PRINCE ALBERT — This year marks the fourth year of the Say Yes! to Kids Campaign. Each diocese in Saskatchewan has taken part in the campaign.
Under the Anglican Foundation, parishes and groups raise money for youth ministry. The group will keep 80 per cent of the money raised for a youth or children’s ministry. The AF receives the remaining 20 per cent to fund projects around the country. Furthermore, the AF will match the first $1,000 each group raises.
Here are figures and descriptions for this year in the province of Saskatchewan:
- The Diocese of Saskatchewan received $2,600 from the campaign. This grant went to events and retreats supporting three youth groups and 50 youths.
- The Diocese of Qu’Appelle received $2,180. This grant went to Camp Harding, and supported two week-long camps, two weekend events, and 40 youths.
- The Diocese of Saskatoon did not receive a grant in 2024.
Program leaders are keen to fund transformational youth and children’s ministry. They see the campaign as a means to build local support for youth ministry in the diocese and support youth ministry across the national church. In particular, they appreciate how the AF matches fundraising efforts.
Of note, the support given by Anglican Church Women in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle is significant. Funds from a “gigantic” plant sale and bake sale, including hundreds of dahlias, enabled the ACW to contribute to Camp Harding. Participants in Qu’Appelle said the campaign was a way for the whole diocese to come together and that there was strength in numbers.
When fundraising, people ask, why take part when you have no youths? Also, why take part in a national campaign — isn’t direct fundraising more efficient? Also, learning to fundraise is a burden, so why do it?
The Anglican Foundation meets campaign participants to assist in planning the event and provides written materials. They also frame fundraising as an event where we share the stories of our kids. This reflects a trend in the Church where stories become the heart of how we communicate the gospel. Participant feedback shows increasing satisfaction with the campaign over three years.
Indeed, participants were motivated to do their part in raising money. The common sentiment was: if there is no youth ministry, then there will be no youths. Indeed, participants report that youth groups have started in churches without families. This indicates that the Say Yes! to Kids campaign makes youth ministry possible, and ensures we are together in one body in Christ.
Interested congregations should consider their own fundraiser or dedicate the offering from a service to the campaign. To sign up for the 2025 campaign, contact Michelle Hauser at [email protected].
