It was a record-setting year for the People Helping People Radiothon in support of Central Plains Cancer Services, powered by Simplot this past Friday. Donations were coming in on both Thursday and Friday, and Executive Director Sharilyn Knox was thrilled to share the results.
"We're excited because we had people who wanted to give over the weekend and lots of great comments. So, as of right now, our total is $119,498," says Knox.
That puts them just $502 away from the $120,000 mark. While the official cutoff for donations is 9 a.m., the radiothon spans two days filled with stories and interviews. Still, donations continue to roll in throughout the year in support of Central Plains Cancer Services.
"We're the organization doesn't receive any government funding. So, everything we do is based on our donors and our special events. We also serve over 70 communities, so you hear us a lot about our fundraising, but it's all necessary for what we do."
Knox explained the funds go toward a variety of initiatives — from the drivers program and children's programming to school visits and educational outreach — all serving more than 70 communities in the region. Donations poured in from across the wider area.
"We had live-on-locations all the way out to Neepawa, which was great. We saw lots come in from around that area, which is fantastic. We even had people drive from in the rural area to the radio station to give their donations, and that was fantastic. Lots came from Saint Claude. We love to see those donations come in from the rural, because there's always been this unwritten rule with them is that as long as a community continues to support, Central Plains Cancer will continue to support them."
Several businesses also stepped up in a big way. Simplot played a major role, alongside Stride Credit Union, who collected funds. Andrea Miller of Miller Agritech donated $6,000, while Total Demolition contributed $5,000 — both significant contributions.
While those large donations are important, Knox emphasized that the smaller, individual contributions matter just as much. Every $10 or $20 gift adds up and makes a difference.
"We saw lots of $30 donations because of Pam Stinson's challenge. She put the $30.00 out there because that's what a patient pays for a ride. But I do want to give a special shout-out to Simplot; they gave $10,000 for this Radiothon. When we started this, I reached out to them and it was an immediate yes. They've supported us throughout this. They have a large number of employees there, and throughout that, they've had cancer affect their workplace. So, they get behind the people that work there and they get behind the organizations that support them, so thank you to J.R. Simplot."
Another touching moment came when Jessica Painter shared the story of her son, Jack. It moved a group of PCI students to begin collecting donations in their names. They even visited other schools to raise more funds, showing how deeply this cause resonates with young people.
"We've really seen an uptick in that by some of the things that we've done from our relay. We get lots of youth involved and this one was completely on their own initiative. I think they had a teacher talk about it to them and then they decided to do it. When things become personal or it becomes a connection to them, it's easier for them to understand the why of their giving. I'm just grateful that they understand that supporting these type of organizations in our community. It's something that we need to do."
Knox explained how every dollar raised directly supports programs offered through Central Plains Cancer Services.
"All of our dollars stay with our programs and they're vast. We're just continuing to try and expand those programs. We're really bridging the gap between rural and urban. The one new event that we started last year was our Wellness Retreat that we held for people all over Manitoba. Some from Saskatchewan came for two days of Wellness, and it's for people who are survivors and thrivers. And it was honestly an amazing, amazing couple of days to help people move beyond their cancer diagnosis into wellness. We're doing the same retreat in October of this year. So again, we're raising funds for all of those."
She also emphasized their ongoing need for volunteer drivers.
"Time is huge for us and having the drivers to get people where they need to go is very important to us. If you even have an inkling of thinking that you would like to do this, and that you're comfortable driving to Winnipeg or to Brandon, please reach out and I can sit down and have a conversation with you about what it all entails. We do know that from what we are told by our drivers, that sometimes they get more out of it than they do anything, because they know that they're helping people around them and their communities, families, friends, or colleagues. And it's something that they feel good about."
A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped the Radiothon break its all-time record. Key supporters included Keystone Sports Excellence, Kaldeck Truck and Trailer, McKelvy Agencies, Mil Jeanne Flowers & Axcenz, and MWM Environmental.
In addition to the Radiothon, Central Plains Cancer Services also hosts events like the "Table for 600," which has grown over the years.
"It happens every second year and it's always going to be table for 600. Now that's our magic number we've decided. So, we will start planning for next year and just a little. And for a sneak peek, we're looking at a brand-new location for it, so that's kind of exciting."
Donations can be made at any time throughout the year, and the community is thrilled to have raised just shy of $120,000 — a powerful testament to the generosity and spirit of those who continue to support the cause.
