MOOSE JAW — Three groups are looking for help to support a downtown initiative that would see volunteers spread Christmas cheer to tourists and businesses while offering a friendly presence.
The Good Neighbours Group (GNG), Tourism Moose Jaw (TMJ) and the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) have launched the second annual Christmas Goodwill Ambassador program, which runs on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The trio needs clubs, sports teams and organizations that would like to do community service by spreading Christmas cheer, distributing candy canes, opening doors for shoppers, and possibly singing some Christmas carols.
The program began on Dec. 5 and runs until Saturday, Dec. 21.
Carolyn Ross, with the Good Neighbours Group, explained that they are running this initiative again because they had such a good response last year. Tourists were “pleasantly surprised” to find people spreading Christmas cheer, handing out candy canes and being willing to engage in conversations, something that society has lacked lately.
Moreover, the business community also appreciated the program.
“Everybody is just so busy in their own lives. We’re not a big city and we need to come back to that small-town vibe,” said Ross.
“Community is everything and we need to stop and smell the roses … . The community I was raised in, let’s bring it back,” she continued. “We’re not some big city that everybody rushes around and doesn’t know anybody.”
Ross agreed that community connection has dissipated over the last few years, especially during the pandemic when people kept away from each other. She believes society needs to return to pre-pandemic days when residents were more willing to engage with each other.
Engaging with people is important because a large part of Moose Jaw’s economy is built on tourism, with that being the third-largest industry that generates nearly $90 million annually, she said. She didn’t think it was possible to find another community with similar numbers.
Connecting with people enhances the tourism experience while creating community because residents can shop downtown businesses and support friends and family that way, Ross continued. She challenged people to spend more time there and to shop locally regularly.
Business owners have told Ross that the Christmas Goodwill Ambassador program is amazing, while the downtown association and Tourism Moose Jaw also believe the initiative is worth supporting.
Ross noted that the DMJA has a direct communication line to businesses, so she wanted to ensure it was on board, otherwise, there wouldn’t have been a reason to run the program.
Surprisingly, last year, many businesses donated boxes of candy canes, making it nearly impossible to find a box anywhere. This year, though, organizers have secured some funding and purchased the tasty red-and-white-striped candies.
“I think collaboration is definitely a way of getting the community back together … ,” Ross remarked. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every block downtown had a volunteer handing out candy canes?”
Ross is still looking for volunteers, and besides groups, individuals can also enlist and be paired with others. Organizers have secured a place where volunteers can warm up and use the washroom during their shifts.
To volunteer, call Carolyn Ross at .
