The Moose Jaw Co-op is proud to support charitable organizations in the community and this Christmas Heartland Hospice was selected as the recipient of its yearly Christmas tree donation, involving a live Balsam fir tree from the now-concluded Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow’s tree lot.

The tree was delivered to Pioneer Lodge on Dec. 3 and the Co-op’s community and employee engagement manager, Michaela Turner, said the large pine reminded her of the Griswold family Christmas tree from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation when it was delivered.

“The Christmas tree was a perfect 16-foot (4.9-metre) tree picked specifically by Dave (Bowler), the Rotary Chair volunteer at the tree lot,” Turner said. Once the tree arrived at Pioneer Lodge, it was set up in the home’s Serenity Garden for all residents to enjoy.

“It is lit up and on display for not only the residents and patients within the building, but also for the public driving by on 10th Avenue Northwest,” she added.

Each year, the Moose Jaw Co-op donates a Christmas tree purchased from the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow’s tree lot at the eastern edge of the Co-op parking lot. One tree is then donated to a given charity as part of the Co-op’s ongoing charitable initiatives.

For the past three years, these trees have been donated to Heartland Hospice.

“It’s a great way to support the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow (and) we pay for the price of the tree as well as add an extra bonus donation,” Turner explained. “Then Heartland Hospice has a specific purpose for the tree each year, so we give it to them.

“Moose Jaw Co-op is committed to our community, and we are proud to be partners with both special organizations,” she said.

Heartland Hospice provides end-of-life care with dignity, and is supported by a compassionate team of volunteers. To meet a growing demand in the community, the non-profit organization is now working to expand its currently limited space with an ongoing renovation at Pioneer Lodge.

“They are a volunteer group of truly caring and compassionate people, and we are so proud to be a valued partner with them,” she added.

“Moose Jaw Co-op appreciates the support of our members this past year, and we will continue to be focused on our local communities,” Turner said. “(We will do this) in our stores and other locations by providing an amazing customer experience, the best products available, and keeping all of our profits local and being dedicated to giving back.

“Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Moose Jaw Co-op, and we wish you great health and happiness in 2025!”

The Moose Jaw Co-op grocery store is located at 500 First Avenue Northwest and can be reached during its regular business hours at 306-692-2351. For more information visit MooseJawCo-op.crs or follow ‘Moose Jaw Co-op’ on Facebook.

Pioneer Lodge is located at 1000 Albert Street and the home can be reached at 306-693-4616.

To learn more about Heartland Hospice and its work in the community, visit HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca or call 306-690-8699. You can donate to Heartland Hospice by visiting HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca/Contribute.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express