Debbie Rigetti is honouring the memory of her mother-in-law while also pursuing her dream of supporting charitable causes in the community, thanks to what has proven to be a successful adaptation of a family recipe now sold as “Goldie’s Relish.”
The fundraising idea was launched on March 6, which is the anniversary of Goldie Rigetti’s death. So far, the effort has seen around $600 donated to the Salvation Army and the year-to-date total is sitting at $740 as of March 25.
To make her relish, Rigetti grows her own cucumbers and sources cabbages, peppers, and onions from nearby Hutterite colonies as often as possible.
For those with a palette for spicy cuisine, Rigetti is now introducing a second variety featuring jalapenos for a batch that’s not too spicy for most but contains a bit of a kick for everyone else.
The idea for the relish was born after her mother-in-law died and Rigetti wanted to continue making the signature condiment in her memory.
“(Goldie) made the relish… and she gave me the recipe when I married her (son), but I never used it,” explained Rigetti.
For around a decade, her husband would stop by his mother’s house to grab a jar of relish, but when this became no longer an option, Rigetti worked to get the recipe as close as possible to that of Goldie’s.
Rigetti then chose the Salvation Army as a starting point because of her past with the non-profit.
“I was a street kid,” she recalled. “From the time I was 13 until I was emancipated when I was 17, I lived on the streets.”
It was only when she turned to the Salvation Army that her life began to turn around. Don Baker, the director at the time, helped her get back on her feet and she’s been appreciative ever since.
Rigetti left no requests and suggested the Salvation Army uses the proceeds as they see fit.
“We have a breakfast program that feeds vulnerable people or (those who are) homeless. They come in for breakfast every morning, so it can go towards that,” said Tammi Pinay-Ross, the family services co-ordinator at the Salvation Army in Moose Jaw.
Next, Rigetti reached out to “the Klassen girls” who agreed to sell the relish at their retail locations.
“They’re instrumental. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have a sounding board… and how would I sell it?”
The Klassens have donated their time, space, and aren’t charging her for hosting the relish.
“The Klassen girls are awesome,” she said.
Rigetti also acknowledged Dr. Mike Barker from the Main Street Dental Clinic who – along with his wife Joanne – wrote the first cheque for $50 to “Goldie’s Relish Fund” which kick-started sales and doubtless boosted her confidence in the idea.
“I always want to thank Joanne and him for being the stepping stones for where it’s at now.”
Rigetti said she has no plans to stop doing the project.
“I may as well (continue),” she said. “I mean, I put a garden in and the guys like relish around here, and we have 10 guys on the farm. So, you know, it fills in my time.”
The Salvation Army was Rigetti’s first choice, and she’s planning on helping the Riverside Mission next, tentatively followed by Habitat for Humanity. She said she’s open to suggestions and, if she’s able to get some help, would like to establish a public suggestion box.
The relish can be purchased at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 175 First Avenue Northeast, The Souvenir Shop Downtown, located at 207 Main Street North, and at The Shop Moose Jaw, located at 1251 Main Street North in the Civic Centre Plaza.
To contact Rigetti, her number is 306-690-8780.
“If you’re lucky enough to get a jar, don’t share!” Pinay-Ross said with a chuckle.
