Be on Time! Advertising Deadline: 12 Noon on Tuesday
‘We’re here to support each other’
Green family hosts fourth annual
Remembering Kalena Green memorial fundraiser
By Casper Wehrhahn
While the day started cloudy and rainy, nothing could stop the outpouring of support in Carberry on May 23. That day, friends, family and community gathered on the grounds of R. J. Waugh Elementary school for the fourth annual Remembering Kalena Green event.
Organized by Kalena’s family, this event is organized each year to honour her memory, and to raise funds for the future Carberry Splash Park. Following the inaugural celebration of life in 2023, the purpose of the event has expanded further.
“I know everybody here has had a loss in some capacity, and I think everyone can relate,” said Jerra Green, Kalena’s younger sister.
Referencing the crowd gathered there that day, Jerra added, “When you feel kind of isolated or feel alone and like you’re going through it alone, this is what we want to show everybody. That we’re here to support each other. And we want to acknowledge not only Kalena, but everybody else. Thank you all so much for showing up year after year.”
In addition to honouring memories of dearly missed loved ones, those who remain are also embraced.
“We’re just here to celebrate each other and be together,” Jerra shared in an interview.
Beautifully overwhelming
To-date, the memorial fundraiser has raised just over $92,000. This does not include the funds raised for 2026, as the results were not yet available. However, Jerra noted that fundraising this year has been going well.
“We are making progress every year,” said Jerra, who later added, “So hopefully this year we’ll make it to that $100,000 mark. We’ll play it out and see, but we’re just really grateful for the support that we receive every year.”
This year’s event was also particularly special, as it fell directly on Kalena’s birthday.
“She’d be 34 years old if she were still here,” Jerra confided.
When asked how she felt to be standing on the R. J. Waugh grounds for the fourth year, with the 2026 crowd showing their support, Jerra extended words of the utmost gratitude.
“It is overwhelming every year, but in the most beautiful way. It had been raining earlier, then the sun started to shine– it’s been a pattern, actually,” said Jerra. “ Every year it has kind of started out rough in the morning, and it always works out that during the actual event, the weather clears up, and I think she (Kalena) is doing that for us.”
Jerra added, “Honestly the turn-out every year has been incredible and we’re so grateful and appreciative of the support.”
The Green family extends their thanks to all who have shown their support over the years, and who have collaborated to make this event possible.
.png)
.png)
