Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC) has heard about the difficulties the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association (MJDSA) is facing and is launching a fundraiser to support the association.
MJFFC is collecting bottles, cans, and similar recycling materials throughout June and July, as it seeks to help the seniors’ association stay afloat financially. Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to contribute whatever recyclable containers they have; materials can be dropped off at the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre at 335 Fourth Avenue Southwest, or you can call 306-693-2271 to have the recyclables picked up.
“We noticed there was an article that was published regarding the potential closure of the Timothy Eaton Gardens, and as an agency that has a day program centre, we know how important it is to have those types of facilities in the community,” explained Katie Statler, community co-ordinator with Families for Change. “We wanted to use our resources and try to help them out.”
Seniors are often forgotten in Moose Jaw and there are not many community programs available to support them, Statler continued. However, Timothy Eaton Gardens has shown that it is active in the community and provides positive programming.
“I think that this is definitely a service that Moose Jaw can benefit from and it would be sad to see it close,” she added.
Moose Jaw Families for Change will continue collecting recyclable containers until the end of July, before re-evaluating whether the seniors’ association wants the collecting to continue.
Vicki Wadsworth, president of the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association, is pleased with the support.
“I think it’s wonderful. It’s nice that different groups can work together,” she said. “I think it’s really nice that people are that generous that they would go out and do something like that to help another group in need.
“It says a lot about our community, that there are so many people willing to get out there and help each other.”
Besides the recycling fundraiser campaign, residents have also supported the MJDSA by attending its town hall meeting even though they weren’t members. Since the announcement that the MJDSA is struggling, the organization has seen an increase in membership and people stepping forward to volunteer.
Wadsworth believes Moose Jaw is a great place to live, especially since people can rely on their neighbours to help them.
“We’re just very grateful to the support we’ve received from everybody in our community,” she added.
The Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association is holding a dance and barbecue on Canada Day, July 1. To support the MJDSA, call 306-694-4223.
