LA RONGE, Sask. – A group in northern Saskatchewan braved the elements this past weekend to raise money and awareness about homelessness and addiction services in their area. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band was one of 15 participants to collect pledges and sleep under the stars on Valentine’s Day.
Proceeds from the 18-hour fundraiser will go to the “Scattered Site Outreach Program” in La Ronge, Sask.
According to Cook-Searson, the shelter recently introduced extended hours as part of a pilot program.
One of the goals from the campout is to keep the program going until the weather warms up.
“If you have a program such as the Scattered Site Outreach Program and people having a nice warm place where they can actually relax and feel safe and get comfortable and they’re able to go there, it takes the pressure from their families that already have overcrowded houses,” said Cook-Searson.
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She says the program has also freed up law enforcement in the area. Collectively, the group was able to raise over $13,000.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can still visit Cook-Searson’s Facebook page.
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