YORKTON, Sask. – Legacy Co-op's annual Fuel Good Day returned this week, giving local residents a simple way to support community organizations while filling their tanks.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, some Saskatchewan Roughriders and their mascot Gainer were on site in Yorkton, posing for photos and signing autographs for customers throughout the event.
The one-day fundraising initiative sees Legacy Co-op donate 10 cents per litre of fuel sold at participating locations, with proceeds supporting charitable and non-profit organizations in Yorkton, Theodore, Churchbridge and Kamsack.
"Today we're celebrating Fuel Good Day," said Richard Burym, petroleum operations manager for Legacy Co-op. "What it does is it helps us raise money for different locations, where we're donating 10 cents per litre back."
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program. According to Legacy Co-op marketing co-ordinator Blake Lang, the initiative has raised nearly $80,000 over its first nine years and is expected to surpass the $80,000 milestone with this year's fundraising total.
Legacy Co-op has supported 25 charitable groups through Fuel Good Day since the program began.
Burym said the initiative reflects the co-operative's commitment to the communities it serves.
"Today is all about giving back to the community and making sure the community has somebody to rely on," he said. "They can count on Legacy Co-op and know Legacy Co-op is there to be involved with this community and make sure that we're doing our part to help people in their everyday lives."
Organizations benefiting from this year's event include Paws and Claws, the Theodore Heritage Centre, Parkland Victim Services and the Churchbridge Curling Club.
Beyond providing financial support, Fuel Good Day gives local charities an opportunity to meet with customers and share information about their work.
Among those taking part was Parkland Victim Services.
"We're excited that we get to share this day with Legacy Co-op," said co-ordinator Tammy Zielinski.
Zielinski said the organization had applied for support previously, but this is the first year it was selected as a Fuel Good Day recipient.
"We're really excited. We're going to be putting it into programming for victims and for our volunteers as well for some training," Zielinski said.
Burym noted that organizations are selected through an application process that allows community groups to submit requests for support. Applications are reviewed internally, with staff helping determine which organizations will receive funding.
Over the years, Fuel Good Day contributions have supported a wide variety of projects, including recreation facility improvements, community programs and other local initiatives.
For customers, participating is simple.
"All you have to do is go to the location, fill up your tank, and for every litre we're giving 10 cents back," Burym said.
