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Clinic teaching newcomers how to survive Sask. winters going ahead for ninth year

HUMBOLDT — Clinics teaching newcomers how to survive the unique challenges that come with a Saskatchewan winter will make a return this year in Humboldt for the ninth year.
be-prepared
Craig Stomp with Humboldt Fire Department discusses home heating and fire prevention with newcomers at the Safe Communities Winter Preparedness workshop in 2015. File photo by Becky Zimmer

HUMBOLDT — Clinics teaching newcomers how to survive the unique challenges that come with a Saskatchewan winter will make a return this year in Humboldt for the ninth year.

Information in the clinics includes heating homes safely, safe winter travel, winter preparation for vehicles, proper dress, child safety and signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

“In terms of the material provided in these clinics, it’s definitely important information to provide to those individuals who may be new to Canada and new to Saskatchewan that have never experienced a Saskatchewan winter,” said Shari Hinz, executive director of the Safe Communities Humboldt & Area.

“We’re coming into the winter season. Winter can happen at any time in October and on in this province.”

In previous years, the clinics also held a winter clothing and accessory drive that would give winter supplies at no cost to the attendees. Hinz said due to the pandemic restrictions they were unable to hold that aspect of the workshops this year.

“Once they have a good idea of what they need for winter clothing and what’s good for donated gear, often the donated items after the clinics they could look through and pick what they needed.”

Without the drive, Hinz is referring people to contact the Humboldt Regional Newcomer’s Centre for additional resources, or the Good Neighbour Store, which has a selection of donated items at what she called “very reasonable prices.”

The seminars will be held Sept. 30 at the Humboldt Curling Rink Lounge from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and Oct. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the LeRoy Seniors Centre.

Those who wish to attend can contact Safe Communities Humboldt & Area at 306-682-0705 to ensure there is enough space for everyone participating.

These are in person sessions with social distancing measures in place and safety protocols for all those attending.

The clinics are being organized by the Safe Communities Humboldt & Area in conjunction with the Humboldt Regional Newcomer’s Centre, Carlton Trail College, Humboldt & District Ambulance Service, Humboldt Fire Department, Lanigan & District Ambulance Association, LeRoy Fire Department, SGI and Partners Family Services.

“It’s really important to get this information out to those individuals that have never gone through a winter season,” Hinz said. “Some of this information can be lifesaving if they’re ever in a situation where they put themselves at risk or have a vehicle stop on the road, that type of thing.”