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Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge 2025

In response to the crisis in our communities, this year we’re expanding the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge to include both Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

The programs of Sanctum Care Group expand across this province, as do the challenges faced by those impacted by homelessness and chronic disease in Saskatchewan.

By hosting the Challenge in two cities, we aim to amplify awareness and deepen impact. Ten community leaders in each city will spend 36 hours immersed in carefully designed scenarios created by those with lived experience and frontline workers.

These challenges highlight the realities faced daily by the people Sanctum serves.

Save the Dates:

September 25 & 26 – Prince Albert 36 Hour Challenge
October 2 & 3 – Saskatoon 36 Hour Challenge
October 4 – Fundraising Dinner @ TCU Place 
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MEET OUR 2025 participants | Saskatoon

Mayor of Saskatoon

Cynthia Block

Homelessness and housing insecurity are urgent issues that demand collective action and compassion. As Mayor of Saskatoon, I am committed to building a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This means working in true partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations, alongside community groups, residents, the private sector, and all levels of government. Together, through reconciliation, cultural safety, and shared responsibility, we can create lasting change. Sanctum Care Group has been a powerful advocate in this effort, and I’m proud to support their 36 Hour Challenge. Let’s build a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I know addressing homelessness is the challenge of our time and I know this experience will help me gain a better appreciation for what it’s like surviving without a home and deepen my insight on how to lead in this crisis.


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Investment Management

Patrick Boot

I am a private equity investor by profession and I am passionate about community service. I also enjoy most sports and love to travel and learn about other cultures.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To better understand what its like as a homeless person in Saskatoon and what level of supports is available.


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Medical Director, FACE Clinic | Assoc. Prof., USASK | Director of Facial Plastics, SK Health Authority

Rick Jaggi

Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for Saskatchewan Health Authority, Associate Professor of Surgery at University of Saskatchewan and Medical director of FACE Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery. Specializing in skin cancers, nasal surgery and facelifts.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To bring awareness


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Co-Founder Sanctum Care Group

Dr. Morris Markentin

Graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a MD and a residency in Family Medicine. Morris currently works as a family physician at the Saskatoon Community Clinic – West side and at the Methadone Assisted Recovery Program with the Saskatoon Health Region. He is a co-founder and board chair of Sanctum Care Group. Current interests are in addiction medicine and chronic viral illnesses – HIV and Hepatitis C.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

Sadly in my current work I live vicariously through my patients, their issues and stories of the worsening poverty and homelessness and suffering in our City. Hopefully the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge can create awareness of the issues as well as raise money for Sanctum to continue it’s important work.


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Chief of Police, Saskatoon Police Service

Cameron McBride

Through my work I have been following the Sanctum Care Group for a long time. They have consistently provided client centered care to individuals in our community with complex needs, and the most challenging of circumstances. I have seen individuals treated with dignity and care, as they work through very difficult times. Sanctum shows no judgement, while demonstrating the highest level of trauma informed care. For these reasons, I am a huge supporter for the work being done by the Sanctum Care Group, and consider it an honor to contribute through fundraising and experiential learning.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To contribute through fundraising and experiential learning.


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Chief Development Officer - Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

John McGettigan

Father, husband and retired teacher. 30 years in K-12 Education in a variety of roles. Currently the Chief Development Officer for the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To better understand how our community can work together to address homelessness and its impact on our schools.


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Influencer

Maygen Kardash

I’m Maygen Kardash aka “Sneaks” & am known as Saskatoon’s unofficial tour guide. Born & raised in Saskatoon, I have two wonderful kids with my husband and together, we enjoy highlighting good things that are happening locally. I often do that through my Influencer work on my blog & social media. My life has been well-supported by family and friends so I try to pass that support along, because I know not everyone lucked into it right out of the gate. I’ve been a Girl Guide leader for over 20 years and find joy in serving my community.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I want to highlight & uplift the important services & folks working towards the safety and well-being of people facing homelessness.


