Long-time Martensville realtor Richard Reimer knows a thing or two about quality houses.
And playhouses.
Reimer is picking up the $5,000 tab for the cost of materials used in the construction of this year’s KidSport Playhouse, currently on display in the parking lot of the Martensville A&W restaurant.
The 100-square foot playhouse is the grand prize in a fundraising raffle for the Martensville and Warman KidSport charities. KidSport provides money to low-income families to enable them to enroll their kids in organized sports.
“I’m a very strong believer that kids in today’s society need to be involved in sports-related activities,” said Reimer in an interview. “This is one way to overcome those barriers, so children and youth are able to participate.”
This is the fifth edition of the playhouse raffle, first initiated in 2016 by Martensville A&W owners Brian and Bernice Buffin. In the past, high school students in Martensville and Warman built the playhouses. The the cost of materials, publicity and transportation was covered through corporate donations.
But the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 put a damper on the annual project. The partially-built playhouse wasn’t able to be completed because of public health restrictions at the school. In the spring of 2021, Brian Buffin approached his friend, veteran carpenter Marty Goertzen of Martensville, and asked him to complete the playhouse on a volunteer basis. Goertzen agreed, and put in hundreds of hours over the past several weeks finishing the playhouse to his own exacting standards.
Buffin also approached Reimer, another long-time friend, to solicit his help with the project.
“Brian and I had a coffee together, and he explained the project,” said Reimer. “He said, ‘Would you come on board? Take some time and think about it.’
“I said, ‘I don’t need to take any time. I’m all in.’ It’s a cool idea, and a great cause.”
Reimer said he sold a home in Martensville a few years ago that had a KidSport playhouse in its back yard.
“The buyer chose that house because they loved the playhouse that was included in the deal,” said Reimer. “I’m happy to get involved with a project like this because it helps families and it helps communities.”
Reimer said he’s known Goertzen for many years, and has sold homes built or renovated by the Martensville-based carpenter.
“Anytime Marty builds something, you know it’s top-notch quality,” said Reimer. “He always goes the extra mile to make sure it’s just right. He’s a real craftsman.”
Reimer said he’s proud to be involved in the project and intends to provide significant sponsorship for the KidSport Playhouse fundraiser in future years as well.
“I really encourage people to step up to the plate and purchase a ticket in this raffle,” said Reimer. “By buying a ticket, you’re supporting your community and helping kids get involved in sports.
“My own kids were very involved in sports, and that involvement was very positive. I think every kid should have that opportunity.”
Tickets for the KidSport Playhouse raffle can be purchased at many businesses in Martensville and Warman; or online at www. warman-kidsport.myshopify.com . Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Draw date is September 18.