The TD Canada Trust Preeceville branch helped the 606 Harvard Squadron air cadets towards the purchase of a highway coach bus.
The bank presented the squadron with a $1,000 donation on November 23. Connie Jakubowski, manager, made the presentation to Amber Pristie, squadron parent chairperson, and Capt. Troy Rogowski, commanding officer.
The 606 Harvard Squadron has operated in the community of Preeceville for the last 60 years.
“Currently, the squadron has 30 cadets enrolled, attracting youth from Preeceville, Sturgis, Norquay and other surrounding communities," said Heather Prestie, a member of the parent committee.
The cadet program is available to all youth aged 12-19 years at no cost to the cadet. The squadron receives funding from the Department of National Defence for mandatory training exercises and uniforms, but transportation costs, optional training exercises and special events are organized for the squadron based on availability of squadron funds.
Every second year, the squadron’s officers plan a trip somewhere in Canada to give the cadets a broader training experience.
"We are fortunate to have a large active squadron, but this large enrolment results in substantial costs when planning training exercises and excursions," said Prestie. "To reduce the cost of travel, the squadron is raising funds for the purchase of a 55-passenger highway coach bus.
“By purchasing our own highway coach, the squadron will be able to share travel expenses with neighbouring squadrons and plan more frequent events,” she said. “Individuals and a local mechanic shop within the community have already made commitments saying that they will volunteer their time to maintain the highway coach and provide shop space and not charge for required maintenance.
”We are actively fundraising through different means to raise the required funds to purchase the highway coach,” she said. “Our squadron thanks you in advance for your consideration in support of the 606 Harvard Squadron.
“Your generosity will enable us to broaden the experiences of many youth within Preeceville and surrounding areas. If you prefer to make donations in person, please feel free to contact us. All donations that we receive will be allotted for the purchase of the highway coach and will be maintained separate from the current fundraising account," said Prestie.
