MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Co-op joined millions of individuals worldwide who’ve pledged their support for the global White Ribbon Campaign, a movement dedicated to engaging men and boys in an effort to end violence against women and promote compassionate masculinity.
For Geoff Anderson, CEO of the Moose Jaw Co-op, the decision held a personal significance.
“When I was a young kid growing up in the ‘80s, my mom, sister, and I had to flee our home many times — sometimes not even with the shoes on our feet — to seek shelter,” he shared.
The White Ribbon Campaign encourages men and boys to end gender-based violence and promote gender equity. Founded in 1991 after the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, it inspires men to speak out, challenge harmful stereotypes, and pledge never to condone or remain silent about domestic violence.
Anderson experienced this violence firsthand while still a child in Calgary, Alta. “It was a really tough time for my sister, mom, and I to go through with my biological father prior to him passing away because of the violence we all had to live through for a number of years.”
At the time, domestic violence wasn’t commonly talked about and, despite first opening in 1974, the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter was one of the first shelters of its kind in Canada but many were unaware of the services it offered.
“You know, maybe things could have been different as far as my mom seeking some help and support…,” he said. “She tried to leave him a number of times but couldn’t. If we’d had a transition house… life could have been a lot better for my mom, my sister, and I.”
Anderson moved to Moose Jaw in February 2019 to assume the role of general manager at the Co-op. In December 2019, he accepted an award on behalf of the Co-op for supporting the Moose Jaw Transition House.
“At that time, I really didn’t know what the Transition House did,” he admitted. “When I found out what they did for the women and children in our community who are fleeing this type of violence, it really tugged on my heartstrings.”
Anderson pledged to continue supporting the Transition House, alongside several other community programs assisted by the co-operative.
“We want everyone in our community to be safe; we want them to live proud, productive lives, and that’s why we’re a part of it,” he said.
The Co-op contributed by offering specialty White Ribbon cupcakes and donuts to get more people talking about the campaign.
“It’s not a huge money driver or fundraiser for the Transition House, but at the same time, it’s all about awareness,” Anderson said, adding that upwards of 1,600 Co-op members shop at Moose Jaw’s store each day.
“So, if 1,600 people stand and question what those white ribbons on those cupcakes are about, we can explain it to them and that was the intent there,” he said.
All male employees were encouraged to don a white ribbon, learn about the campaign, and help spread awareness to customers with the slogan, “Our future has no violence against women or children.”
These specialty goods are no longer restocked as of Dec. 10, yet Anderson urges residents to continue supporting the cause.
One way to show your support is by reaching out to the Transition House and donating through a link on its website. All local businesses and organizations are also welcome to partake in the campaign when it returns in 2025.
Anderson wished to thank Jenn Angus, executive director of the Transition House and Kevin Pilsworth, a member of the Moose Jaw Police Service who’s also on the Transition House board along with Anderson for being a part of the campaign.
“I’m (also) super proud of our men at the Co-op for wearing their white ribbons proudly and communicating that awareness to our members…,” he added.
“Certainly, we all have a role to play in educating men — and especially our young men — on why gender-based violence has no place in the future.”
For more information about the Moose Jaw Transition House visit or call 306-693-6511.
You can learn more about the White Ribbon Campaign at .
