The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce Big Give initiative has surpassed its $20,000 goal in only a few weeks. 

What put the initiative over the top was a $10,000 donation from The Mosaic Company, announced on Thursday, Mar. 18.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob Clark takes out one of the first meals from the Mad Greek to be delivered to those in need as part of the Big Give. (Photo by Shawn Slaght)“When we started, we didn't know what we could raise. I think it was $5,000 we had on our minds and then we thought let's go to $20,000,” said Chamber CEO Rob Clark. “Let's make it lofty and when that happened it was like we won the lottery.” 

As of Thursday evening, the Big Give had raised $24,777. All of the funds raised will go to local participating restaurants to purchase meals for Hunger of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank. Every $100 will feed about 10 people. 

Fifty meals went out the door on Thursday from the Mad Greek for the first round of deliveries. 

Owner of the Mad Greek John Iatridis said he was completely on-board when Clark asked if they’d like to take part. 

“His idea was to help us and I can tell you right away we said 'We'll do our part to help." Rob said, 'No, no you guys have to make something off it too,'” said Iatridis. “But, that's the community and that's local businesses basically just paying it forward.” 

Donations are still being taken by calling the Chamber of Commerce office or visiting any of the Moose Jaw Co-op gas bars or the grocery store.

John Iatridis, owner of the Mad Greek, hands a package to Sharla Sept, executive director for Hunger in Moose Jaw. (Photo by Shawn Slaght)