By CBC News, April 25, 2016
The town of Cupar, Sask. wants to raise enough money to keep Jaqueline Berting’s business alive
The Saskatchewan artist famous for her glass wheat may be falling behind on work after being diagnosed with cancer, but her supporters are making sure her business is kept alive.
Jaqueline Berting’s glass artwork lives in more than 90 gift shops and galleries across Canada. It’s also helped put Cupar, Sask., on the map.
Her business started in 1992 and her pieces have since been taken on trade missions by the Saskatchewan government. Berting’s art has also created employment in the community.
Gillian Mills worked for Berting and her glass business a few years ago. When she heard that Berting was diagnosed with ovarian cancer this winter, Mills and others decided to do something to help.
“We just decided it was about time that the community should give back to Jaqueline,” Mills said. She said Berting has donated thousands of dollars of artwork to the community for different fundraisers and is always looking to help others.
This weekend, they created a crowdfunding page. The money is to help Berting keep her business alive while she undergoes cancer treatments.
“She is completely overwhelmed, and she’s totally appreciative of all the support she’s been given and the generosity of the people in the community,” Mills said. “(It) Really helps her keep her spirits up on those days when the effects of the chemo(therapy) are really hitting hard.”
The online fundraiser isn’t the only way the community is raising money. Students at the Cupar school raised $5,500. Locally, Cupar has already raised more than $12,000 for Berting. All together, organizers are hoping for about $50,000.