During a performance at the 2025 Swinging with the Stars event. (file photo/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW staff

HEALTHCARE

Swinging with the Stars fundraiser returns with $90K goal for BUH

Jan 22, 2026 | 2:42 PM

A popular community fundraiser is returning to the Battlefords this month, with a clear goal of improving patient care at Battlefords Union Hospital.

Swinging with the Stars, hosted by the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation, will take place at the Don Ross Centre with a preview evening on Friday, Jan. 30, followed by a sold-out show on Saturday night.

The event aims to raise $90,000 to purchase a vein viewer for the hospital’s operating room, according to foundation executive director Leanne Ducommun.

“What this piece of equipment offers is the healthcare team’s ability to get better accessibility to those veins, and it makes for a much better patient experience, especially when you are in the operating room.”

The annual fundraiser pairs local community ‘stars’ with professional dancers. This year, seven star-and-pro duos have spent weeks learning routines while also raising money for local health care. Click here to check the roster.

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Performances will include a mix of tap, jazz, Ukrainian dance, and swing, along with special guest appearances.

Ducommun said the event has become one of the foundation’s most successful fundraisers, regularly surpassing its goals and helping purchase much-needed equipment for the hospital. In its first year in 2024, the event raised more than $100,000.

“This is what we’re hoping to do again. And if we’re able to surpass that, that’s even fantastic, because there’s much more equipment that is needed for the hospital as well.”

Much of the impact happens before the dancers ever step onto the stage, she said.

“Third-party fundraising is crucial to any non-profit and really makes a huge impact when it’s coming with a lot of heart and compassion.”

Participants raise money through raffles, collaborations with local businesses and outreach to friends, family and the wider community. Donations made toward each team count toward awards such as “Most Funds Raised” and “Judge’s Choice.”

Beyond fundraising, Ducommun said the event resonates because it brings people together.

“A healthy community is a connected one,” she said.

“When you’re watching people who are investing their time to learn something, really enjoy what they’re doing and creating new friendships — and you’re cheering each other on for a great cause — that’s what the great success is about with Swinging with the Stars.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com