La Bodega Ice Bar raising money for Transition House

It puts a new spin on the term “going for a cold one”.

For the past few years, La Bodega Tapas Bar and Grill has had an ice bar sculpted on their patio. On Wednesday, several people were busy putting the ice bar into place for the winter season.

All the money raised from the bar is going to Transition House, which helps women and children affected by violence. It is the charity of choice for the fourth straight year.

The bar is what La Bodega’s Executive Chef Adam Sperling says is the “best tourist attraction in all of Saskatchewan.”

While the uniqueness of an ice bar brings more people to his restaurant, the most important part is being able to help out a deserving charity.

“We’re all citizen of the globe and we’ve got to help each other,” Sperling said. “We want to help where we can, and we believe that Transition House is a worthwhile cause, so we’re helping.”

Ticia Heward from Transition House says the money raised will go towards the building fund to expand the shelter.

She says the bar is an interesting way to raise money for the shelter, and she appreciates all the help from the 22 sponsors of the project.

In addition, she says there will be some celebrity bar tenders from time to time.

“We’re really excited that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are volunteering some of their players to come and bartend this weekend,” Heward said.

The bar will be open from Wednesday to Saturday until mid-March. There is a fire pit outside to help visitors warm up.