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SaskNDP MLA for Saskatoon Nutana

Erika Ritchie

Erika Ritchie, MLA for Saskatoon Nutana since 2020, is an environmental engineer and community organizer dedicated to protecting land, water, and workers’ rights. A long-time Saskatoon resident and mother of four, Erika has built strong partnerships within the community. She serves as Opposition Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs, Crown Investments, SaskWater, and the Water Security Agency, bringing expertise and heart to her work. For Erika, public service is deeply personal—grounded in listening, standing up for vulnerable people, and building a healthier future for all generations.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To help build a healthier, fairer community for all.


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Investment Advisor, Chartered Asset Management, iA Private Wealth

Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson is an Investment Advisor with Chartered Asset Management at iA Private Wealth and an active community supporter in Saskatoon. He contributes to organizations addressing the community’s greatest needs through his involvement with the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon and fundraising efforts with Hockey Helps the Homeless. Participating in the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge is another way for Kevin to engage with the community, raise awareness about homelessness, and support Sanctum Care Group’s mission to bring hope, care, and dignity to those in need.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I’m doing the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge to help raise awareness about homelessness and support the vital work Sanctum Care Group does to bring hope, dignity, and healing to our community.


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MEET OUR 2025 participants |Prince Albert

CEO, Boreal Healthcare Foundation

Cody Barnett

Cody Barnett leads the Boreal Healthcare Foundation, where he works alongside partners and communities to strengthen healthcare across northern Saskatchewan. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Cody focuses on breaking down barriers, supporting equity, and championing a better life for all people. Driven by a belief in the power of community to create change, he believes that creating real change requires collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I am participating in the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge to shed light on the critical connection between housing and healthcare, and to help build a future where no one is left behind by our systems.


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Registered Nurse

Carolyn Brost Strom

Carolyn Brost Strom has resided in Prince Albert for over two decades. Throughout this time, she has built a distinguished career in community health nursing while raising her family in the community. She is deeply committed to advocacy and social justice and maintains a strong dedication to lifelong learning.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I am participating in Sanctum 36-hours for homelessness to bring to light the challenges that folks in our community living in poverty, without a home, and often with chronic health concerns face.


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Business owner

Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter is a local entrepreneur and the owner of 4 Horsemen Fitness in Prince Albert.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I’m Danielle Carter, a mom, and I know the fear that comes with protecting and providing for your child. Now imagine being a mom without a safe place to sleep, unsure where your baby’s next meal will come from, or if anyone will help you. This is the daily reality for many families in Prince Albert.
I’m taking on the 36-Hour Challenge to raise funds for Sanctum Care Group, supporting 10 “Sanctum 1.5” beds—safe spaces where moms and their babies can sleep, find care, and start over.
As a parent, I can’t ignore this. Every donation gives a family hope, safety, and a chance to rebuild their lives. You can’t make change without walking in someone else’s shoes.


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CEO, Limitless Gear Clothing & Motivational Speaker

Cody Demerais

Cody Demerais is a proud Métis entrepreneur, author, life coach, and motivational speaker from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Overcoming struggles with addiction, mental health, and a near-fatal car accident, Cody transformed his life and built a purpose-driven path focused on inspiring others. He is the founder of Limitless Gear Clothing, an inspirational lifestyle brand that grew from the trunk of his car into a recognized business across the Prairies. In 2021, he was awarded the ABEX Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Through his book Take Your Life Back and his speaking, Cody empowers audiences to embrace resilience, gratitude.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

By stepping into this challenge, I want to raise both funds and awareness—not only to support those who are currently unhoused, but also to shine a light on the struggles that can lead people there. Addiction, mental health battles, and unexpected life circumstances can affect anyone. This is my way of giving back, honouring the second chance I’ve been given, and showing that together, we can help provide hope and resources for those who need it most.


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Real Estate Professional

Jesse Honch

Jesse Honch is a realtor and business owner in the City of Prince Albert, where he lives with his wife of 23 years, with whom he shares an 8 year old son.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I have decided to join the 36 hour homeless challenge to bring additional awareness to the difficulties a homeless individual faces with lack of easily accessible homeless programs and services. As all communities across the globe have seen a large increase in the homeless population, I feel this is the time we all need to step up, to ensure their basic needs are met with support, love and acceptance.


