The city of North Battleford has found a way to keep a temporary homeless shelter open for another two months.

The shelter runs out of its current operating money on January 31st.

It needs $12,000 to keep running until March 31st.

Yesterday, city council voted to match public donations to the shelter to a maximum of $6,000.

It was a unanimous vote, although two councillors were absent.

Retired Senator Herb Sparrow has offered to give a $6,000 donation himself.

Jackie Kennedy is executive director of the Battlefords Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, the group that is running the shelter.

Kennedy says she was floored by that donation, noting Sparrow had previously donated the laundry appliances for the shelter.

City council is encouraging other residents to donate, as well.