MOOSE JAW — What started as a backyard gardening project has blossomed into a heartfelt annual tradition of giving for Len and Bernie Mintenko, whose sunflower fundraiser brought in nearly double last year’s total in support of the Moose Jaw Humane Society.
This year’s “Sunflower Saturdays” initiative, , raised $1,373 through the sale of locally grown sunflower plants and customer donations — with every dollar going toward the care of animals at the local shelter.
“We sold a little over 2,000 plants,” said Len Mintenko. “, and … We raised nearly double (this year), and that’s pretty good.”
From that total, Mintenko noted that $1,041 came from direct sunflower sales and an additional $332 came from donations, as many who purchased one or more $2 plants rounded up their payment.
The couple grew five different varieties of sunflowers in their own garden, including the always-popular Teddy Bear variety, which Mintenko said was a sell-out. .
The initiative ran from May 24 to June 14, with the Mintenkos stationed outside the Moose Jaw Co-op Food Store each Saturday. In addition to offering a bright, seasonal addition to local gardens, the fundraiser helped shine a light on animal welfare and the importance of pollinators like bees and hummingbirds — both key parts of the couple’s mission.
“We want to thank (Moose Jaw Co-op) again for allowing us to use their venue. They’re very community-minded, so it just fits perfectly with what we’re trying to do,” he said.
According to Michaela Turner, community relations manager with Moose Jaw Co-op, the event was a celebration of “community, compassion, and connection,” and aligned with the Co-op’s core values of giving back and supporting local.
“Sunflower Saturdays at Moose Jaw Co-op was more than just a fundraiser — it was a celebration of community, compassion, and connection,” said Michaela Turner, community relations manager at Moose Jaw Co-op. “We’re so thankful to every person who stopped by, purchased a sunflower, or simply helped spread the word. Your support truly made a difference, and we hope you enjoy growing your sunflowers this summer!”
This marks the third year of sunflower fundraising for the Mintenkos. Their first campaign supported humanitarian efforts in Ukraine — a nod to the sunflower as that nation’s national flower — followed by another successful campaign for the Humane Society in 2024. Now, it’s clear the initiative is taking root.
“We just had a brief conversation, and Kelsey (Leschasin) from the Moose Jaw Humane Society said, ‘Yeah, it’s a go,’ and Michaela (Turner) said the same thing,” Mintenko confirmed. “She (Turner) thinks it’ll be bigger and better next year.”
With another year of sunshine and support now in the books, the Mintenkos said they’re already looking ahead to 2026 — and hoping even more sunflowers will be blooming for a purpose.
