As frost settles and Christmas lights begin to twinkle across Saskatoon, the annual Sporting Christmas campaign is in full swing, gathering crucial funds for the Salvation Army's Christmas hamper program. This initiative aims to bring food, gifts for children, and moments of holiday joy to those in need within the community.
A Donor's Cherished Memory
Among the campaign's steadfast supporters is Verna Boehm, a donor who last year shared a poignant childhood Christmas story alongside her contribution. This year, she offers another heartfelt memory, perfectly capturing the spirit of recollection that fuels this fundraising effort. Verna continues to donate in memory of Ernie Boehm and Brad McCrimmon.
She recounts a vivid tale from her school days, centered around her teacher, Mabel Branscombe-Scott. Verna describes how her teacher arrived at the family doorstep one evening, "with all the Christmas and gospel song books that a small teacher could carry."
The Magic of Music and Preparation
Verna suggests her mother and teacher had pre-arranged the evening, which began with supper. The two women, both strong and confident singers, would pour through the songbooks, knowing every verse of every Christmas and gospel song. Verna recalls it was a pleasure to listen to them.
"My dad enjoyed the music too and sang a pleasing note here and there," she writes. "Mostly he was in charge of toe-tapping. I revelled in this and hung on every word and note. I imagined rabbits and whiskey jacks listening with as much pleasure as I through our north window."
After a few hours, her teacher would leave with firm plans for the upcoming school concert. Practices began almost immediately, and for Verna, they were exciting days. She knew every part for the songs, plays, and drills, and loved filling in for absent classmates.
A Night to Remember
The culmination of their hard work was the concert itself, an event Verna remembers as truly magical. "Our class was squeaky clean and determined to do a great job," she writes. "The room was full of parents and well-wishers. We gave it all we had."
She knew the event was destined for greatness because of one final, telling detail: "Our teacher was wearing lipstick."
This cherished memory, shared by a dedicated donor, underscores the power of community and the lasting impact of simple, joyful moments—precisely what the Sporting Christmas campaign strives to provide for families in Saskatoon today.
