When he decided earlier this year to raise money for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, Gage Goetz never imagined he would receive so much support.
Gage, a nine-year-old member of the Outram Madigan 4-H Club, raised more than $25,000 for the foundation through the sale of his 4-H steer Sammy.
Sammy was sold for $12,000 to Dave Odgers with Certified Energy Services during Thursday night’s Estevan Rotary Regional 4-H Beef Sale at the Estevan Exhibition grounds. On top of that, Gage’s halter and show stick were sold for another $12,000 to a conglomerate of nearly a dozen supporters.
Gage also raised money in advance of the auction, and received donations from other 4-H clubs on Thursday evening.
Gage said afterwards that he initially hoped to raise about $7,000 for the hospital foundation, so he was thrilled with the support he received.
“I thought it was great because the more money it could get, the better it could get for the hospital,” Gage told the Mercury after his steer sold.
His mother Tammi said the amount well-surpassed their expectations.
“We’re really happy with the support the community has given to Gage in his fundraising efforts,” Tammi said.
The money will be directed to the cardiology unit at the children’s hospital. Gage has had two heart surgeries in his young life, and he wants to see children in Saskatchewan receive treatment closer to home, as he had to go to Edmonton.
Tammi noted Gage is doing wonderful now, and it’s thanks to the wonderful physicians, nurses and surgeons who have helped him along the way.
The children’s hospital is expected to be open this fall.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
The Mercury will have more tomorrow on the regional 4-H show and sale.
