SASKATOON — A familiar pile of paper cluttering homes and small businesses will meet its match on May 3, thanks to a community shredding event that doubles as a fundraiser for seniors’ housing.
Volunteers from McClure United Church are once again hosting the annual Big Shred event to benefit the McClure Place Foundation and Amy McClure House, both of which provide housing and support services for older adults in Saskatoon.
“The proceeds of the initiative are received by McClure Place Foundation and go toward funding ongoing support provided by the Foundation to McClure Place Association Inc., which owns and operates the Seniors’ Independent Living residences in McClure Place Tower and the assisted living facility called Amy McClure House,” said event organizer Jim Gillis.
“Both facilities are located adjacent to McClure United Church on Taylor St. at McKercher St. in Saskatoon. The funds provided by the Foundation through Big Shred are mandated to cover the cost of health-related needs, social events, pressing financial need for individual residents, and operation of the handi-van used by residents,” he added.
The initiative began in 2014 and has run annually except from 2020 to 2022, when it was paused due to COVID-19. Since its inception, it has been supported by Shred-it, a confidential shredding and wastepaper disposal company that volunteers its time and equipment for the event. The company operates locally as part of a national organization.
“McClure United Church rallies a number of volunteers to assist with the safe and efficient process for those who come to take advantage of the service offered,” organizers said.
In 2023, the event raised $10,900, while 2024’s total came in at approximately $6,350.
The event relies on about 25 church volunteers, along with directors and staff from McClure Place Association. In addition, 10 Shred-it employees volunteer their time on the day of the event.
Gillis said many attendees are residents from the surrounding neighbourhood, who value the opportunity to safely dispose of personal documents. “People can watch their paperwork get shredded, offering assurance there is no chance of personal information being shared.”
“It is an event where everyone has fun. Last year we counted 252 attendees, of whom 165 were returnees from previous years, so it is obviously a positive experience for them,” he said.
Organizing the Big Shred takes approximately 20 hours of pre-event planning, including scheduling volunteers and staff. Site setup the day of the event takes about an hour with a small team, while the event itself runs for three hours and involves 35 volunteers. Cleanup and post-event reporting require additional time from another group of helpers.
While this is only Gillis’ second year with the event, he was quick to credit longtime co-ordinator Les Ferguson for his work organizing previous years.
Though modest in scale, organizers say the Big Shred plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life supports for residents of McClure Place and Amy McClure House.
