MOOSE JAW — More than two dozen men stepped up in a big way during the “Step Up For Her” fundraiser at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall on March 7, collectively walking over one million steps and raising more than $25,000 in support of the Moose Jaw Transition House.
The event, which carried over into the early hours of International Women’s Day on March 8, raised awareness and funds for the downtown outreach office of the Moose Jaw Transition House, a shelter that supports women and children who are affected by domestic violence.
“This event was so much more than a fundraiser for us,” said Jenn Angus, executive director of the Moose Jaw Transition House. “When local men come together to support women, it sends a powerful message that gender equality and ending violence against women is everyone’s responsibility.”
The idea behind the event was for 25 men to accumulate one million steps in a single day, representing a commitment to standing against gender-based violence. Participants tracked their steps throughout the day and then gathered at 10 p.m. to walk laps inside the Town ‘N’ Country Mall. By 1:15 a.m., the group had collectively reached their goal.
The initiative was spearheaded by John Iatridis, owner of the Mad Greek restaurant, who, along with other community members, wanted to continue supporting the shelter after the cancellation of the annual “Men’s Night Out in the Cold” fundraiser.
“John Iatridis from the Mad Greek reached out and said that he and a bunch of other men… really wanted to continue to support the Transition House and had come up with the idea of doing a walk for International Women’s Day,” said Angus.
Community support drives success
The event saw participation from local business owners, first responders, and city officials, including Mayor James Murdock and Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod. Members of the Moose Jaw Fire Department, Moose Jaw Police Service, and others also took part in the effort.
Participants also engaged the broader community, spreading awareness at the Moose Jaw Warriors hockey game earlier that evening.
Volunteers and sponsors played a key role in the event’s success. Michaela Turner, community and employee engagement manager with the Moose Jaw Co-op, provided snacks and drinks, while Jennilee Novak, assistant property manager at the mall, ensured the group had the space to walk.
A lasting impact
Proceeds will go toward keeping the Transition House’s downtown outreach office open for another year. The office serves more than 500 women, youth, and families annually by providing crucial support services.
“Thanks to these men and everyone who donated, we will be able to keep our office open for at least another year,” Angus said. “We don’t have a final number as pledges are still coming in, but so far these men have raised over $25,000.”
Beyond the financial support, Angus emphasized the broader impact of the initiative.
“These men are standing in solidarity with survivors and helping to create a safer, more equitable community,” she said. “Women see that they have allies, and men and boys see shining examples of strong leadership in other men.”
As International Women’s Day approached, Angus highlighted the significance of these continued efforts toward gender equality.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme — ‘Accelerate Action’ — reminds us that real change happens when we come together with purpose,” she said. “At the Transition House, we see every day how community support makes a difference in the lives of women.”
For more information about the Moose Jaw Transition House visit MJ-TransitionHouse.com or call 306-693-6511.
