Helping out Canada Day

Moose Jaw's Canada Day Committee is no stranger to city council.
Ever since celebratory funding was reduced or eliminated entirely by various federal and provincial government departments, the local committee has appeared before council to argue that municipal funding is required to maintain Moose Jaw celebrations.
The committee is one of the many volunteer components of the city and the work it does is laudable and important to patriotic awareness in the community.
It has been a struggle for the committee to present the kind of programming it desires, just as other volunteer groups struggle to finance worthwhile charitable projects.
This year's committee wants to expand celebrations to include a children's carnival, a concert and other elements, it has few monetary resources and thus a visit to council's executive committee this week, asking for $2,500 in additional money (it has already been awarded a grant of ($1,587), plus services like buses, insurance and road closures.
Council agreed to some limited bus service and road closures but wasn't keen on the insurance coverage nor the extra money. A final decision will come at the next regular city council meeting, but it is unlikely that councillors will have a change of heart.
Thus, it appears Canada Day celebrations will not be as large as anticipated - unless the committee successfully produces some more fundraising activities and private/business sponsors come forward with the cash. And perhaps larger is not always better.
Moose Jaw has built a reputation since 1974 as a place where Canada Day has been celebrated with enthusiasm, with past awards putting Moose Jaw at the top of the list.
This might be the year for more individuals who enjoy the celebrations to come forward with some financial contributions to enhance the committee's pocketbook.