Big commitment: 6'8" Davin Berry commits to U of R Rams
Jan 14, 2025
"He's going to be a special player for us for four years before he goes and plays professional."
Cynthia Crevier understands what an impact the Cathedral Community Fridge can make because she once used it to put food on her table.
“It helped me out when I was having difficulties making ends meet because I was paying my bills and rent,” Crevier said. “After that, you don’t have really much.
Read more:
- Regina and Saskatoon food banks see increase in demand in 2024
- Sask. people share how affordability crisis affects them
- Regina Food Bank says proposed GST pause is ‘positive’ but urges caution
“When you have a four-year-old, you need the stability. So this gave me a little bit more comfort and stability.”
Firefighters put out the blaze at the Cathedral Community Fridge in September. (Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
In September, Regina Fire crews dowsed the flames coming from the fridge after it was deliberately set on fire.
Crevier, who now volunteers with the group, said she remains hopeful to rebuild the fridge in the Holy Rosary Cathedral parking lot, despite some push-back from neighbours.
“Now that I’m working it, I feel better because I’m helping other people who were in my situation,” she said.
The cold-storage shed operated 24 hours a day, allowing people access to food from a freezer, fridge, and pantry.
Rebuilding the fridge is what volunteer Keith Perry said would give him peace of mind, having a permanent place to have people pick-up food hampers.
“The fridge is actually built,” said Perry. “We just need a place to put it.”
Volunteers help unload food from vehicles behind the closed Holy Rosary School. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
Christine Jones, a volunteer, said members with the fridge were continuing to work with neighbours who felt uneasy about the fridge being rebuilt on the same spot.
“We certainly understand the concerns of the community in terms of some, I guess I would say actions and behaviours that have been concerning by potential users of the fridge,” Jones said. “We believe that is not a cause of the fridge. The fridge has not caused those problems. The fridge is helping to solve those problems.”
The fridge was another tool in the organization’s belt to help meet accessibility needs in the community, she said.
“It truly breaks my heart, these aren’t faceless people,” Jones said. “These are real people struggling in Regina, in our community, in Cathedral. I wish we could do more.”
Christine Jones stands behind a vehicle with leftover boxes used to haul the food. (Gillian Massie/ 980 CJME)
The cold-storage unit gave people the opportunity to access food 24 hours a day. Without it, Jones said people are confined to a pick-up schedule normally between 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
Around 150 people were accessing the fridge per day, but without it, the group typically sees only 50 to 60 people each day in line.
“It’s really not ideal,” said Jones. “It’s limiting people who want to give, it’s limiting people who need to use it.”
Jones said the group is continuing to work with Ward 3 Councillor David Froh and the Holy Rosary Cathedral on conversations of rebuilding the fridge.
“Whatever we need to do to take some steps forward and get a timeline for rebuilding that would be incredible,” Jones said.
Read more: