Saskatoon man starts GoFundMe campaign for fully accessible resort

Jason Stanoffsky wants his resort in Emma Lake, Sask. to be accessible to those with mobility issues, and he wants the public's help.

He's started a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of raising $125,000 in order to retrofit Jewel of the North Resort, which he built in 2002.

Within a month-and-a-half, Stanoffsky has collected about $6,000, mainly from his family and close friends.

"Just stop and put yourself in the mindset of an individual who doesn't have the mobility that you enjoy," he said. "Put yourself in that mindset, and think of how much it would mean to have a resort that was truly accessible."

Stanoffsky said the plans to retrofit Jewel of the North consist of installing mechanical hoists, adjustable electric beds, elevation lifts and wheel-in showers.

The campaign is personal for Stanoffsky. In December 2006, he broke his neck as a result of a single vehicle rollover. He's been a quadriplegic ever since.

Now, nearly 10 years later, he wants people with mobility issues to be able to enjoy the beauty of northern Saskatchewan. After talking with a close friend, the two decided to start a crowdfunding campaign.

"After having my accident, we realized it wasn't enjoyable for everyone because many people have mobility issues," Stanoffsky said. "So that's what really prompted us to move forward to make the resort 100 per cent wheelchair accessible."

"This project is going to happen, you can take that to the bank," he said. "But any help that we can get from people out there is going to be so greatly appreciated."

Renovations to the resort should begin next month, and he hopes that his GoFundMe campaign will make his dream a reality for those who normally wouldn't be able to experience northern Saskatchewan. 

"It's going to mean more to me than people can probably ever truly understand," Stanoffsky said. "It's going to make me real proud being able to make some small difference in somebody's life."