The Sask K of C Charitable Foundation creates, administers and advocates for programs and services that help families in need.
The Charitable Knight
October 9, 2026
96
The Charitable Knight
The Charitable Knight is a weekly update from the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation<!–
Our Story
Since 1969, the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation has dedicated itself to creating, administering and advocating for programs and services that help families in need.
Here is a summary of recent posts on our website:
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NOTE: Please add info@saskkofc.foundation to your contact list (safe senders list) to facilitate email delivery of this newsletter. This should make the images and photos appear readily.
Here is a copy of the slideshow that was shown at the Memorial Mass on Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
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Foundation Chaplain’s Thanksgiving Message
As we approach Thanksgiving, I remember all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes it can seem our efforts may fall on deaf ears or not be appreciated, but it’s always amazing and inspiring to me and to more people than you realize, the dedication and commitment you have made in our charitable endeavour as the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation. You have shown me by your generosity, deeds and words that you are truly following the teachings of Christ.
As I pause to give thanks for the many blessings we do receive, the ones we realize, and the ones we don’t even think about sometimes, I give thanks for the incredible gift that is you. So much time, dedication and family time sacrificed for the good of what we do. You are truly an inspiration to so many and are living the dream and vision of Blessed Michael J. McGivney in the best possible way. What you are doing truly does make a difference in the lives of so many people.
I’m truly humbled to be a small part of such an incredible group of dedicated Catholics who not only take their faith seriously, but put it into practice each and every day through your good works. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and may you be abundantly blessed for all you do. I will celebrate a Mass for your intentions and remember each of you, collectively, as leaders in serving our Church together with the poor and the vulnerable.
In deep respect,
Fr. Greg Elder, Chaplain
Sask K of C Charitable Foundation
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Monthly Focus
Sask K of C Charitable Foundation Grants Program
FIND THE FIT: What Makes a Good Grant Opportunity?
Last week, we asked Councils and Knights a simple question:
Who in Your Community Could Use Our Help?
We challenged Saskatchewan Knights and Councils to look around their parishes and communities, identify organizations doing important work, and start a conversation.
Now it’s time for the next question:
Could This Be a Good Fit for Support from the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation?
Every year, the Foundation receives applications from organizations addressing important needs throughout Saskatchewan. While every situation is unique, strong applications typically share some common characteristics. Strong applications often involve projects that support:
The Catholic Church and Church-related ministries and charities in Saskatchewan;
Community-based families and organizations serving local needs;
Projects that address ongoing or future needs;
Initiatives supported by other organizations, volunteers or community partners; and
Projects supported by a local Knights of Columbus Council and its members.
Most importantly, strong applications clearly explain the need being addressed, who will benefit and the impact the project will have.
What Can a Good Fit Look Like?
Recent Foundation grants have supported projects such as:
Catholic Family Services, Prince Albert – Calming the Storm for Teens anger-management program;
Hospice at Glengarda – support for a hospice canteen serving patients and families;
Mother Teresa Middle School, Saskatoon – additional support for students from low-income families;
Turning Point Youth Ministries, Meadow Lake – providing a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth;
Safe Families, North Battleford – helping stabilize families experiencing crisis situations; and
Teen Aid, Saskatoon – promoting chastity and healthy life choices among young people.
While these projects are very different, they all responded to real needs within Saskatchewan communities and demonstrated the potential to make a meaningful difference.
Councils: Your Role Is to Connect
Councils are not being asked to decide who should receive grants. That responsibility belongs to the Foundation.
Identify a need. Start a conversation. Encourage the organization to explore Foundation funding opportunities. Support the organization where appropriate.
Organizations: We Want to Receive Your Applications
Have a charitable project or unmet need? Explore our grant opportunities and begin your application.
2027 Grant Applications Are Now Open Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
Visit the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation website for grant information and application forms: https://saskkofc.foundation/application-forms/ See the Need. Find the Fit. Tell the Story. Apply Early.
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2027 Cash Calendars
We announce that the 2027 cash calendars are now on sale for $40, available from your friendly neighbourhood Council.
Let’s do great work together — for charity, for our communities, and for each other.
Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Coats for Kids 2026 Campaign Announcement
To: Worthy Grand Knights, Financial Secretaries, and Brother Knights
From: Shawn Scherr, State Coordinator
Date: August 28, 2026
Worthy Grand Knights, Financial Secretaries, and Brother Knights,
We are excited to announce that the 2026 Coats for Kids Campaign is now underway.
