MOOSE JAW — Maxton Eckstein, the co-ordinator of Square One Community Inc., announced further details on the organization’s upcoming annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser with proceeds going to strengthen its supportive housing initiative this winter.
Walk for Warmth 2025 is set to take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Square One Community office on Thursday, Mar. 13.
This year’s walk will start at Square One and conclude at Zion United Church, and participants can expect to hear church bells peeling in support during the evening.
“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,” Eckstein said.
“(The walk is also meant) to show solidarity with those individuals so that they can see a community that’s wrapped around them, cares about them, and that is working very hard to hopefully make this the last winter they have to experience living and sleeping outdoors.”
The Walk for Warmth is Square One’s largest annual fundraising event and Eckstein described . This year’s goal is to surpass this and raise $20,000.
“It’s just a wonderful way for us all to band together to show that we care,” he added.
Eckstein estimated that the walk will take around 30 minutes to complete and said participants will focus on the downtown core and the perimeter of Crescent Park.
“I would encourage anybody participating and registering their organization for this event to make sure you dress very warmly, as these Saskatchewan winters are quite difficult,” he said, noting that “we can experience, just for a few minutes, what some people are having to experience all day.”
This physical, outdoor endeavour is likely to be eye opening for many participants. “It’s just a window into the challenges that someone may face,” Eckstein said.
Eckstein shared that when a vulnerable individual feels supported by an organized community, it can play a crucial role in their recovery.
“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,” he explained. “When they can see that people are out there for them and speaking with them, talking, and offering them kind things, it really changes someone’s mindset.
“We can’t underestimate the power of a caring and loving community, and this is just one of the ways that we do that. We are really hoping to show the love of the community for those in this tough situation at this cold time of year.”
Square One is currently seeking businesses, organizations, and individuals to support both the walk and its ongoing community initiatives. Businesses and organizations can get involved through varying tiers of corporate sponsorships with further details available on Square One’s website or by calling 306-691-0720.
To register for the walk, a pledge form is available on and also . Participants may sign up on the day of the walk but it’s advisable to register in advance.
To learn more about Square One visit , follow ‘’ on Facebook, or email [email protected]. You can reach the organization by phone at 306-691-0720.
Walk for Warmth participants will take their first steps at William Milne Place located at 138 Fairford Street West.
