This past Saturday’s Sirens and Sapphires Gala attendees had the chance to get dressed up and have some fun while supporting a life-saving organization: The Lloydminster Rescue Squad. Lloydminster Rescue Squad gala committee
Dubbed the “crown jewel” of fundraisers for the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, the 8th annual installment of the Sirens and Sapphires Gala was nothing short of a success with support coming in from across the community.
The event took place this past Saturday at the WLS Convention Centre and included dinner and entertainment followed by a live auction and a band. Tickets to the popular gala sold out well in advance.
“We had Black Board Jungle—this was our fifth year with them, so we were happy to have them back. We also had Steve Shannon (CEO, Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation) as our emcee,” said Lloydminster Rescue Squad deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc.
“The event went really well. We were pleased with the attendance and all of the sponsors this year. It was really good.”
Final numbers haven’t come in yet, but LeBlanc is optimistic about the fundraising effort due to the commitment of local businesses and those in attendance.
“Lots of local support. It was one of our best years as far as company engagement for sponsorships, and we were just so thankful for the support from local businesses here from in and around Lloydminster,” said LeBlanc.
“We had our bubbles and bling fundraiser this year, which Richardson’s Jewellery sponsored, and they provided a sapphire necklace valued at $6,500. That was a great success. Then we had Chris Eskelson and his family provide a toonie drop, and City Furniture donated the dinette set that was drawn for that night.”
LeBlanc says any funds raised will be put to good use by the rescue squad.
“It’s going to be put back into the organization, for training and our ongoing programs and services that we’re able to provide.”
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad continues to maintain and acquire lifesaving equipment that aids in many life-saving tasks in and around the Border City, and beyond.
LeBlanc said there were five calls of service for drownings this summer alone.
“We were called for, as far as drownings go, five times in Alberta and Saskatchewan. We deployed to each one of those and utilized our underwater scanning and recovery equipment to assist,” said LeBlanc.
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad has been providing emergency and technical rescue services in both provinces for nearly 40 years.