Our combined State Board and the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation are moving forward to ensure we can order all our coats together and keep Saskatchewan’s children warm during our cold winter months.
Consistent Pricing for 2026: Thanks to a Supreme grant backing our large-scale provincial effort, we have successfully held the cost at $200.00 per box. Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing and shipping warm coats to children in need.
Our Impact and Community Outreach: Last year, through your incredible dedication, we distributed 7,000 coats across Saskatchewan. This year, let’s stand ready to do it again!
Even if your local council does not have a large need in your immediate area, we encourage you to donate to the project. These contributions help us keep a central supply of extra coats to respond to urgent requests from schools, community organizations, and families. Our Knights’ name is becoming widely known for this essential charitable work.
Campaign Deadlines & Delivery: To ensure coats arrive before the severe cold sets in, we are aiming for two key delivery targets:
First Deadline: To have coats in the province by the end of October.
Second Deadline: To receive additional shipments in November.
All coats will be ordered at once to optimize shipping. Delivery will be coordinated at the following four major pickup locations closest to you:
Regina
Saskatoon
Yorkton
Prince Albert
How to Order and Pay Fill out the Order Form: Complete your order form by selecting your preferred pickup location and specifying the number of boxes you need for each size category:
Toddler & Youth: Mixed Toddler (12m–4), Girls (4–6X), Boys (4–6X), Girls (7–13), Boys (7–13).
Teen & Adult: Teen Girls, Teen Boys, Ladies (S–2XL), Men’s (S–3XL).
Submit the Form: Email your completed form to Shawn Scherr at scherr@saskkofc.foundation. Submit Payment: Send a cheque to Gerry at the Foundation office:
Box 61 Stn Main, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 4N7. Confirm Order: Let Shawn know once the cheque has been sent (by email or at 306-221-1056), and your order will be finalized.
Thank you for your continued charity and dedication to keeping Saskatchewan’s children warm this winter!
Fraternally,
Shawn Scherr
State Coordinator, Coats for Kids
Thank you to everyone who made our Memorial Mass and Charity Gala possible!
A special evening requires many hands and many generous hearts.
The Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make our September 18 Memorial Mass and Charity Gala possible.
With Thanks to Our Charity Gala Sponsors
Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge:
Globe Printers
Sami’s Sunshine Grill
Lewans Agency
Rayner Agencies
CJWW
Their generosity and partnership helped make the evening possible and strengthened the charitable work the Foundation is able to undertake.
Our Table Purchasers
Table Purchasers
Our Table Purchasers:
FacetoFace Ministries Blackstrap Youth Camp (Saskatoon Youth Development) Columbus Bosco Homes Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board Mark Lewans Agency Universal Church Supplies Fr. Ivan Nahachewski Dr. Ric Devon Shawn Scherr Bob Barkman Harvey Granatier Blair Carruthers Daryl Schatz Tony Gartner Lillian Thera Merv Welter Marvin DeSchryver Andy Praksas Mike Clancy Pat and Chris Bencharski Darcie Gerein Al Dion Adrian Piche Huntley Johnson Gerard Muyres Andrew Vancha Joyce Bittman
Purchasing a table did more than fill seats. Each table purchaser brought friends, family members, Knights, colleagues and supporters together around our charitable mission.
Thank you for bringing others with you.
Every individual who purchased a ticket became part of the success of the evening and, ultimately, part of the charitable work made possible through the Foundation.
Our Individual Ticket Purchasers
Deacon Ron Johnson St. Paul’s Hospital Mike and Shirly Janostin Trevor and Rick Gosslin Randy and Cindy Weekes Gamin and Garrick Herbert Andrij, Carla & Greg Lazurko Florence and Terry Shalley Michelle Carlson Wayne Matt Machelle Morley Lane, Cynthia and Noah Foster Dayton Stang Jeff & Jerry Farthing Archbishop O’Neill Council #8896, Regina Fr. O’Leary Council 5014, Saskatoon
Our Council Table Purchasers
St. Philip Neri Council #9539 (5 Tables) Immaculate Heart of Mary Council #9690, Martensville (4 Tables) Denis Mahoney Council #8215, Saskatoon (2 Tables) Humboldt Council #1886 St. Martin de Porres Council #10313, Regina Holy Spirit Council #8905, Saskatoon Father Lawless Council #1534, Moose Jaw St. Augustine Council #10587, Saskatoon Mary Mother of the Church #11888, Saskatoon
Council 8215 and Our Volunteers
A very special thank-you goes to Council 8215 and to the volunteers who gave so generously of their time and talents.
