MOOSE JAW — Square One Community Inc. is making a final push for participants and support ahead of its annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser that aims to raise vital funds for the Community Supportive Housing Initiative and to “(make) homelessness history” this month.
Walk for Warmth 2025 is set to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Square One Community office on Thursday, March 13.
This year’s walk will start at the William Milne Place and conclude at Zion United Church, with the peeling of church bells expected to greet participants during the evening.
As of March 2, 12 teams have registered, but organizers are hoping to see even more community involvement to help reach their ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000.
“The reason we’re doing this walk is, number one, to raise awareness about the situation of those who are unhoused and sleeping outdoors in such a cold time of year,” said Maxton Eckstein, co-ordinator of Square One in an earlier interview.
Funds raised through Walk for Warmth will be used to expand Square One’s supportive housing initiative at William Milne Place — its current headquarters — where the organization is actively working to transition individuals experiencing homelessness into stable housing. To expand its services further, Square One is looking to hire four additional staff members.
Walk for Warmth is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a symbolic and physical demonstration of the community’s commitment to addressing homelessness. Participants will take a short walk through downtown Moose Jaw, including Crescent Park, experiencing firsthand, if only briefly, the challenges faced by those who endure Saskatchewan’s harsh winter nights without shelter.
Eckstein advised all participants to dress warmly and check the forecast ahead of the walk, noting that Saskatchewan’s winters can be quite difficult. “We can experience, just for a few minutes, what some people are having to experience all day,” he said.
Beyond raising awareness, events like this can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. “It’s an important step for someone to feel comfortable reaching out to the community for resources and to seek assistance in changing the way things are for them,” Eckstein added.
“It’s just a wonderful way for us all to band together to show that we care,” he said. “We can’t underestimate the power of a caring and loving community, and this is just one of the ways that we do that.”
With the event just days away, Square One is encouraging last-minute registrations for individuals, teams, businesses, and community groups. Those unable to participate in the walk can still support the cause by making a pledge or becoming an event sponsor by emailing the organization.
A pledge form is available on SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com and also on its Facebook page. Participants may register on the day of the walk, but advance registration is encouraged.
To learn more about Square One, visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com, follow ‘Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or email [email protected].
Walk for Warmth participants will take their first steps at William Milne Place located at 138 Fairford Street West.
