“We had approximately 120 people for the catered supper and comedian show, a variety of businesses, parents, grandparents and community members which was so great to see.”
This was not the first time Tazz came to town to help out Tiny Turtle. As Oliver explained, a previous board had held a similar event in the past, which was very successful. The current group felt it was worth trying again, as it would mean fewer small fundraisers during the year for the parents. With COVID restrictions lifted, an in-person event would also be a great community builder.
Tazz said during the evening that Boissevain and other small communities had a special place in his heart, in part because he grew up in a rural setting in Saskatchewan and Oliver added it was a pleasure to have him from start to finish.
“Big Daddy Tazz was great to work with right from first booking him to his patience with the small glitches we had throughout the night,” she said. “He often does children’s events and as he mentioned the night of the event he was happy to return back to Boissevain to support our daycare once again.”
The purpose of the fundraising is to help pay for ongoing renovations at Tiny Turtle, located on Rae Street. One of the priorities is to improve the kitchen area, as Oliver explained.
“We are always brainstorming ideas to make our centre the best it can be and a new kitchen is a five to 10 year goal as things start to wear and tear. We would need a commercial kitchen and that comes with a large expense, which fundraisers will need to play a major role in. By having a kitchen in the facility we are able to provide a hot lunch program for the children.”
“An event like this helps us, as a board, bring a little light to the facility to help with renovations, repairs and upgrades,” Oliver continued.
Another change is more immediate. Director Pam Kelly is leaving Tiny Turtle, with Larissa Kempthorne moving into the role. Oliver said after 10 years, Kelly is taking on another opportunity, and will be missed. Everyone always appreciated her dedication to the families and the centre itself. They are also happy to see their current supervisor Kempthorne step up to the new role.
“She has many years experience at Tiny Turtle and the board is excited to start working with her to continue providing a safe, learning and caring environment for all the children.”
Oliver added they are currently looking for a new full time staff member, and some casuals. She said they have 78 children of different ages in Tiny Turtle and they have always been fortunate to have dedicated staff that go above and beyond to make everything work for the children on a regular basis.
As Oliver said before, there are no words to adequately show appreciation to sponsors and the public for making the comedian night such a success. It was a great way to get back into the public eye.
“As a volunteer board there are many hours put into making this event possible and it was a relief not to have to worry about any restrictions on having an in-person event, and again we cannot thank the businesses and community members enough for making this event so successful.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff