During a cold snap in February 2015, Stuart Hall noticed many social media posts from Saskatchewan residents seeking help with stalled vehicles. Recognizing the need for a community-based solution, he created the 306 Recovery Group, a Facebook community where people could ask for assistance and others could step in to help. Within 24 hours of its launch, the group attracted over 300 members, and by the end of its first week, it had grown to more than 1,300. Since then, the group has continued to grow steadily, becoming a vital resource for Saskatchewan motorists.
Stuart Hall, who grew up in a small Saskatchewan town where neighbours were always ready to lend a hand, built the group on the same spirit of community support. The 306 Recovery Group connects residents willing to help each other with towing, jump-starting vehicles, or fixing flat tires, particularly during the province’s harsh winter conditions. Over the years, the group has grown to include more than 19,000 members, operating as a pay-it-forward initiative where charging for services is strictly prohibited.
One active member, Dylan Lamontagne, has been with the group for about a year and has travelled to Bethune, Raymore, and Regina to assist stranded drivers. For Dylan, the group has become more than a way to help others—it has also become a form of personal therapy. Diagnosed with severe depression, he finds that volunteering helps to ease his symptoms and keeps his mind occupied. Having experienced being stranded himself, Dylan finds satisfaction in ensuring others make it home safely.
Another group member, Jennifer Desjarlais, has experienced the community’s kindness firsthand. When she found herself in need of help—whether due to a dead battery or locking her keys in her car—the group members responded quickly. Jennifer highlights how invaluable the support has been, especially for those who cannot afford costly services like a new battery or a locksmith. She describes the volunteers’ willingness to help as an incredible testament to human kindness and expresses her deep gratitude for their selfless contributions.
The 306 Recovery Group exemplifies the power of community in Saskatchewan, demonstrating how people can come together to support one another through challenging situations. What began as a small initiative during a cold snap has grown into a lifeline for thousands, embodying the true spirit of helping others without expecting anything in return.
Source: CBC
