Gala turned into a day of volunteer service for a group of local seniors fondly known as the “Golden Girls.”
Held on October 17 at the SN Boreen Hall, the gala raised funds for the construction of the new St. Anthony’s Hospital. Among the many auction items was a special offering from the Esterhazy Fire Department; a block of volunteer labour hours to be used however the winning bidder wished.
A Red-Carpet Surprise for the Golden Girls
For attendee Helen Maga, one of the Golden Girls, the night was memorable from the moment she arrived.
“When we walked in that evening, they had a red carpet,” Maga recalled with a laugh. “I said, ‘Oh my goodness, for us Golden Girls! This is the first time I’ve ever walked on a red carpet.’”
Maga and her friends didn’t expect the night to turn into something even more meaningful. During the auction, Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, along with the broader 110 Group of affiliated funeral homes, successfully bid on the firefighters’ volunteer hours. Shortly afterward, funeral director David Klassen approached Maga with an unusual request.
“David came up to me and said, ‘Can I ask you a favour?’” Maga remembered. “He told me they had won the firefighters’ auction package and wanted to know if they could come do something for me, shovel snow, clean windows, whatever I needed.”
What began as a simple conversation soon grew into a community project. Maga contacted others, and before long, a full list of seniors was ready to receive assistance. On the scheduled day, the Esterhazy Fire Department arrived to help the Golden Girls by cleaning windows and lending a much-appreciated hand.
Supporting Healthcare and Community
Randy Klassen, manager at Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, said their motivation for bidding on the firefighters’ service was rooted in their commitment to supporting the hospital and the community.
“Peter Carscadden is very much in support of the development of a new hospital and expanding services for citizens,” Klassen said. “We interact with hospital staff all the time, and we hear about the things that could make their lives better and improve care for patients.”
He explained that their bid was made in the spirit of fun, but also with purpose.
“When David won the bid, he immediately suggested using it to help seniors in the community,” said Klassen. “Helen gathered names, and it became something that generated real excitement. It’s a feel-good story for us.”
The broader 110 Group, which includes Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service and Rae’s Funeral Service, shares a philosophy of giving back. Klassen noted their earlier donation that provided cable TV for hospital patients and emphasized the importance of meaningful, local support.
“What we really want to celebrate is the firefighters giving their time,” he said. “Time is valuable, and for them to offer it freely shows the kind of good-natured spirit that makes Esterhazy a strong community.”
Firefighters Glad to Lend a Hand
Esterhazy Fire Department Chief Borden Kisolowich said the department was eager to participate when approached.
“Sherry-Lee Duncan called one of our firefighters and asked if we would do this,” he explained. “They contacted me, and I said, ‘Yeah, it’s a good idea if we can get someone to go.’ We’re tied in with the healthcare area somewhat, so it made sense.”
Firefighter Clint represented the department on stage as the auction bidding kicked off. From there, the idea turned into a community collaboration that supported both the hospital fundraiser and local seniors.
Kisolowich emphasized the importance of having a strong local hospital.
“It’s the location,” he said. “We’re a couple of hours from any major centre, and those centres are always busy. Having something local is very important.”
Community Spirit on Full Display
In the end, the Golden Girls were delighted with the help they received, and the unusual auction item served double duty, raising funds for the new St. Anthony’s Hospital while also giving back directly to community members.
The partnership between the gala organizers, the 110 Group, and the Esterhazy Fire Department showcased what many in the community already know: Esterhazy shines brightest when its people come together to support one another.