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Co-Founder Sanctum Care Group

DR. Morris Markentin

Graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a MD and a residency in Family Medicine. Morris currently works as a family physician at the Saskatoon Community Clinic – West side and at the Methadone Assisted Recovery Program with the Saskatoon Health Region. He is a co-founder and board chair of Sanctum Care Group. Current interests are in addiction medicine and chronic viral illnesses – HIV and Hepatitis C.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

Sadly in my current work I live vicariously through my patients, their issues and stories of the worsening poverty and homelessness and suffering in our City. Hopefully the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge can create awareness of the issues as well as raise money for Sanctum to continue it’s important work.


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Deputy Fire Chief, City of Prince Albert Fire Department

Alex Paul

Alex Paul is the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Prince Albert Fire Department.

He has 35 years of combined experience in the EMS and Fire Service fields. During many of those years serving as a frontline responder working closely with community members, many of whom were living on the streets of Prince Albert.

Alex is proud to be a member of the Prince Albert Fire Department and the work being done in community safety and well-being within the City.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

The Sanctum Challenge is an opportunity for me to see first hand, and gain awareness of the challenges faced by some of the community members we serve on a daily basis.


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Registered Nurse

Britany Shymanski

Britany is a Registered Nurse who has spent most of her career on Maternal Services in Prince Albert, caring for individuals and families throughout their birthing journeys. In this role, she was first introduced to the Sanctum Care Group through their Prenatal Outreach Resource Team (PORT). She describes working with this team as a privilege, noting the powerful impact they have had on both patients and care providers. She looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the other services the organization provides to some of the community’s most at-risk populations.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

To better understand and contribute to care for our most vulnerable populations.


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OBGYN

Dr. Viji Udayasankar

As an OBGYN who has practiced in Prince Albert for the past 17 years, Dr. Viji Udayasankar considers it a privilege to provide women’s health care and be part of the team that helps bring babies safely into the world. Through this work, she has witnessed the challenges faced by homeless individuals in the community, as well as women living with HIV and addiction disorders—particularly during pregnancy, one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. She has also seen the profound impact of the Prenatal Outreach Resource Team (PORT), part of the Sanctum Care Group, in improving health and social outcomes for these mothers and their babies.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

I have accepted the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge to be able to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the homeless people and look forward to raising donations to support the work done by Sanctum care group. Please donate generously in support of this worthy cause.

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General Manager, RNF Ventures Ltd.

Allan Webb

Allan began his career with RNF Ventures Ltd. in 2001 after moving to Prince Albert from Regina. He is currently the General Manager at RNF. Allan is also the vice-chair of the Boreal Healthcare Foundation. He and his wife Amy have been married for 24 years, and have 2 grown children, Rhea and Bowen. They also have a dog named Maizie. They all enjoy spending their downtime at their cabin on Whelan Bay on Whiteswan Lakes with family and friends.

REASON FOR PARTICIPATING

My hope is to gain awareness of homelessness in Prince Albert, to see firsthand what the challenges many of these people face, and to see what I as an individual, or we as a society, can do to develop potential solutions for people in need.


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Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge

The community leaders will experience challenges related to homelessness and chronic disease in Saskatchewan as part of the Sanctum 36-Hour Challenge. Participants will be given tasks to complete, each task will aim to demonstrate certain challenges that society is often unaware of, but which are an everyday reality for people who experience homelessness and chronic disease in our community. Participants will wear donated clothes and shoes. They will not be allowed any personal belongings other than a phone to update the public on their journey.

The event itself is both powerful and unprecedented. It attempts to shed light on the intense hardship faced by people who experience poverty, homelessness and chronic disease across the province of Saskatchewan.

Sanctum Care Group Inc. acknowledges that the 36-hour homelessness experience by no means accurately depicts the numerous barriers and complex issues faced by people who survive daily in poverty and homelessness. However, Sanctum Care Group Inc. believes that drawing awareness to some of the many challenges will be a catalyst for real and lasting change.

In our effort to raise awareness, follow us on social media as community leaders share their experience throughout the 36 hour challenge.

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