It was a big night for Jada Halkett who was the center of attention Thursday. (submitted photo/Sheldon Merriman)

By Derek Cornet

Salla Fundraiser

Residents raise $7,600 at Salla research benefit

Mar 1, 2019 | 4:01 PM

Residents of the tri-communities heard the call for help and raised more than $7,600 at a benefit Thursday at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre.

The fundraiser was for six-year-old Jada Halkett, who was diagnosed with a rare disease called Salla last year. Her caregiver Sheldon Merriman organized the event on her behalf and he stated it was a huge success with up to 250 people attending the pulled pork and coleslaw supper.

“I would like to say it couldn’t have happened with the help of Lindsay Watt and all the in-kind donations from the businesses and community members,” he said. “Also, I want to give a huge thank you to the amazing support of the tri-community.”

Aside from the meal, the fundraiser also included live entertainment, as well as a silent auction and a bake sale. All of the funds will be sent to the Salla Treatment and Research Foundation to pay medical professionals to discover new details about the disease. Other families are also raising funds with a goal of reaching $300,000 to cover three years of research.

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Jada Halkett enjoys some of the food served at the benefit. (submitted photo/Sheldon Merriman)

With Merriman’s own goal set at $10,000 by June, he noted there will be other fundraisers occurring in the near future and residents should watch out for advertising to learn how they can help.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno