There are eight people who have been especially curious about today’s forecast, because these community leaders are participating in the Sanctum Survivor Challenge. That means they are challenged to survive as if homeless for 36 hours on the streets of Saskatoon, as of six this morning (Thurs). The Survivor Challenge is a major fundraiser for Sanctum Care Group.

Executive Director Katelyn Roberts says they are paired in teams of two and given tasks to complete, which aim to demonstrate certain challenges that society is often aware of, but which are an everyday reality for those who are homeless with HIV. She gives the example of laundry, saying some people might wonder why homeless people are dirty, but questions how someone is supposed to get their laundry done when they only have one set of clothes.  The eight participants are not allowed any personal belongings, including their own clothes. However, they are allowed their cell phone so they can post about their journey and the challenges.

Sanctum Care Group is a not for profit that runs Sanctum, Saskatchewan’s first HIV Hospice and Transitional Care Home, and Sanctum 1.5, which is Canada’s first HIV and high-risk Prenatal Home. SCG also operates two community-based programs; HART (HIV Aids Response Team) and PORT (Prenatal Outreach and Resource Teams), which operates across the province. You can donate here.

This is the first year the fundraiser has been able to happen since the pandemic, and it’s the first time it has been held in November during colder temperatures. In the past, it has always been held in the summer.

Sanctum Survivor 2022 participants:
Morgan Hackl – Chief, Saskatoon Fire Department
Leanne Bellegarde – President, Akawe Technologies
Dr. Annette Epp – Obstetrician
Yann Martel – Author
Dr. Morris Markentin – Physician
Gregg Bamford – Realtor
Dr. Jocelyne Martel – Obstetrician
Todd Denzin – Vice President, Nutrien