1st-ever Operation Pumpkin Drop in Saskatoon raises $9K for local pediatrics fund

You could do worse for a Sunday afternoon.

A charity-minded insurance industry fraternity partnered with several Saskatoon businesses Sunday to drop three giant pumpkins from a height of about 35 metresin the middle of a field.

It was all to raise money for the Saskatoon Fire Fighters Pediatric Fund, which helps fund programs like theCancer Summer Camp Program.

"What else are you going to do on a Sunday in October?" said Brennen Mills, a member of the Saskatoon chapter of the Honourable Order of the Blue Goose International, the insurance industry fraternity.

One pumpkin,weighing around 600 kilograms,was suspended from a 40-metrecrane (the largest that H&H Crane could lend out) and dropped onto a unclaimed Nissan Maxima, donated by Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

"It's kind of a shame. It's actually a nice-looking car. I just hope we don't miss," said Mills before the event.

They did not.

"It's a brilliant idea for a fundraiser, what a great idea," saidMichelle Clelend, who heard about the event online but went to the field at Black Fox Farm and Distillery to see for herself.

"So ridiculous that it brings a crowd."

Pumpkin-turned-candy pinata

Another pumpkinwhich, like the others, camecourtesy ofAirdrie, Alta., growerEddy Zaychkowskywas hollowed out and filled with numbered table-tennis balls before being dropped onto a target:a dug-out cup and flag courtesy of Moon Lake Golf and Country Club.

Each ball was sold for five dollars, with the ball landing closest to the target nabbing a grand prize.

No detail was overlooked. A third pumpkinwas crammed with candy before its drop. Maxie's Excavating was on hand to clean up the splatterand Nordic Fencing was there to keep the kids at bay until the crash site is deemed safe.

Once it was, they descended on the field like a ravenous horde straight out of Braveheart.

They were not disappointed.

The event ultimately raised around $9,000 for the fund.

All that was missing wasmusical accompaniment from The Smashing Pumpkins.

"Next year," said Brennen.