Flight Cpl. Patauej (left) and Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair Sonnie Desjardins-Neal (right) with a cheque from the Melfort Elks to help fund the Melfort Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 77th year. (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff).

By Aaron Schulze

Melfort Air Cadets

Melfort Air Cadets aim to welcome more members in 2020

Jan 8, 2020 | 4:16 PM

The Melfort Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron started its 77th year with a $350 cheque from the Melfort Elks.

Money sent to the non-profit air cadet program covers costs for their trips such as field training exercise days and camps, and programs such as curling, effective speaking, gliding, and power. It also goes toward scholarships for their members.

Unfortunately for the Melfort Air Cadets, 2020 has been a low year for enrolment.

“We’ve had a few changeovers in staff and we are down in numbers,” Lisa Tadgell, board of director for the League of Canada Air Cadets Saskatchewan Provincial Party, said. “I believe we have 29 kids this year… the norm is 40. Strong staff and the parents’ involvement plays a huge impact on keeping our numbers strong. If our parents are enthused, they want to bring their kids. It goes hand in hand.”

Still, 2020 looks to be busy for the current air cadets. Tadgell said the Melfort Squadron has specific months planned throughout the year, including some focused solely on community service and fundraising respectively.

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“We try to be very cost effective for these kids,” she said. “All we ask is they attend their fundraising activities and we try to keep those down. We focus on big fundraisers that will bring in big money, so we don’t have to nickel and dime and wear these kids out.”

The Melfort Squadron is looking for kids age 12 to 18. Tadgell said there’s no cost at all to enroll and the uniform is provided.

“We have a bunch of very hard-working parents and staff right now who are doing a fantastic job, so kudos to them,” she said. “We’re always open to new members.”

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow