 and Tara Jones (rightmost) with Family Services staff, greeting customers at the 1st Ave Co-op Gas Bar (photo by Gordon Edgar).jpg)
A steady stream of vehicles are queuing at Moose Jaw Co-op gas bar locations today, September 16, for the annual Fuel Good Days fundraiser, with 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold going directly to this year's beneficiary, Moose Jaw Family Services (MJFS), to benefit the organization's mentorship program.
"We are very excited to be out here today. It's one of our biggest days of the year," said Michaela Turner, community engagement manager with the Moose Jaw Co-op, as she watched cars line up at the pumps.
"It's great to see the community come out to support year after year and we just really appreciate all of our members and all of the community for coming to fill up, to buy all the cookies, and our teams are here to serve you and they're working hard at the pumps."
Co-op volunteers and Moose Jaw Family Services staff will work the stations throughout the day, with operations continuing until 10 p.m.
This year's Fuel Good Day marks the first time MJFS has been chosen for the annual fundraising event.
"For Moose Jaw Family Services, we're just really excited to be out here. We're so thankful for the Co-op and all of the sponsors that are supporting us this year," said Tara Jones, executive director of Moose Jaw Family Services.
"I mean, we appreciate the Co-op everyday because they're so wonderful to us. But today, it's an extra special day."
Jones and her team are greeting customers and distributing thank you gifts while providing information about the organization's community programs.
"We're just waving at people and chatting with people as they come to fill up with gas, handing out a few little thank-you gifts and just having a great day," she added.
Jones noted that while the organization's mentorship program currently operates on a smaller scale, the Fuel Good Day proceeds will enable expansion and reduce waiting lists for services.
"It is currently a small program, so we often have wait lists, which is really unfortunate. But through this kind of support, we're able to increase that. We're really excited about the impact this funding will have on our program and our ability to be involved with kids in the community."
Turner emphasized the community response throughout the day, with both Co-op members and non-members participating in the fundraising effort.
"All the volunteers and Tara's team from Moose Jaw Family Services are doing a wonderful job having tons of fun, meeting and greeting and cheering on the community today. It's just a beautiful, sunny day in our community and we're just so proud to be here."
Last year's Fuel Good Day raised $12,066.44 for the Moose Jaw Humane Society.
Those seeking information about mentorship programs can contact Moose Jaw Family Services at contact@mjfamilyservices.ca.
With files from Shawn Slaght & Cameron Koch