REGINA, Sask. – Walk the Walk 2026, a community-led fundraiser supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth, raised over $86,000 for Lulu’s Lodge, reports the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan.
“Thank you to every celebrity performer who stepped outside their comfort zone, every drag mentor and guest artist who shared their talent, our judges, sponsors, volunteers, organizers, Casino Regina, the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan and every person who purchased a ticket, donated, cheered and showed up with an open heart,” said Jada Yee, who hosted the night as Chyna B. Deadly.
This year’s fundraiser was the fourth Walk the Walk fundraiser held in Regina, and the first that was led by community volunteers. Yee and Tyler Hopson were co-chairs of the committee, which also included JHSS staff, a JHSS board member and members of the community organizations.
“It’s been three years since the last Walk the Walk and Friday night reminded me why this event was created in the first place: to celebrate people for exactly who they are while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people,” added Yee.
Walk the Walk 2026 featured six local leaders performing in drag at the Casino Regina Show Lounge. The night also featured performances from two of Regina drag mentors: Lala Bottomé and Yada Ya-Oughtta-Book-Ahead.
Shawn Fraser (CEO, John Howard Society of Saskatchewan), Talitha McCloskey (co-founder, RaiseHER Co.), Tyler Polowy (co-founder, Rooted Living Designs), Bobby McStay (Regina Fire Services), Rob Kraushaar (director of Kinder Connections YQR) and Heather Ervin (director of Engagement, Regina Globe Theatre) worked with drag mentors to come up with choreography for their songs.
Polowy, McStay and Ervin were chosen by the judges to perform a sing-off to Cher’s “I Believe.”
Ervin ended up taking home the crown.
“It’s more important than ever to stand up for my queer friends and family and be an active ally,” said Ervin. “When I was asked to participate in WTW, I simply couldn’t say no. The show was a glorious night of joy, love, excitement — and only a little terror. My fellow participants were incredible, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of such a special evening. Winning was an unexpected bonus, but the real winner of the night was Lulu’s and the young people it supports. Congratulations to Lulu’s Lodge.”
Lulu’s Lodge is a transitional home for 2SLGBTQ+ run by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. It’s funded exclusively by community donations and Walk the Walk fundraisers.
This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of Lulu’s passing. Her mother Leila Campeau shared at the beginning of the event about raising Lulu and how Lulu’s Lodge came to exist, thanking JHSS staff for approaching her years ago with the idea.
“I spend some time in my memories because that’s the only place Lulu still lives. Some days, I search for her in big crowds. I hear her laughter when the kids are all together, and I still feel her with me when times are rough,” said Campeau.
“We are grateful this home has helped so many already. Thank you all for the awesome hard work and outstanding performances.”
JHSS continues to welcome donations for Lulu’s Lodge at sk.johnhoward.ca, via e-transfer to financial @sk.johnhoward.ca, or by cheque to 2323 Broad Street, Regina, SK, S4S 4P8.
