There is still time to get your "purple pansies for pancreatic cancer" before local organizer Pam Kosolofski and company set off for another year of deliveries.
The annual fundraiser is in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada, but more importantly to raise awareness. Kosolofski lost her husband to pancreatic cancer 10+ years ago now, something she admittedly used to not know anything about, now dedicating the springtime to shedding light on pancreatic cancer through the power of beautiful purple flowers.
Back again for another year, Kosolofski and her dedicated crew of volunteers are only one week away from delivery day, as she dropped into the studio to share all the details.
"This year we are holding our delivery dates on May 8, to Kindersley and Eston. Rosetown and Outlook are supplying theirs that day as well. Some are going to Saskatoon the next day, and then delivery to Elrose, Eatonia, and also out to Kerrobert."
Kosolofski is happy to see the fundraiser continuing to grow throughout west-central Saskatchewan, and beyond. Each year deliveries also go to Airdrie, Alberta courtesy of Kosolofski's daughter, the purple pansies knowing no bounds as the main organizer commended the great volunteers that assist in every direction.
From Airdrie to Eston, all volunteers also help sell flowers within their respective areas. Anyone looking to get their hands on anything from a single plant, to a flat of flowers just needs to contact Kosolofski to set up an order.
"We like to get pre-orders and pre-paid, either e-transfers or cheques.... Each area has their own person so if you just want to get ahold of me at 306-463-8362, I can put you on to the right person for the right area."
As always, the purple neon pansies are coming courtesy of the Oyen Greenhouses, grown specifically for this fundraiser.
"I have been doing it for 13 years, and every year they grow them for me, and they always have a little extra, because they never know how many extra I am going to sell."
Going back to the overall growth of the fundraiser, last year Kosolofski was super excited to see a family in Kerrobert take a bunch of flowers and advertise it around the community for more sales. The same thing happened this time around in Outlook.
"Outlook hooked up for this year, so it's going really well."
While Kosolofski couldn't provide an early sales estimate, they do know their inventory.
"We ordered the same 240 flats as last year, for now. We will see how it goes and if it gets bigger and bigger, that's fine because they have extras for us usually."
The flowers are $6 for a four pack, and a flat coming with 12 packs is $72.
"It's a great fundraiser. We made $13,000 last year and sent it to Pancreatic Cancer Canada."
"It's going full force, and we hope you can appreciate the beautiful neon purple pansies."
Deliveries start on May 8. Once again you can contact Kosolofski at 306-463-8362 to place an order, or the contacts included on the posters listed below for each town.
Delivery/Ordering information:
Rosetown: Pickup is Thursday, May 8 1:30-3:30 PM @ Rosetown Anglican Lutheran Church.
Eatonia: Pickup is Saturday, May 10 @ Eatonia Oasis Living garage from 1:00-3:00 PM.
Saskatoon: Pickup on East Side during the afternoon of May 9. Call Pam at 306 463-8362 to pre-order.
Kerrobert: Rink parking lot on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00-11:00 AM.
Elrose: Pick up at noon on Friday May 9@ J & K Hardware
