The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for its annual event this Thursday called Reality Check — a financial literacy simulation that teaches Grade 9 students about real-world budgeting. The event takes place October 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic gymnasium in partnership with Prairie South School Division, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Reality Check gives students hands-on experience with adult financial responsibilities by assigning them cards with real-world scenarios including income levels, expenses, and dependents such as children or spouses. "It's a great event for students to gain further understanding of how their parents live on a day-to-day basis," said Rob Clark, president and CEO of the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce. "It really puts things into perspective for these students and gives them a real-world experience, and therefore a better understanding what to expect in the future about budgeting." Students navigate various stations representing bills, expenses, and life choices, attempting to balance their assigned budgets. Those who successfully meet their budgets receive a small reward. Clark said student reactions to the simulation often reveal how challenging adult financial management can be. "Some of the students come over to me, like they get a card and have two children, or they picked a house or apartment with too high a mortgage," Clark said. "And so, some of them come over, like, can I get rid of these two kids? Because they're costing me money." Students from Peacock High School, Central Collegiate, Vanier Collegiate, Cornerstone Christian School, and some rural schools are expected to participate. The chamber anticipates approximately 450 to 500 students will attend, similar to last year's participation of 490 students. The larger schools, Central Collegiate and Peacock High School, will participate in the morning session, with other schools attending in the afternoon. Clark said volunteering at Reality Check provides entertainment and perspective for facilitators and volunteers, as well as the students. "It's actually a great entertainment for the volunteers to see what these students are going through and what questions they're asking," he explained. "They always have some great stories afterwards of watching the kids come face to face with reality and having to make, kind of tough choices." Volunteers receive lunch from Family Pizza between the morning and afternoon sessions. Those interested in volunteering can contact the chamber at chamber@mjchamber.com or call 306-692-6414. The chamber is also hosting a Small Business Week panel discussion on October 22 at the Moose Jaw Public Library in partnership with the library and Moose Jaw Art Museum. The free event will feature local entrepreneurs Chad Wells from Wells Cameron Sound, Crystal Milburn from Prairie Bee Meadery, and Marcy Duffy from Keon Garden Centre, discussing their business experiences. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet followed by the panel discussion. Tickets are free with a donation to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.