Non-profit group Square One Community is excited that two Moose Jaw artists are using their talents with metalwork to support the organization’s efforts to address homelessness and mental health issues.
Bill and Laurette Keen have created two sculptured trees around the theme of “Stronger Together,” where residents can purchase an engraved leaf that will be permanently displayed on the trees. Donors will receive a bronze leaf for $100, a silver leaf for $200, or a gold leaf for $300.
The trees and engraved leaves will later be permanently displayed at the John Howard Society. In addition, the society will issue tax receipts to all donors.
The Keens will also feature 40 pieces of their metalwork at the Mosaic Art Gallery in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre from Wednesday, July 28 to Tuesday, Aug. 31. All proceeds from the W.C. Keen Metal Sculpture Show and Sale will support Square One Community.
‘Immense creativity’
“We are so grateful to them. It is the most generous gesture for them. It just shows the investment they’re making — and want to make — in mental health in our community and mental well-being … ,” said Della Ferguson, a board member and the fundraising chair for Square One.
The “immense creativity” they put into everything is great, while all their work — into which they pour their love, care and personality — has an affirming message, she added. The fact they are fundraising for mental health and wellness “is a model of how community comes together and how we are stronger together.”
A tragic incident
The Keens focused on mental health since they are passionate about this topic, they explained. They believe that mental illness is the root of many issues in society but noted people are talking about it more after years of hiding it.
The death by suicide of a 20-year-old university football player in Regina last year deeply affected the Keens. Samwel Uko twice sought help from the General Hospital on May 21, 2020. He was cleared to leave the first time and was escorted out by security the second time for refusing to give his name.
He then walked to Wascana Lake and is presumed to have drowned himself.
“When I saw that on the news, I thought, ‘What a waste,’” Mr. Keen said. “This fella, he was trying so hard to get help, and he could not get help. That is really one of the things that opened my eyes.”
The Keens added that since Moose Jaw has supported them for 50 years, they see this as their chance to give back.
Holistic programming
The money raised from these two initiatives will be helpful, especially since Square One is a new organization and needs help to propel it into action, Ferguson said. The non-profit will use the money for programming, including providing the less fortunate with a home and wrapping a support system around them.
A program co-ordinator will put this objective into action. This might include assisting people with financial planning, grocery shopping, creating well-balanced meals and providing mental health supports.
“So it’s that holistic programming to support a person and help them start out at square one in their life as they’re trying to rebuild,” added Ferguson.
Square One Community — along with its many community partners — deals with mental health regularly, especially since people who are homeless face those challenges along with substance abuse or past traumas, she added. That is why it is important to have trauma-informed care so support networks can meet people where they are in life.
To purchase an engraved leaf, contact the Keens at [email protected] or 306-692-4912. All cheques should be made out to the John Howard Society and mailed to Square One Community at Box 1616, Moose Jaw, S6H 7K7.
Online donations can be made to www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/61648/donation.
