REGINA — Art Park came alive with drums, prayer and compassion as the fifth annual Warm Up Heritage event gathered neighbours, volunteers and elders to honour International Human Rights Day and shine a light on the people fighting to survive Regina’s brutal winter.
Elder Sharon Agecoutay opened the day with a prayer, grounding the crowd in gratitude and purpose. Then came the music. Drummers and singers Erroll Kinistino, Mike Dejarlais and Josie Linka filled the frozen air with rhythm, creating a circle of warmth that defied a wind chill that plunged to minus 29.
The purpose was urgent. Warm Up Heritage exists to support people who face the cold without enough clothing, money or shelter. Volunteers from Angels 4 Warmth delivered scarves, gloves, toques, blankets and other essentials. Heritage Community Association staff placed many of those items throughout the park and nearby streets with “I’m not lost” tags so anyone in need could take what would help them through the day and night. Most items were gone within minutes, a stark reminder of how deep the need runs.
Executive director Wendy Miller helped organize the event, bringing naloxone and preparing the space with her team. When someone nearby appeared to be experiencing an overdose, she ran to help, stayed with them and ensured paramedics arrived safely. It was a moment that captured what Warm Up Heritage stands for: immediate hands-on care.
Hot chocolate and warm bannock were served to everyone who stopped by. While the extreme cold kept all of the school groups away, families, elders and community members bundled up and gathered for warmth, conversation and connection. The City of Regina’s Winter Initiatives grant helped make the event possible.
Warm Up Heritage is more than a single winter gathering. The Heritage Community Centre supports vulnerable residents all year with food, clothing, hygiene supplies and a place to turn when life becomes hard. The event served as a reminder that winter generosity matters, but sustained support matters even more.
If you want to help, donations of warm clothing, winter gear, hygiene items and food go directly into the hands of people who need them.
Watch our SaskToday highlight video to see the drum circle, the warmth and the moments of connection.
