A photo from last year’s event. Courtesy Twitter @Unifordeej
People in Saskatoon will attempt to form a human chain across the Broadway Bridge this weekend to raise awareness about poverty.
Hundreds are expected for the Hands Across the Bridge event, which has been taking place in the city for several years.
The event is put on by the Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition and Passion for Action Against Homelessness.
Spokesperson Lila Wagner, who has lived experience of poverty, says the event is symbolic because poverty touches both sides of the city.
“That’s why we do this, so we can reach both sides of the river because people seem to have this perception that poverty only happens in the core neighbourhoods and that is certainly not true,” says Wagner. “I have lived on the east side, north side and downtown and I have seen poverty in all of those places.”
“What I love about Hands Across the Bridge is everybody is welcome,” says Karen Fraser-Gitlitz, another organizer. “It just shows that Saskatoon cares because there are people from all walks of life. It is a wonderful way for people to come together.”
The group will meet at 2:00 pm on Saturday at Friendship Park, which is at the foot of the Broadway Bridge
The event coincides with Poverty Awareness Week in the city.