Francophone community in Saskatchewan celebrates 20th 'Francothon'

Television show raises money to support scholarships and community events

Image | francothon 2016

Caption: A variety of musical performances were featured in the 20th annual Francothon, a fundraising show for the Francophone community in Saskatchewan. (CBC)

Saskatchewan's francophone community is celebrating the culture of the Fransaskois and raising money through its 20th annual Francothon.
Francothon is a major event, supported by Radio-Canada, which raises money for a foundation which provides scholarships and helps fund Fransaskois community projects.
The goal for this year's event is to raise $60,000. Last year, the foundation received about $110,000 in pledges.
François Tremblay, a manager for Radio-Canada in Saskatchewan, said the show is very important.
"It's a big event for the Francophone community in Saskatchewan. It's a big event for Radio-Canada as well. It shows our role as a public broadcaster to unify the community."
Tremblay noted that it can be challenging for young Francophones to continue their studies.
"The access to post-secondary education in Saskatchewan, for Francophones, is not that great so the money is used for scholarship for these people so they can further their education," he said.