On Saturday, February 1, SGEU president Tracey Sauer sported a red sequined jacket and took to the stage in the 7^th annual Hope’s Home Swinging for the Stars fundraiser in Regina, where she helped raise over $20,000 in support of the cause.

The fundraiser, which supports Hope’s Home’s mission to provide care to kids with complex medical needs, pairs prominent Regina figures with professional dancers to rehearse a two to three-minute choreographed routine that they perform in front of a live audience.

It’s something Sauer says isn’t exactly her forte.

“Those who know me know that I am not a dancer by any means,” Sauer laughed. “It actually started as a bit of a joke when the SGEU Administration Committee attended as sponsors last year. They were teasing, saying that I should compete, and I thought, why not? It’s for a great cause.”

Sauer was paired with Julee Stewart, a professional dancer and world champion baton twirler.

“Tracey and I wanted to bring an element of fun to the stage, so we incorporated multiple people, light up glasses, and light up batons in our dance,” said Stewart.

The duo performed a jazzy number to a medley of “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy, “The People in your Neighbourhood” from Sesame Street, and “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen. Their routine depicted the story of someone learning to dance for the first time by relying on the help of others. Fittingly, Stewart and Sauer were joined on stage by members of the SGEU Administration Committee, Provincial Council, staff, and Georgia, a seven-year-old dancer from Martin School of Dance.

“It mirrors my own experience with dance, but it also represents the spirit of the labour movement. We have a long and proud history of solidarity and collaboration,” Sauer explained. “We know we can’t do it alone.”

This rang true for Sauer’s fundraising efforts, which were supported by her community, SGEU, and partners across the Saskatchewan and national labour movement. To kick off fundraising, Sauer baked and sold pies—up to 91 on her best day—to the tune of $1200, and the Prairie North Co-op in her home community of Kelvington partnered with her to raise approximately $670.

“When we believe in something, we totally commit. Community involvement is part of SGEU’s strategic plan, and that’s something our members live and breathe every day,” said Sauer.

According to Sauer, a majority of the donations came from SGEU and fellow unions, which speaks to the dedication of the labour community in Saskatchewan.

“When we believe in something, we totally commit. Community involvement is part of SGEU’s strategic plan, and that’s something our members live and breathe every day,” said Sauer.

With a grand total of $22,388, Sauer and Stewart came in second place for donations, a feat that only reinvigorated Sauer’s commitment to support community causes. She even pledged that, if she raised $25,000, she would shave her head at the 2025 SGEU Convention.

“We were hoping to raise even more, of course, but the important thing was raising the bar and bringing awareness to the important work of Hope’s Home. Many members and community members rely on their care and, as a union representing community-based organizations, we understand how challenging it can be to secure reliable funding.”

To Stewart, the fundraiser was a complete success.

“This year’s 'Swinging with the Stars' raised $130,000, which simply could not have been done without people like Tracey. She may have joked around about not being the best dancer, but she definitely proved that she has some great twirling skills and new moves to wow any audience.”

As for what Sauer is taking away from the experience, she said events like these are sources of hope.

“It’s important to put yourself out there, and to find opportunities to connect and create change. As labour activists, we often face challenges. It can be difficult and at times discouraging.  But events like this remind us to look for the positive, and so often we can find it right here in our community.”