MOOSE JAW — When members of Moose Jaw’s first responder organizations learned of the need for essential care products among students in both school divisions, they got to work organizing a hygiene product drive to ensure no child will continue to go without these essentials.
The campaign was launched by the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS), Moose Jaw Fire Department, Saskatchewan RCMP, Medavie Health Services West, and the Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service with drop-off locations available at the physical address of each of these essential services.
The campaign ran from Dec. 6, 2024, until its conclusion on Jan. 15.
“After hearing (of this need), we as an organization, along with (other) Moose Jaw first responders, wanted to try and help the youth in our community by starting this hygiene drive,” said the MJPS in a typed response.
Although exact figures were not confirmed, several boxes, plastic totes, and cloth bags were filled with items ranging from toothbrushes to shampoo to loofas at the conclusion of the drive. In one instance, the Atria Mulberry Estates community donated four boxes on Jan. 15.
“We cannot put an exact number for items donated, but given the volume of donations, many youths within our community will benefit from the personal care products that were donated,” the MJPS said.
“Being a community-first police service, this type of initiative is part of our strategic plan, which is to enhance relationships and engagement with the residents within Moose Jaw.”
The drive was launched in response to reports from the Prairie South and Holy Trinity school divisions indicating that some students lacked access to necessary hygiene products. To address this need, Moose Jaw’s first responder organizations set up drop-off locations at their respective headquarters and encouraged residents to donate unopened items such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other personal care essentials.
The result was another outpouring of support from a community known for its generosity.
“We could not have asked for a better response from the community — Moose Jaw answered the call,” the MJPS wrote. “We are so grateful and appreciative of the support that the hygiene drive received from the community.”
These items are now being distributed to local schools to ensure that students in need have access to these essential care products.
The MJPS and its partners expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support of the community.
“We would like to give a big thank you to the community of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw first responders for their support in this hygiene drive. The impact you’ve made on Moose Jaw’s youth will be long-lasting.”
If you missed the opportunity to contribute and would like to help out, one organization that will continue to accept donations is the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) located at 60 Athabasca Street East. Before leaving a donation, the MJMC asks each donor to call ahead to confirm that specific items are being accepted as storage space is limited.
The MJMC can be reached during regular business hours at 306-693-4677.
