About 100 people walked together in Moose Jaw to help neighbours facing homelessness.

The annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser took place this past weekend, raising close to $18,000 for Square One Community Supportive Housing. Organizers say the final total may increase once all pledges are counted.

wfw 6.jpg All walking supporters walking on Main Street. (Photo credit: TJ England)

Community turnout stays strong

Around 100 to 110 people joined the walk, similar to last year’s turnout.

Maxton Eckstein, general manager of Square One Community Supportive Housing, said community support continues to make a difference.

“We’re always really energized when we see a big turnout in support of supportive services,” Eckstein said. “Every person here we really value because everyone who donates or participates carries our voice out into the community.”

Participants walked together to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing housing insecurity in Moose Jaw.

wfw 1.jpg Maxton Eckstein, general manager of Square One Community Supportive Housing. (Photo credit: TJ England)

Funds support housing programs

The event raised an estimated $18,000, though organizers say the number may change once all pledges are received.

“We’re close to $18,000 right now,” said Della Ferguson, president of the Square One Community Supportive Housing board of directors. “Not all pledges are in yet, so we’re giving that estimate at this moment.”

The funds support Square One’s housing programs, which have already helped more than 60 people move out of homelessness and into stable housing.

“We’re looking at expanding again this year beyond the 60 individuals who have moved out of homelessness and into intensive programming,” Stein said.

wfw3.jpg Supporters in the "Walk for Warmth". (Photo credit: TJ England)

 

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Volunteers, sponsors and partners

Volunteers helped organize the event, including members of Square One’s fundraising committee and board.

SEIU volunteers served refreshments, providing hot chocolate and cookies for walkers after the event.

“It was so nice to walk in and have the smell of hot chocolate in the air and cookies to eat,” Ferguson said.

Several organizations and businesses also supported the fundraiser.

Stride sponsor

  • Casino Moose Jaw

Leap sponsors

  • CAE

  • Strictly Fences Ltd.

Step up sponsors

  • Red Sky Farms Inc.

  • Simpson Seeds Inc.

  • SaskEnergy

  • The Light Yoga & Wellness Studio

  • Real Canadian Superstore

  • SEIU – West First Nations, Métis and Inuit Community

Community partners

  • Willow Lodge

  • Hope Ministries

  • John Howard Society

Stein said partnerships between organizations are key to helping people who need support.

“We have a strong continuum of support between organizations here to provide support for vulnerable people,” he said.

wfw 4.jpg Supporters walking near Crescent Park. (Photo Credit: TJ England)

Next fundraiser already planned

Square One is already planning its next fundraiser.

Ferguson said the organization will host a rib and Caesar meal fundraiser at Bobby’s Place Fish and Chips on May 6. Lunch and supper sittings will be offered, with tickets priced at $27.

Tickets go on sale April 1, and organizers say the event will also feature raffles, including a summer vibes raffle and a 50-50 draw.

wfw 5.jpg Supporters crossing Main Street and High Street. (Photo Credit: TJ England)

Donations always welcome

Ferguson said community support remains important throughout the year, not just during fundraising events.

Square One accepts donations of money as well as household items to help people moving into housing. Items such as beds, bedding, towels, kitchenware, microwaves, toasters, pots and pans, sofas and other furniture are often needed.

“It’s always gratitude,” Ferguson said. “People coming together to walk as a community touches the hearts of the people we serve.”

She encouraged residents to keep sharing the message about the work being done in Moose Jaw.

“There’s no powerful change greater than a community discovering what it cares about,” Ferguson said. “We care about people.”

wfw 2.jpg Hot chocolate gathering with participants. (Photo credit: TJ England)

 

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