Solid support for Rock Solid Refuge fundraiser in Swift Current

There was a solid outpouring of support for Rock Solid Refuge during their 10th annual fund-raising banquet in Swift Current on April 5.

Last Friday’s fundraiser attracted 250 individuals, and when combined with a previous fundraiser in Shaunavon, organizers were hoping to raise $100,000 to assist in funding the program. Rock Solid Refuge is a non profit charity founded in 2005 which provides a year round faith-based program for teen boys who are struggling with life controlling problems.

Rock Solid Refuge Executive Director Dallas Block said the banquet and auction is an important fundraiser for the group in a variety of ways.

“Without this event it would be hard to stay afloat financially. So the community of Swift Current and the Southwest shows up to really help us out, and we’ve found it to be a time when people are super generous,” Block said.

He also noted that the students have a hand in the event as well. They produce hand crafted items for the auction, and they assist with the manpower needed to make the event a success.

“Part of putting this on is getting our students involved in helping to raise some money for what’s benefiting them. So it’s really great to see them make some of the things that are going to be auctioned off. The students are involved in the music for the night. And they’re involved in just hosting.”

This has the added benefit of the boys seeing directly the support the wider community has for their success in the program.

“Last week at our Shaunavon a cheesecake went for $2,000. That kind of blows their mind when they see people who are not their family but they are putting out $2,000 for a cheesecake so that they can get the help that they need.”

Former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall was the banquet guest speaker in Swift Current, and he admitted he was pleased to lend his support to the event.

“Rock Solid Refuge has a great reputation of literally transforming young mens lives. And we heard testimony today actually saving lives. And getting them an education. And we’re doing that right in the Southwest.”

He noted that Rock Solid Refuge has been among the non government groups who have been influential in making a difference in the lives of those involved.

“Faith based and community based organizations that do so much heavy lifting across the province, that’s not a bad thing. That’s a healthy thing. I think some people wonder ‘isn’t this a role for government?’ Sometimes if you take a look at the rates of relapse. If you consider what is happening in the lives of the young men that go to Rock Solid, or other CBOS and FBOS that serve young people or others that need help. The results is what should matter not whose delivering it. And I just think this was a powerful night to remind everybody that this is a faith-based, non-government agency that is doing transformational things for young men, from right across the country. And we should be proud of that that it’s happening in the Southwest, and supportive of it in whatever way we can.”