Frigid cold doesn't stop Regina's White Pony Lodge

While most people in Regina spent Saturday doing whatever they could to stay inside, White Pony Lodge was preparing to head out on patrol.

The group patrols the North Central neighbourhood every Friday and Saturday evening, and this week was no different.

Jan Morier is a board member of the group. She said the change they made for the cold is that the volunteers with be driving around the neighbourhood instead of walking.

“We’ll drive around our North Central neighbourhood, looking for people who might be trying to get from point A to point B, and if we see that they need some assistance in their walking or just with some outerwear … we’ll happily supply those.”

Saturday morning Morier said if there are enough volunteers they’ll have some in the vehicle and others walking, and they’ll switch every 15 minutes. 

Volunteers have ventured out in cold, snow, and rain and Morier said it’s because most of them live in the community and they see what poverty and addiction do to the people there.

“We’re keeping the streets safe for the children who are out there playing. We’re trying to help along with cleaning up the needles and drug paraphernalia. And, most importantly, being out there, being seen, assuring out neighbours somebody cares.”

Morier did say they’re asking for some grace next weekend as the volunteers will likely want to spend the holiday with their families.

White Pony Lodge meets at 2901 5th Avenue in the APSS community room between 5 and 6 p.m.