Events do not simply happen. Behind every successful evening are people arriving early, staying late, solving unexpected problems, welcoming guests and quietly doing whatever needs to be done.
Thank you for helping make it happen.
Our Memorial Mass
Our sincere appreciation goes to Bishop Mark Hagemoen, the Cathedral of the Holy Family, clergy, liturgical participants and everyone who contributed to the prayerful celebration of our Memorial Mass.
Bishop Mark and other priests
We are also deeply grateful to those who made donations in remembrance of loved ones. Those remembrances are at the heart of why the Memorial Mass is such an important part of our Foundation.
Our Caterers
Special thanks to Sami’s Sunshine Grill for providing an outstanding meal and ensuring that everyone was so well taken care of. Their professionalism, quality food, and attentive service contributed greatly to the success of the event.
And to Everyone Who Joined Us…
Thank you.
Whether you attended the Memorial Mass, purchased a Gala ticket or table, sponsored the evening, made a donation, volunteered, supported one of our activities or simply helped spread the word, you were part of the evening’s success.
But more importantly, you are part of what comes next.
The charitable work of the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation continues long after the tables are cleared and the lights are turned off.
Keith German of Luceland, SK, won the $100 Weekly Cash Calendar Prize Draw.
Holder of calendar #3007. St. Eugene de Mazenod Council 6684 in Luceland, SK, sold this.
The next weekly draw will take place on October 16, 2026, with a $100 prize.
The Sask K of C Charitable Foundation will contact all prize winners. If you believe you are a prize winner and have not been contacted by the Foundation within seven (7) calendar days of the draw date, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Gerry Gieni at 306-631-1610 or fill out the Contact Us form here.
Making a Memorial Donation to the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation is a touching way to celebrate the life of a friend or loved one. This thoughtful gesture not only brings comfort to grieving families but also helps continue charitable work in their memory.
A Certificate of Remembrance is sent to a family member of the deceased, offering heartfelt condolences and recognizing your generous contribution. The individual is also prayerfully remembered during a special Memorial Mass, ensuring their legacy lives on.
The following individuals were recently commemorated through Memorial Donations:
Joe Nosbush, Lake Lenore
John Zimmer, Lanigan
Phil Marion, Spiritwood
Gerald Kot, Regina
Edward Benesh, Saskatoon
Why You Shouldn’t Forward Mailchimp Emails Without Removing the Footer
This newsletter is sent by MailChimp. You might be tempted to forward one of your campaigns to a colleague, friend, or another contact. While this seems harmless, there’s an important reason to pause before hitting “forward”—especially if you haven’t removed the footer.
The Risk: Unintended Unsubscribes
Mailchimp automatically includes a footer in every email campaign. This footer typically contains:
The sender’s contact information
A link to view the email in a browser
An unsubscribe link
When you forward a Mailchimp email without removing this footer, the recipient of your forwarded message can click the unsubscribe link. This doesn’t unsubscribe them—it unsubscribes you, the original sender or subscriber.
This can lead to confusion, missed communications, and even damage your email list if multiple people accidentally unsubscribe you or others.
What You Should Do Instead
If you want to share a Mailchimp email with someone:
Use the “Share” or “Forward to a Friend” feature within Mailchimp, if available. These tools are designed to protect your subscription status.
Remove the footer manually before forwarding the email. This includes deleting the unsubscribe link and any other personal or list-specific information.
Send a link to the web version of the email (usually included in the Mailchimp footer) instead of forwarding the email itself.
Final Thoughts
Forwarding emails is a common practice, but with Mailchimp campaigns, it’s important to be cautious. Always check the footer before forwarding, and when in doubt, share the content more safely. Protect your subscription—and your email list—by keeping unsubscribe links out of forwarded messages.
NOTE: Please add info@saskkofc.foundation to your contact list (safe senders list) to facilitate email delivery of this newsletter. This should make the images and photos appear readily.
Send this link to anyone who is not on this mailing list and wants to be added. It can also help if you suspect you were removed from the mailing list by mistake.
