Moose Jaw Pride votes to liquidate amid financial questions

Moose Jaw Pride is closing its doors at the end of the week, with the shuttering of the Rainbow Retro thrift store to conclude the non-profit group's public operations.

During its annual general meeting on Sept. 18, members voted unanimously to allow the board to liquidate and dissolve the organization as soon as possible.

Board chair Cole Ramsey declined to comment on the decision, but did offer some clarity on the next steps.

Because Moose Jaw Pride is a registered non-profit, the organization isn't fully dissolved until the board addresses all outstanding liabilities.

According to financial reports presented Sunday, the group currently has more than $100,000 in liabilities that include unpaid taxes, utility bills and loans.

A report from treasurer Kate Ballard indicated the board was not aware of the breadth of liabilities as a proper financial report wasn't presented in 2021.

Financial balance sheets were incomplete and not compiled by an accountant, said Ballard's report, and “many of the details of these balances are still being investigated by members of the Board.”

Financial reports list liabilities including $60,000 for a Canada Emergency Business Account loan, $30,000 from a short-term bank loan, $5,600 in outstanding water bills, and $3,777 in grant overpayments that must be returned.

There are revenues from Rainbow Retro but never deposited, incomplete payroll records for 2021 and a portion of 2022, and unknown GST and PST sums owed.

A credit card in the non-profit's name was also discovered in August. The board is now investigating its outstanding balance.

The non-profit also hadn't paid its insurance bill in 2022.

At the general meeting, officials indicated they have been in contact with Moose Jaw police, but didn't provide further details.

The Rainbow Retro thrift store is set to close on Saturday.