Cotton candy was one special treat served at the carnival fundraiser. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Community spirit

NSN continues therapeutic room fundraiser with downtown carnival

Jul 26, 2019 | 5:13 PM

A little bit of rain didn’t stop residents from attending the NorthSask Special Needs (NSN) Carnival today in support of a therapeutic Snoezelen room.

It is the second year NSN has hosted such an event, which occurred between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the urban reserve in La Ronge. According to Executive Director Deri Ann Ratt, the organization has so far saved about $15,000 from various donors throughout the tri-communities. The Snoezelen room was originally going to cost approximately $35,000, but it has since been learned NSN will need to expand its existing space for it.

“We have to build a new structure for it, so our prices have increased by about $40,000,” she said. “It’s going to cost us $75,000 to $90,000 depending on how big we make the room.”

Ratt also mentioned the Snoezelen room, which will include therapy equipment, swings, special lighting and ambience sounds, will mostly be used for NSN clients. It will likely also be used by other community organizations or local schools, but it is yet to be determined if there will be a fee or not. Ratt noted NSN is also seeking grants and federal or provincial funding for the project.

The carnival was aimed at mostly children as it included bouncy structures and other fun games. Food was also served and there was entertainment such as singers, powwow dancers and a drum group.

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“Thank you to all of the organizations who donated,” Ratt said. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to come together for a really good cause. Thank you and a big shout out to the several donations that have come in.”

One local group that contributed to the project is the La Ronge Elks, who recently made a donation of $3,100. The donation was one of several the volunteer organization has made within the last year.

La Ronge Elks contributed $3,100 to the therapeutic room. (submitted photo/Thomas Sierzycki)

“The Elks continue to support strong community initiatives that make a huge difference,” Exulted Ruler Shea Duncan said. “We appreciate the opportunity to support this unique and important project.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno