Square One’s inaugural Walk for Warmth fundraiser took place on March 9 and received tremendous community support, announcing in a press release on Facebook that the grand total raised from the event is $37,451.81.
Almost 250 people took part in the Walk for Warmth, individually and in about 40 teams. Local dignitaries walking in support included Mayor Clive Tolley, Chief Rick Bourassa of the Moose Jaw Police Service, singer/songwriter Megan Nash, and former Snowbirds commander Maryse Carmichael.
Square One Community Inc. is a Moose Jaw non-profit that has grown in leaps and bounds since it was founded in 2021 with the goal of advocating for people who do not have access to reliable, safe shelter.
Square One’s achievements include establishing lines of communication between every relevant aid and emergency service organization in the city, creating a Cold Weather Strategy that gathers shelter, food, and warm clothing options into a single, regularly updated document, and initiating collaborations with national programs for the unhoused.
On April 1st, Square One will take possession of a portion of Moose Jaw’s old firehall, William Milne Place, with the goal of developing it into a warming space and women’s shelter.
Della Ferguson, Square One board chair, has repeatedly noted that their successes would not be possible without the continuous support, determination, and compassion of the community.
“We cannot thank you enough for every pledge raised, cupcake sold, and text for funds written that led to such amazing totals,” Square One said in its announcement. “You are outstanding and truly prove how a community coming together can make change happen.”
Major sponsors of the Walk for Warmth included:
- Zion United, St. Andrew's United, and St. Aidan's Anglican churches
- Moose Jaw Families for Change
- Nutrien Ag Solutions
- Moose Jaw Co-op
- Moose Jaw Police Service
- Unifor 649
- Veroba's Family Restaurant
- Grant Hall
- Moose Jaw Firefighters Associaiton
- The Mad Greek Restaurant
- Prairie South School Division
The release also said that there is still much work to do to create the infrastructure needed at William Milne Place.
Volunteers for the new warming space and women’s shelter will be needed, as will supplies and furnishings.
Square One is also supporting the Salvation Army on Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. serving meals to the unhoused. Volunteers for the meal time help prepare food, greet guests, serve, and clean up afterwards.
Moose Javians who want to be on the Square One list should email communitysquareone@gmail.com.
