Prelate joined by president of St. Paul’s Hospital
Prairie Messenger
SASKATOON (CCN)
Thirty-six hours may not seem like a long time to be without a home, but for Saskatoon Bishop Donald Bolen and nine other participants in a recent Sanctum Survivor event, it was long enough to bring about increased understanding and deeper empathy for those who experience homelessness every day.
Other participants included Chief Felix Thomas of the Saskatoon Tribal Council; Brad Johner, singer-songwriter; MLA Danielle Chartier, and Shirley Isbister, the president of the Central Urban Metis Federation.
Living on the streets of Saskatoon with them June 17-18 were Jean Morrison, the president of St. Paul’s Hospital; Dr. Morris Markentin, the president of the Sanctum Care Group; retired police officer Ernie Louttit, Star Phoenix reporter Jason Warick, and musician Jay Semko.
During the 36-hour experience, participants set out in teams of two, dressed in second-hand clothing, with nothing in their pockets but a cell phone. The phone was for keeping in touch with event organizers and having their position tracked.
The event was launched as a dramatic way to raise funds for and awareness of Sanctum Care Group, which provides hospice and transitional care to those who are homeless and struggling with HIV/AIDS. Sanctum is raising funds for Sanctum 1.5, a planned 10-bed pre-natal care home for high-risk, HIV-positive pregnant women.
As part of the event, the 10 celebrity participants garnered sponsorships and donations beforehand, raising a total about $135,000.
