By all accounts, Homestand ‘23 was a massive success. 

Headerliner Corb Lund, roots soul songwriter Lindi Ortega, folk rocker Mike Plume, and country artist Jordyn Pollard put on a fantastic show that had all in attendance dancing throughout the night. 

While a final total raised wasn’t available yet, Shea Jameson, a director with River Street Promotions, said ticket sales were up 150 per cent over last year and with the corporate gifts they received he anticipates the event will raise more than it did last year. 

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“The money is distributed through the Prairie South School and the Holy Trinity Catholic School divisions, and it is distributed for youth mental wellness programming,” said Jameson. 

“What they do is partner with student representative councils and in the various schools in the divisions and the kids actually direct the funds and how the money is spent based on approval by a committee that's overseen by Prairie South School and the Holy Trinity Catholic School divisions.” 

The evening of live music at Ross Wells Ball Park was started three years ago by River Street Promotions to raise money to support mental health and wellness initiatives in the Prairie South School Division, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, and the beautification of Ross Wells Ball Park. 

“We need to break down the stigma. It's nice that this community is wrapping around our youth and that the money is going towards mental health initiatives in southern Saskatchewan,” said Amanda Olson the superintendent of learning at the Prairie South School division. 

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The money raised from Homestand ‘22 was used to put on a youth mental health wellness conference. 

“We did that virtually given the dynamics of Prairie South and Holy Trinity School divisions; the schools are throughout southern Saskatchewan. We brought the students together virtually and we hosted a number of keynote speakers, Lisa Franks, Sam Dema, Tyler Smith, Megan Nash, and a few others and they were able to add some tools to the to students’ toolboxes through their messages,” noted Olson. 

Close to 200 volunteers helped make Homestand ‘23 possible for the estimated 2,000 people in attendance. 

“It just came together really quick this year, to be honest with you, It's been a real treat, you know, working with the people that have gotten behind Homestand,” noted Jameson. 

Homestand '23 is the brainchild of River Street Promotions, a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that promotes wellness in the community using entertainment to spread awareness and educate. 

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