The second annual Walk for Warmth by Square One Community, Inc. hopes to draw as many people as possible from Moose Jaw and beyond on March 14 to raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness, as well as raising funds for local helping initiatives.
Della Ferguson, chair of the Square One board, said the first Walk for Warmth — held last year on March 9, 2023 — was an inspiring gathering and an overwhelming success. It raised nearly $40,000 for homelessness initiatives and united the community, bringing several hundred supporters out to walk the perimeter of Crescent Park on a cold evening in the dead of winter.
The weather might be trending more pleasant this time around, but Ferguson said the needs highlighted by the Walk for Warmth are felt by the unhoused all year round.
"Our first one was a huge success, and brought community members out in droves," she said. "We're working towards having that same energy again, and showing everyone that when we come together, we can find solutions.
"... We have no idea what the weather will be, but the need is year-round for these people, and we're working towards that long-term goal of warmth — having their own safe, warm, permanent spaces.
"We have a fundraising committee of volunteers who are just phenomenal, and I'm so grateful to them for their determination and planning skills. I want to acknowledge them, and they're going to be hitting the streets with posters soon with (Walk for Warmth) information, and they'll be looking for sponsors, as well."
The Walk for Warmth will take place Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m., beginning on the steps of Zion United Church on Main Street.
From Zion United, participants will walk down Main Street, turn on High St. toward St. Aidan’s Church, march the full perimeter of Crescent Park, and the Walk will end at St. Andrew’s Social Hall.
Sponsorships and pledges will go toward creating and maintaining a Supportive Housing Hub out of William Milne Place on Fairford Street.
Full information on sponsorship options, pledge sheets, team signups, and more is at squareonehousingmoosejaw.com/events/walkforwarmth.
Square One as an organization is dedicated to the mission of "helping adults who are housing insecure by building, coordinating, and strengthening the continuum of support in collaboration with the community at large."
