Battlefords Agricultural Society board members and The Rack's manager, Stephen Anderson (third from left) during the cheque presentation. (Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

By Alyssa Rudolph

DONATION

Battlefords Ag Society receives $40K for long-needed kitchen renovation

Mar 12, 2026 | 3:11 PM

Karen Patterson now has one less thing to worry about before falling asleep at night.

At a community function, the long-time board member with Battlefords Agricultural Society randomly bumped into Dennis Bulani, owner of The Rack, a local retail business.

“We were just chit-chatting about the Battlefords and things going on. I said, if you’re ever feeling generous and you want to help anybody out, here we are out at the Ag Society,” said Patterson.  

At that time, the organization’s event hall, which holds a variety of community events, was in desperate need of multiple renovations. The biggest involved an entire kitchen makeover.  

“At the end of our conversation that evening, he said to me, ‘You know what, Karen? Write me a letter about what keeps you awake at nighttime thinking of the betterment of the Ag Society’,” she continued to explain.  

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That night, Patterson sat down and wrote out the need for a new kitchen repair. Within a couple of days, her wishes were granted in the form of a $40,000 cheque.  

“We are beyond blessed because we were working out of a kitchen that was not very user-friendly, not functional.” 

The old kitchen, dating back to the ‘70s, was equipped with old wooden cupboards, one sink that was not up to Saskatchewan Health Authority standards, and extension cords that ran across the floor.  

“We did the best we could with what we had, but this is just taking it to the next level; it’s beautiful,” said Patterson.  

The new kitchen. (Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

Over the years, The Rack has expanded across the prairies to help support agriculture in rural communities. But for the owner’s family, helping the Battlefords Agricultural Society holds a special meaning.  

“The girls were active members of 4-H and spent countless hours at these grounds – learning responsibility, leadership, and the values that agriculture instills,” The Rack said in a statement. 

They added, with North Battleford being one of the 14 Rack locations, having the opportunity to make this donation ‘isn’t an obligation – it’s a privilege’.  

The renovation will ensure the longevity of the hall’s kitchen, while helping to support the community in hosting frequent events. 

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Alyssa.Rudolph@pattisonmedia.com