As you can imagine, braving frigid temperatures outside at -35 degrees including windchill for a night can be life threatening.
Last weekend, a small group of individuals did just that for a good cause.
As a mentor for Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL), Mark Gilliland wanted to initiate a project with 19-year-old Jessie Halvorsen that would be a win-win for all...a good experience in mentorship, an opportunity to develop new skills and an opportunity to volunteer to do something good for the community.
“It was good for the shelter, the community and the kids,” said Gilliland.
A month in advance, they brainstormed, and Jessie came up with the idea of a campout fundraiser they called, "A Night of Warmth for Riverside Mission."
Not dependent on weather conditions that might be on that day, Gilliland said, “We had to follow through, whatever the weather was.”
They picked the location to be the parking lot by Veroba’s Restaurant on Fairford and laid camp at dusk, knowing that it would be a very chilly night to stay outside. “It was pretty cold,” Gilliland said, “but we were dressed for it.”
A few others joined the campout, including Gayland Panko, Jessie’s brother Sebasten Halvorsen, and Tristan Wahpooseyan.
Despite the severe weather conditions, about a dozen visitors came by with hot chocolate and well-wishes to stay warm.
With a very small contained fire, a tarp that housed Gilliland, a tent, snowsuits and sleeping bags, they managed to keep the warmth going for Riverside Mission all night long.
Gilliland says the Police Department deserves a big thank for dropping by occasionally throughout the night to make sure they were alright.
The project was a callout for donations for the men’s shelter, and those that may want to can still donate directly to Riverside Mission. There was a collection tin at the campout, as well, and Gilliland said they managed to raise a small amount.
“It was more of an awareness campaign” said Gilliland. “Hopefully, more people will think of Riverside mission and this cause.
“It was a very positive experience!”
Executive Director for Riverside Mission Rachel Mullins responded to the project saying that Riverside Mission always needs funding and thanks for thinking of them, says Gilliland.
In speaking with Mullins last week during the recent cold snap, Mullins told the Moose Jaw Express that things have been pretty busy around Riverside Mission with individuals needing a shelter for the night, and more considering the extreme cold conditions.
Although the housing-units provided at Riverside Mission are always full, there is an emergency men’s shelter with ten beds available and an overflow for five more if necessary.
There is also the Riverside Mission dining hall that offers free meals for men and women and families. “We don’t turn anyone away,” said Mullins.
Riverside Mission is located at 40 Manitoba St. E.
