HUMBOLDT — Not only did Kelly Sonderholm presented the money raised by the Humboldt Kinettes for Telemiracle, she presented a $11,000 donation from the family of a lost Humboldt Bronco.
The Kinette president was tasked by Jacob Leicht’s parents to give the donation during the March 2 and 3 telethon, which raises money for medical equipment and expenses.
As Sonderholm presented the cheque at the filming location in Saskatoon, she said there were a lot of emotions that went over her body.
“My god, these people are sitting in such grief and sorrow, and yet they choose to be a light and distribute that huge amount of money so that other people can have things in their life to better their lifestyle,” she said, recalling her thoughts at that moment.
“I just shook my head inside. You know what? This is about choices. We can sit in anger and all of those things, but they’re actually calling us. When we think they should be the angriest about what happened, that their son was taken for no reason – they’re choosing forgiveness, kindness, giving. It’s incredible to do that when you’re mad.”
The Humboldt Kinettes also presented almost $14,000, which was raised by their club, Humboldt’s two Catholic schools, and the workers at Olymel. Sonderholm said there were other organizations in the community that chose to have their donations presented to Telemiracle separately.
“It’s always humbling,” she said, “I’m always just in awe about seeing how kind and generous people are.”
Sonderholm said life is unpredictable and it’s not known what could happen.
“To have things set up like a Telemiracle or a children's hospital or anything like those things,” she said, “that's a pretty good feeling that if you ever needed something like that, that we have it here in Saskatchewan.”
The president said the Humboldt Kinettes will continue their work over the next year.
“We're just going to continue to fundraise over the year and we're just always need new members,” she said.
Those interested or wanting more information can call Sonderholm at 306-231-6079.
