Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Flipping through the fundraising calendar for the Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society Museum & Archives is like reading an illustrated book.
The theme is Honouring the History of Jasper's Heroes and was chosen "because of what's happening around us with COVID-19", said Rob Hubick, manager of the museum.
A different theme is selected each year for the fundraising calendar.
"We try and do something that's relevant to an exhibit or story of what's happening in the area - last year it was the 100th anniversary of CN Rail," Hubick said. "It tells a story, the history of a specific topic."
Researched and designed by museum staff, the 2021, 13-month calendar features photos including an early 1900s Bickle fire engine, Jasper Elementary School students giving a centennial birthday cake to the RCMP, and mask-wearing hospital staff of today.
There are also markers of milestone days in the history of medicine, fire departments, the RCMP and more, on each month of the calendar.
Did you know, for example, that the first child was born in the old Seton Hospital on March 14, 1930? And that health warnings on cigarette packages were made mandatory June 24, 1964?
For the first time, funds raised by calendar sales will be shared with another group.
"Normally we don't raise money for other organizations," Hubick said.
"But this year, with funding cuts, we decided to support Jasper Victim Services (JVS). It sort of ties in with the theme."
Five dollars from the sale of each $20 calendar will go to JVS.
"I love the calendar," said Paul Schmidt, coordinator of JVS. "I really appreciate the support. It’s appreciated they considered us. We need something to look forward to for next year."
The calendar's feature of essential services in Jasper, Schmidt said, fits in with what the Victim Services Unit does, assisting victims of crime or trauma in Jasper National Park, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"This is a nice example of the great community we're in, taking care of each other, looking out for one another," Schmidt said. "Thank you."
Speaking of funding, the JVS annual fundraiser, a golf tournament, is planned for September 11. The event, Schmidt said, will be an amazing day with local food, a variety of prizes, and the possibility of winning $10,000 for a hole-in-one hit.
In addition to the museum, the calendars are available for $20 at Bearfoot in the Park, Coquihalla Gifts, Rocky Bear Gifts, Nutter's, Pharmasave, Rx Drug Mart IDA and the Jasper Farmers Market.
