Giving Back Every Day
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Serves with Compassion and Kindness
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been serving southern Saskatchewan for over 30 years. During that time, the mission has fed over 2.5 million people, given away well over one million pieces of clothing, and provided over 100,000 nights of emergency shelter. Providing food, shelter, and clothing is at the core of who they are. When combined with over 100,000 hours of counselling, these free humanitarian services are foundational in providing ‘Real Answers for Real People’ for the long term that Souls Harbour is committed to.
Souls Harbour also offers further programming and services, including two 60-spot subsidized daycares, an addiction program for women and their children, an at-risk youth center, and 60 suites of safe affordable housing. They truly strive to ‘love their neighbour’ as themselves.
It is primarily through the generosity of the Souls Harbour volunteers (and their time) and their donors that Souls Harbour can offer such a holistic continuum of care to those in need. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission receives very little government funding at any level—municipal, provincial, or federal. The primary source of revenue for the important work that Souls Harbour does comes from donations.
“We value every donation, and so stewardship is something we take seriously,” says Joe Miller, Souls Harbour executive director. “To the extent that two years ago we completed a new build at 1632 Angus Street here in Regina with that in mind.” The building was constructed as a ‘passive’ design and not in the conventional manner. There is no boiler in the four-story building, but rather two furnaces which heat the entire facility, even in the cold winter months. “This is all made possible because of an exterior envelope (walls and roof) that is 22” thick and heavily insulated. Window frames are not made of aluminum or PVC but rather fibreglass,” says Joe. “This helps minimize heat loss, and with a specialized air handling unit we have the ability to move cold or hot air when and how we want. Plus, the building is also solar.” Because of this, Souls Harbour has been able to reduce their operational costs by about 30 to 35 per cent. “Now donor dollars go even further, and in the spring or early summer of 2022 we will be constructing a new facility in Moose Jaw as well. It too will be designed with operational savings initiatives,” says Joe.
None of this work would be possible without support from the community. Unfortunately, given the pandemic and its fourth wave, Souls Harbour’s need for volunteers has decreased significantly. However, with the Christmas season upon us, here are a few suggestions on how you can help Souls Harbour help others. You can support the work of Soul Sisters Catering, the social enterprise for the Shayil Home Women’s Addiction Program. Visit shrmsk.com for catering services and monthly ‘take-out’ specials. “This business is run by the girls for the girls,” says Joe. You or your organization can sponsor a meal and feed up to 300 people a healthy, nutritious supper meal. “As an example, you can sponsor a ‘Ukrainian Meal’ with sausage, cabbage rolls, pierogis and more for $600.00,” he says. Finally, you can keep it simple with a cash donation via the website at shrmsk.com or by calling reception at 306-543-0011.
“On behalf of those we serve, my staff, myself, and the Board of Directors, I want to say thanks for your support and for helping us help our society’s less fortunate. Your kindness is greatly appreciated,” says Joe.
“We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!”
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
1632 Angus St
Regina
306.543.0011
shrmsk.com