When local metal artists Bill and Laurette Keen saw a problem in the community regarding housing insecurity and mental health issues, they wanted to do something to help.
Doing what they do best, the Keens took the time to craft a beautiful pair of trees out of metal.
“They had this idea and put together this beautiful work of art. They had it on their heart to help those who are struggling around addictions and mental health issues,” said Della Ferguson, chairperson for Square One Community Inc, “and so they knew that those (people who are unhoused) are struggling with many issues and they really felt this would be the best fit for this program.”
The result of their effort has been the Stronger Together campaign.
A new chapter for the initiative has now begun. The metal trees and leaves containing donor names will be displayed in a variety of buildings in Moose Jaw and set up as a travelling art exhibition. The goal of the rotational display is to provide inspiration and get the conversation started.
“It’s a talking point, and it draws people into a conversation that we all need to have in the community,” Ferguson explained.
The first stop for the artwork is Circle Medical Centre located at the Civic Centre Mall Plaza. Dr. Brabant with Circle Medical is a supporter of the campaign, and the artwork is featured prominently at the front entrance of the building. To facilitate learning more about the campaign, Circle Medical Centre has added a plaque with a QR code.
“I do a lot of work with patients who struggle with addictions and homelessness. Square One has done a lot of work in helping my patient population. (In) the Stronger Together campaign, we were actually approached early (on)… to sponsor a leaf, and it was something I agreed with wholeheartedly…,” said Dr. Brabant.
The campaign operates by having volunteers sponsor a leaf on the tree. By choosing one of three categories, they can help contribute toward a solution to homelessness in Moose Jaw.
The categories are bronze, silver, and gold. Bronze leaves can be sponsored for $100, silver for $200, and gold leaves for $300.
Proceeds go to the John Howard Society to support its ‘My Place’ program.
The Keens found inspiration to act when they learned about a recent death in Regina.
“The news was highlighting people who are very challenged with mental health and addiction issues. The fellow who died while being in emergency in Regina … was the story that really hurt their hearts and they said, ‘I want to be part of the solution so this doesn’t happen again,’” said Ferguson.
“I know that’s when they approached me … and they knew I am very involved in the mental health and wellness support in the community. Awareness-raising is my passion, so folks know how to reach out,” she explained.
To make the campaign idea a reality, the Keens partnered with Square One Community Inc.
The objective of the Stronger Together campaign is to raise funds ‘to give help, hope, and heart’ to those struggling with mental health issues and housing insecurity. The aim is to allow people to achieve a meaningful independence.
To date, the Stronger Together campaign has raised $35,000 for the John Howard Society’s 'My Place' program.
“We are really grateful to (Bill and Laurette) for that community spirit, and for seeing a problem and wanting to be part of the solution,” Ferguson said.
To sponsor a leaf, three easy steps are required.
The first step is to choose the amount and donations are represented in gold, silver, and bronze categories.
The second step is to make a payment. E-transfer payments can be made by using “Stronger Together” along with your name, physical address, and email address to CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com.
Cheques can be made payable to Square One Community Inc., and the mailing address is P.O. Box 1616, Moose Jaw, SK., S6H 7K7. Be sure to write “Square One – Stronger Together” in the memo line.
The third step is to email CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com for leaf engraving instructions. The leaves can display donations made in your own name, a business name, or in memory of a loved one.
All donors will receive a tax receipt issued by Square One Community Inc.
Circle Medical Centre is located at Unit 2B, 1251 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-3737.
In response to some providers blocking access to Canadian news on their platforms, our website, MooseJawToday.com will continue to be your source for hyper-local Moose Jaw news. Bookmark MooseJawToday.com and sign up for our free online newsletter to read the latest local developments.
