MOOSE JAW — The Hillcrest Apostolic Church gymnasium was filled with the scent of fresh, homemade pancakes and the spirit of community as Square One Community Inc. and the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow hosted their inaugural “Spring Brunch and Learn” recently.
The event brought together residents, agencies, and local leaders for a morning of food, learning, and collaboration — all in support of initiatives addressing homelessness and food insecurity in Moose Jaw.
What began as a simple idea to host a community breakfast quickly grew into something much larger, said Della Ferguson, co-founder of Square One Community who helped organize the event.
“(Rob Clark said) I have an idea: we should have a family breakfast and have all the agencies come and tell us what they’re doing for our community,” Ferguson said during her introductory remarks. “And so, the idea was born.
“There’s no better way (of highlighting this) than having the people who are doing the work share with you the work that’s being done,” she said. “Community is built on the values of communication, coordination, collaboration, connection, and contribution… collectively, we are so grateful (to have these representatives speak with us) today.”
Following a hearty brunch featuring Rotary Club-made pancakes and homemade baking — including a delicious hash brown casserole, cornbread, and back bacon — representatives from various organizations shared brief updates on their work in the community. Each speaker was allotted three minutes to highlight their programs and invite the community to engage further.
Among the key speakers was Maxton Eckstein of Square One Community, who emphasized the importance of collective support.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many stakeholders here attending. (We have) members of the community, organizations, and politicians,” Eckstein said. “You know, everybody’s on the same page about this — about providing supports to the unhoused. This really isn’t an issue that’s partisan… and we are so excited to see our program expand and to continue serving more of our most vulnerable community members here in Moose Jaw.”
Eckstein also praised the shifting attitude within the community.
“We’re really energized by the community support. It makes our job much easier knowing that we’re not out there alone,” he said. “One thing I’ve really noticed that’s shifted in Moose Jaw is the willingness to step forward and try something new… we’re starting to see that same kind of care coming from the community itself.”
Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson also attended the brunch in a show of support from the provincial government, echoing the sentiment of hope and collaboration.
“It was great to be at this event today, to see all of the organizations working to support vulnerable people in our community… then working together to help provide a transition into recovery… (so that people) can be content and happy with their lives,” Patterson said.
“We live in a really, really special community,” she added. “We have so many people who are willing to provide support… in terms of their time, (lending the use of) their buildings, their spaces, as well as by donating funds when it’s needed.”
Proceeds from the event , which helps individuals transition into stable housing through independent living accommodations and daily supports at William Milne Place where Square One is situated.
Organizers expressed their hope that this event will become an annual tradition, strengthening the partnerships that are vital to addressing some of Moose Jaw’s most pressing challenges.
For more information on how to support local initiatives, visit or .
