It was a regular workday for Winnipeg Beach’s Brayden and Sherianne Harder—until a phone call changed everything.
The couple had just 48 hours to get their home baby-ready after learning they would be adopting a newborn girl. Born only one day earlier, the baby marked the long-awaited beginning of parenthood for the Harders.
With a few frantic shopping trips to pick up diapers, formula and bottles, they were ready to welcome their new daughter.
“We were beyond words. We couldn’t believe we were finally holding our daughter in our arms,” said Sherianne Harder. “We had waited so long to become parents and had experienced so many disappointments along the way.”
The couple had always wanted to start a family, but after five years of miscarriages, surgeries and failed IVF treatments, they turned to adoption to help grow their family.
After two years of working with an adoption agency, their dream came true on a blustery January day when they met their three-day-old daughter for the first time.
As the adoption was private, the Harders are choosing not to share further details about their daughter.
Now, three months later, the family is inviting the community to help celebrate her arrival with a game and trivia night fundraiser at Fraserwood Hall on April 17.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature three hours of family fun. For a one-time entry fee, guests can enjoy a variety of board, card and lawn games suitable for all ages.
Admission is $20 for players over the age of 10, while children between three and 10 can join for $10. Kids under three are welcome to play for free. Capacity may be limited if the hall reaches its maximum.
“It is a celebration of our journey, our daughter and the many friends and family who have loved and supported us,” said Harder.
The family hopes to raise funds to help cover their adoption expenses, which have totalled nearly $15,000. Legal and agency fees accounted for most of the cost, Harder said.
They are accepting monetary donations only, as their daughter has already received many gifts from loved ones. “She has already been so blessed by friends and family in this way,” said Harder.
At 7:30 p.m., the action shifts to a team trivia showdown, where players can compete for prizes and bragging rights.
Guests can also try their luck in a rainbow raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses. Items include gift certificates and goods from Carlos’ Cocina, Winnipeg Beach Home Hardware, Little Laketown Kitchen and more. The grand prize is a two-night chalet stay in Nopiming Provincial Park.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening, including tacos in a bag and a dessert table for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Following the event, donations can also be made via e-transfer to sbharder95@gmail.com.
