Regina, June 6, 2022 – No one expected that when Audrey Rogalski entered the annual IKEA Soft Toy Drawing Competition with more than 66,000 entries worldwide that Saskatchewan kids facing barriers to participating in cultural activity would benefit.

“I thought it would be something fun to do, not thinking I would win or anything. Since the money was earned through an art contest, I wanted the money to help other kids to have the opportunity to be creative and have fun,” said 11-year-old Rogalski, a Saskatoon resident.  “It feels great knowing that I’m helping give other kids the opportunity to take part in activities.” Audrey found out she was one of five winners in March 2021 and her soft toy began selling in stores on October 1^st, 2021.

According to James Ingold, Board Chair, Creative Kids Saskatchewan, “Thousands of kids throughout this province do not have opportunities to participate in meaningful cultural activity due to financial barriers. Thanks to Audrey and IKEA, this generous donation will help even more children and youth pursue their creative potential.”

Gloria Walsh, manager, Creative Kids Saskatchewan, was surprised to learn that Ikea was making a significant donation to Creative Kids, thanks to Audrey and her family.  “It was a pleasant surprise to receive a donation in this way,” she said. “Especially being specifically chosen as a charity by this very creative 11-year-old.”

According to Danielle, Rohs, communications, IKEA, “After her soft toy was produced they sold really well all over the world, with over 7,000 sold across Canada alone. When we asked her which children’s charity she would like the proceeds to go to she picked Creative Kids as Audrey had heard about how Creative Kids was helping kids, who faced financial barriers, access cultural activities.”

Creative Kids has helped over 11,000 kids in Saskatchewan since 2010.  Emily Tang received Creative Kids funding for dance lessons when she was 10-years-old and now she credits her passion and drive to those lessons. Tang says, “Because of dance, I became more body confident. The dance studio I went to was such a positive environment that I no longer felt insecure with the way I looked. Mentally, learning and mastering new dance skills made me apply the same perseverance and energy to everything I do now.”

Walsh is thankful for the donation and added, “For a child or youth facing financial or social barriers and being excluded from activities enjoyed by others, having the opportunity to make music, paint, act, or dance builds confidence and provides a feeling of acceptance which can be a life-changing experience for a young person.”

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About Creative Kids

Creative Kids Saskatchewan was created in 2010 by SaskCulture – a community-based, non-profit cultural organization – to remove financial and social barriers to arts and cultural activities for Saskatchewan children and youth four to 19 years of age.  Operating under the registered charity, Creative Kids Canada Inc., over $5.38 million has been granted, helping over 11,659 kids in more than 241 communities across Saskatchewan explore their creative dreams through inclusion in arts and culture activities.

For more information, contact:
Jackie Lay, Communications Coordinator, Creative Kids
Cell: (306) 717-1200 or jlay@saskculture.ca