The Moose Jaw Shriners are putting out the call for volunteers as they prepare to host the Wawa Shriners Midwest Shrine Association Summer Conference from Aug. 20 to 23.
The conference is expected to bring together more than 500 Shriners and their families from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa.
There will also be a number of events open to the public as part of the conference, including a public marketplace on Thursday and Friday at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, and a meet-and-greet Thursday evening.
Shriner Aaron Ruston, director general for the conference, said this is a community event and volunteers are needed.
“Even though you may not have one of those funny fez hats in your closet, this is for the community. Bring your kids out, but we would love to have you step up and help us in some way,” he said.
One of the marquee events will be a parade down Main Street on Saturday morning starting at 11 a.m. and featuring multiple Shrine units.
While only Shriners will participate in the parade, volunteers are needed to help it run smoothly.
“(It’s) so kind that the Kinsmen and Kinettes have stepped up to help us with lining up some of the barriers and security and stuff for the parade. Yeah, we can always use volunteers. It’s so appreciated,” Ruston said.
In addition to volunteer support, the City of Moose Jaw and city council have already approved $50,000 in in-kind services to support the conference, including:
- Free transit passes for attendees
- Parade permits and staff support
- Temporary downtown parking passes
- 500 recreation passes
- Promotional coverage through city platforms
- 300 challenge coins and 1,100 commemorative lapel pins
Those interested in volunteering can visit msa2025.com and click on the “I would like to volunteer” link.