Beginning as a safe and chem-free New Year’s Eve celebratory option for youths, Voltage gives over 500 teenagers aged 13 – 19 a venue to ring in the new year without the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“To be able to provide a safe, fun-filled, challenging night for the youth of Moose Jaw on a night that is known for so many negative party options, that is important in and of itself,” explained Joe Dueck, the founder and director of Joe’s Place Youth Centre.
This year’s event took place at the Hillcrest Church and saw 512 youths and around 145 volunteers for a total of over 650 participants.
The theme was a medieval fantasy that drew on works such as C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and The Princess Bride. To match the theme, “destiny” was chosen as the title for the year.
“We really wanted youths, who might be struggling with mental health issues, to know what they have a hope-filled destiny to look forward to. Their future does look bright, and there is hope out there. They can accomplish great things and they’re not alone in pursuing that destiny.”
After a switch in focus from job skills to preparation for Voltage, classes ranging from photography to acting and stage skills culminated in a theatrical production announcing this year’s theme.
“This year it was the story of two youths competing against each other, and (against) other guest competitors for a crown and a throne. It was pretty powerful and had an amazing surprise ending…,” Dueck said.
The successful hour-long performance is now being made into a movie and will show at a movie premier event on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The young celebrities will pull up to Joe’s Place in a limousine, walk the red carpet, and have an opportunity to sign autographs.
“Some of the special effects that we accomplished this year are Hollywood grade. It’s pretty amazing,” Dueck said.
A few highlights from this year’s event include a dance presentation by the Refined Undignified (RU) dance group and live music performed by ‘The Color,’ a Canadian two-time Juno award-winning band.
After finding the safest approach to the design of siege weapons made of wood, castles were built out of Rubbermaid containers and competing teams used the catapults to lay siege to their opponent.
Axe throwing fit the theme perfectly and was led by Little Chicago Entertainment, along with fencing, made possible thanks to the Saskatchewan Fencing Association. Dueck said fencing was so popular he’s looking to bring the instructor back for additional matches throughout the year.
One interesting highlight was a live falcon. Handled by Saskatoon-based Nairn Gillies, youths were shown how to properly hold the bird of prey and learned an assortment of interesting avian facts.
Several prizes are always awarded at Voltage, with one ‘mega prize’ draw to cap it off. One youth can choose from among four prizes that usually include a mountain bike provided by Canadian Tire and expensive gadgets, such as this year’s Xbox S with a 50-inch TV.
There has also been a medieval suit of armour on stage for a few years, and this year’s selected recipient chose to take the metal, battle-worthy suit of medieval armour home with her.
“It was quite hilarious to see their parents pull up shaking their heads that they had to load this suit of armour into their hatchback. Where they’re going to put this suit of armour in their home, I’m not sure.”
Dueck said it takes a few big miracles and a whole bunch of little ones to make Voltage happen each year. In 2023, Joe’s Place faced a tough financial year but saw a timely donation come in whenever a major bill was coming due. The building at 402 Main Street North is also in need of an electrical upgrade.
The three title sponsors for Voltage this year were K+S Potash Canada, Burns & McDonnell, and River Street Promotions.
“If you take a look at our sponsorship thank-you poster, it’s very encouraging to see the community get together behind an event like this. We could not have done it without all our incredible sponsors.”
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