MOOSE JAW — The executive director of Moose Jaw Transition House is excited that The RONA Foundation plans to support the charity’s efforts to upgrade its shelter to better meet the needs of its clients.
The foundation — which oversees the philanothropic efforts of RONA Inc. — announced recently that it would support Transition House as part of its
This initiative contributes to seven non-profit organizations’ building or renovation projects — one for reach region where RONA operates stores — that aim to revitalize living environments or facilitate access to housing for victims of domestic abuse and their children, low-income families, and people with disabilities or mental illnesses.
From April 21 to May 31, customers can donate to the fundraiser in RONA+ and RONA corporate stores — Moose Jaw’s is on Thatcher Drive East — and online at . A new feature this year is the “Win Your Renovations” contest, where store customers who donate $15 or more will have the chance to win one of three RONA gift cards, including one for $25,000 and two for $1,000.
Contest rules are on .
The company’s goal is to distribute $1 million to these organizations, with campaign funds presented in the province where they were raised. It will reveal how much each non-profit is receiving on July 8.
“It’s incredible,” Jenn Angus, Moose Jaw Transition House’s executive director, said about the support.
“It’s going to make a huge difference for our shelter and really upgrade the things that are so expensive and wear out over time and (that) really make our lives so much better for the clients living in the house.”
The non-profit has big plans this year to upgrade its shelter, including replacing the roof, installing two new furnaces to replace the “really, really outdated” ones, installing a higher-quality HVAC system, purchasing new water heaters, laying down new floors and installing new windows, Angus continued. The organization was fortunate because it upgraded its basement last year and won’t have to focus there as much.
The number of women and children who use the shelter has stayed consistent over the past few years, as roughly 100 such families access the venue annually, the executive director said. However, the length of stay has increased to an average of 19 days from around 10 days.
“… there’s not a ton of (secure housing options) out there for them to look for, so it’s just getting a little harder for them to find a place that is safe and affordable,” she continued.
The forthcoming donation from The RONA Foundation is “life-changing” because it will not only support women and children now, but will contribute to the Transition House providing services for another 50 years, Angus pointed out.
“One of the things we hear from our clients quite often — because we do an evaluation — is that sometimes the basement can be quite cold, and this has to do with our heating system,” she added. “And we just want to make people as comfortable as possible while they’re here just so they can heal … properly and focus on that.”
Conference
Moose Jaw Transition House is working with Partners Against Violence to host the “Power of Collaboration Conference” on Thursday, May 15 at the Grant Hall Hotel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $100, which includes lunch; registration closes Thursday, May 1.
The conference will feature Dr. Jody Carrington, an Alberta-based physician who is a renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and global speaker. Meanwhile, some event topics will include trauma-informed care and emotional well-being, strengthening collaboration and building partnerships across sectors and practical strategies to improve lives and create stronger communities.
To reserve a spot, contact Jenn Angus at .
