Making A Difference at Wapiti 2025 Fundraiser

Making a Difference: Wapiti Valley Ski and Board Resort Partners with Prairie North Co-op in Second Annual Fundraising Event

Melfort, SK (for immediate release) — Entering its second year, the Wapiti Steak Night fundraiser, held on November 29, was once again a resounding success. In its first year, the partnership between Wapiti Valley Ski and Board Resort (Wapiti) and Prairie North Co-op (PNC) raised $25,000 with the funds being used for cosmetic upgrades to the pro shop and some maintenance and repairs. Although the final number is still being calculated, it is expected that this year’s fundraiser has exceeded the total funds raised in the inaugural event.

When asked where the original idea for the fundraiser came from, Warren Heavin, Wapiti board member, explains that over the years he and his wife, Janice, have attended a number of fundraising events with ties to the agriculture industry, including the first Brooksby Hall fundraiser in which PNC supplied the steaks for supper. Once the idea for holding a similar event for Wapiti was vetted through the Board, Warren approached Terry Tremblay, PNC general manager.

From PNC’s perspective, the idea of partnering for the fundraiser was an easy “yes” as they recognize how fortunate the region is to enjoy outstanding skiing and snowboarding so close to home. In his remarks at the 2025 fundraising event, Tremblay explained to attendees, “we are proud to support the groups and charities that are focused on improving community and that bring ‘community’ together.” For the last three years, PNC has treated employees and their families to a complimentary day at the resort, providing transportation to the hill, lift tickets and a bagged lunch. Tremblay goes on to say, “they spend the day on the hill together, skiing, snowboarding, and celebrating the beauty of our region.”

For the 2025 fundraising event, PNC supplied the steaks, potatoes with all the fixings, and salad ingredients needed to support the event. Members of the Agro team and some of the senior leadership team cooked the steaks on the newly launched mobile BBQ-an impressive four bbqs mounted on a trailer with ample storage-that brought efficiency and a touch of excitement to the event.

The Heavins understand both the value of the resort and the financial commitment required to keep it operating. “This event is a community affair,” Warren shared. “The people here wouldn’t be recognized as snowboarders or skiers, they’re farmers and community members. It just goes to show how important this facility is. It’s more than a recreational outlet, it’s the community hall. It’s a gathering place.”

This year the fundraiser was a sell-out with 265 tickets sold and thanks to the generosity of attendees, volunteers, and sponsors, this year’s event is expected to raise more than the $25,000 raised in 2024. These funds are already designated for upgrades to the resort, supporting enhanced visitor experiences year-round.

The Wapiti Valley Ski and Board Resort is a non-profit organization, which means that every dollar earned goes directly back into maintaining and improving the hill and facilities. As the only four-season regional park in Saskatchewan, this resort plays a vital role in recreation, tourism, and community life.

Prairie North Co-op is honoured to partner with Wapiti to help make the Northeast a better place to live, work, and play.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Terri Larsen, Marketing and Communications Manager
Prairie North Co-op
C: 306.527.4792 | E: Terri.larsen@prairienorth.crs
W: www.prairienorthco-op.crs

ABOUT PRAIRIE NORTH CO-OP

Prairie North Co-op operates out of 24 locations – from St. Brieux, Spalding and Naicam in the west; to Melfort in the north; and Archerwill and Kelvington in the east. We serve our members with products and services that help build, feed, fuel and grow the communities in which we live and do business. As a co-operative, we are a different kind of business; we are not only working for our communities, but we are also owned by our community. Co-ops embed sustainability in their business by planning and investing for the long term, with the community and environment in mind; they work to create jobs; and they partner with other organizations and local businesses. Prairie North Co-op profits do not leave the community, they go back into it – and back to our members. We take pride in our community involvement and our commitment to providing quality products and services.

Prairie North Co-op employs 320 and serves 13,426 members. We continue the tradition of giving back through financial support to several local organizations. In 2024, sponsorship and donations totalled $148,295 to over 200 different organizations in our trading area. Locally invested. Community-minded. Lifetime membership benefits. We are Co-op.