Fundraiser jumpstarted for grieving family of assault victim

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

In a heartfelt display of support for the Squair family that recently saw Quin Squair taken off life support following an assault at a residence on Saulteaux Frist Nation, Allysa Woodrow has initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at alleviating the financial strain faced by the grieving family as they accompanied Quin during his final days in Saskatoon.

“His mother and I have worked together for just over a year, and we called an emergency meeting … and we (co-workers) just started trying to brainstorm ideas of how we could help her,” Woodrow said, who works at Prairie Sky Recovery Centre in Leipzig, Sask., with Quin’s mother, Mellissa.

After being put on life support following the assault that left him with “serious injuries,” according to an article written by the Canadian Press, his mother spent every day at the hospital and was unable to come to work. She also has parking and meal fees to pay.

Unable to fund their co-worker’s expenses out of their pockets, Woodrow and her co-workers decided to start a fundraiser.

“(We want) to raise some funds for her because we’re not sure when she’s going to be able to come back to work,” Woodrow said to the News-Optimist/ SASKTODAY.ca, highlighting the family went through a lot not knowing if Quin would come home to them.

Although the fundraiser took a while to gain traction, Woodrow said after articles about the Squair family were released in the media, she’s recently been overwhelmed with the amount of support shown for the fundraiser and the Squairs.

“It was pretty slow at first because, again, everything was up in the air. Nobody really knew what was going on, nobody knew who it was … (now) it’s been almost overwhelming, with the amount of support.”

Prizes have been donated from several Saskatchewan-based businesses and organizations, including Prairie Sky Recovery Centre, Wilkie Pharmacy, LLF Creations, Milbankes, Prairie Storm Candle Co, The Smith’s Studios and donations from several individuals.

There are currently 26 prizes for the fundraising draw, though more will be added as they’re received.

Ticket prices are as follows:

One ticket $5

Two tickets $8

Three tickets $10 Woodrow has asked those purchasing tickets to indicate which prize they would like their ticket to reprinted in full here from Hansard.

Mr. Domotor: — “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Miguel Fenrich, a resident of Wilkie, has published not one but two books; opened his own publishing company, Supernova Press; and is working as a frontline reporter for The Battlefords Regional News-Optimist — all before he has celebrated his 21st birthday, Mr. Speaker.

“Miguel is also a board member for the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild and the publishing group SaskBooks. Miguel started writing his first book titled Blue in June of 2020, and it was published a short time later in June of 2022.

Miguel’s second book published is called What Lies in the Valley and it was released January 13th of this year. Mr. Speaker, Miguel continues to write...

“Growing up, Mr. Speaker, Miguel was not a writer. He was however an avid storyteller. Miguel enjoyed playing pretend, creating scenarios in his head, and then acting them out. One day he realized he could write down those things and a young novelist was born.

“It was my great honour, Mr. Speaker, to present Miguel Fenrich with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at our celebration on January 19th, 2023. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members of this Assembly join me in congratulating Miguel Fenrich on his successful writing and publishing career. I wish him every success as he continues to pursue his dreams. Thank you.” go towards, picking from the 26 prizes currently listed on the Facebook Group Fundraiser for the Squar Family they would like their ticket to go towards.

This article has been updated to correct the name of Fenrich’s second book.

She’s a wife, mother, aunty, sister, grandma and a best friend.

Thank you for being you. Love from all of your family.

“There have been people in Saskatoon and North Battleford and all surrounding areas that are messaging me constantly, saying ‘how can we help?’” Woodrow said, adding that she’s had several businesses reach out to donate items to the fundraiser draw.

“People have just been donating money. A lady recently donated $200 … It’s been like a good overwhelming,” Woodrow said.

“(It’s) just to raise as much money as possible for her. I know she still has bills to pay … and with not being able to come to work, it’s definitely going to be a little bit of a hindrance.” Woodrow said.

When asked what the best-case scenario would be for the fundraiser, Woodrow said any amount would be helpful.

“Anything that we’re able to do for her.”

SASKATCHEWAN’S BEST

Framed images are available, or order different images or sizes. These images can be preordered framed for $200 plus tax. Enter