MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Catholic Schools Music Association (MJCSMA) is asking for community support as students and volunteers hit the streets for its annual spring bottle drive — with the hope of creating an exciting opportunity for the next generation of musicians.
Scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the staff parking lot at Vanier Collegiate, the evening fundraiser will run until 8:30 p.m. with the goal of supporting band and choir programs led by Jim Mitchell and David Selensky.
Although participants were encouraged to pre-register, organizers emphasize that last-minute donations and drop-offs are still welcome — and greatly appreciated.
“It’s about building something sustainable,” said Michelle Schwartz, chair of the MJCSMA that formed in late 2024. “We’re not just fundraising for one event — we’re growing a program that helps students access music education and opportunities well into their high school years.”
The funds raised will go directly into students’ point-based fundraising accounts. Under this new system, each dollar raised earns one point, which students can redeem to help cover music-related trips and extracurricular events. The system is designed to pool resources while easing the financial burden on families.
“It’s a way to make sure all students, regardless of their situation, have a chance to participate,” Schwartz said.
This year’s drive is particularly exciting as it’s the first to include Grade 8 students from elementary schools within the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division who will be attending Vanier in the fall. Participating elementary schools include St. Margaret, St. Agnes, St. Michael, Sacred Heart, and St. Mary.
The program’s first milestone will be a major spring trip to Calgary in 2026. While plans are still in development, the idea is for students to perform, attend concerts, and explore Calgary’s arts scene. A recent “test run” to Regina on May 3 helped fine-tune logistics, with high school students attending an evening performance by the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
“It gave us a chance to see what works and what doesn’t — to make sure that when it comes time for Calgary, we’re ready,” Schwartz said of the Regina trip.
For those who missed the spring bottle drive, it’s not too late to support the cause. Bottles can be dropped off anytime at SARCAN through its “Drop and Go” system under the account name “MJCSMA.” Community members are also invited to attend the year-end music recitals at the Mae Wilson Theatre on June 6 and 7. Vanier students will perform on June 6, followed by elementary bands on June 7.
Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Admission is by silver collection, with additional fundraising through community-donated raffle baskets available at the venue.
“These performances are a wonderful way to see what the students have been working toward all year,” said Schwartz. “They’re also a great way to build interest and momentum in the program.”
Schwartz also thanked those who supported the association’s inaugural bottle drive in February. “That event helped us figure out how to run a bottle drive effectively,” she said. “It’s all about supporting our students and giving them opportunities to grow through music.”
To learn more about the Moose Jaw Catholic Schools Music Association or to donate directly, contact [email protected].
Vanier Collegiate Institute is located at 324 MacDonald Street and the staff parking lot is on the south side of the building.
For more information about donating through SARCAN’s Drop and Go program, visit MyDropAndGo.ca.
