The Regina Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund has once again demonstrated the power of community generosity, with its current campaign soaring past the $200,000 mark. This vital funding is distributed among four local women's shelters, including WISH Safe House, providing crucial support for women and children escaping domestic violence.
More Than Shelter: Building Confidence and Celebrating Milestones
For the residents at WISH Safe House, a 14-bed facility sponsored by the File Hills Tribal Council, the Cheer Fund's impact is deeply personal. Executive director Anna Crowe explains that the donations fund much more than basic necessities. The money allows the shelter to celebrate birthdays, Valentine's Day, and other special occasions—often first-time experiences for many children and mothers.
"We would not have been able to make some of the improvements to the overall facility had it not been for the Cheer Fund," Crowe states. The fund has enabled purchases like furniture, room refurbishments, and a van for client transportation. During holidays, the entire house joins in celebrations, with moms selecting gifts for their children and families enjoying special treats like salon visits, where some children even get to dye their hair fun colors like pink or purple.
Comprehensive Support for a Fresh Start
The assistance extends far beyond material goods and celebrations. WISH Safe House uses the resources to offer a robust support system designed to rebuild lives. This includes mandatory programming for residents not employed or in school, covering topics like nutrition, health, employment, finances, and addiction recovery.
"We know that housing is a huge issue, that financial hardships are creating huge challenges for our families," says Crowe. Concurrently, child support workers help children develop social, coordination, and communication skills. Everything is structured to provide a safe, supportive environment before families transition into more permanent, second-stage housing.
A Legacy of Community Care
The Christmas Cheer Fund has been a Regina institution since 1992, consistently rallying community support for those in need. This year's distribution means each of the four supported shelters—WISH Safe House, Regina Transition House, SOFIA House, and the YWCA's Isabel Johnson Shelter—will receive over $50,000.
For the team at WISH Safe House, whose name derives from Wichihik Iskwewak, the fund represents hope and practical aid. It transforms donations into back-to-school outfits, birthday presents, counseling classes, and the simple joy of a Valentine's Day chocolate—all essential steps in helping families heal and move forward from dangerous relationships toward a brighter, safer future.
