When Red Friday began in 2004, founders Lisa Miller and Karen Bohr started a movement that united Canadians behind deployed soldiers. Every Friday, people wore red as a simple act of solidarity.
Two decades later, Red Friday Talks is proud to carry that legacy forward — expanding the mission to support not only deployed members of the military, but also the firefighters, first responders, and families who serve right here at home.
This month, we’re launching our Saskatoon pilot program, an initiative built by veterans and public safety professionals to strengthen community support, improve mental health, and recognize those who make service possible — both on and off the front lines.
💡 What’s New in the Saskatoon Pilot
1️⃣ The Support Our Heroes Directory (Now Live)
Our online directory recognizes and promotes businesses owned by, or employing, volunteer firefighters, veterans, and first responders.
Every business in Saskatoon receives a free basic listing.
Veterans, first responders, their immediate families, and public safety fire departments receive premium listings free for life.
The Directory is self-funded through paid premium listings and advertising, which cover the cost of community programs and peer support — ensuring our support remains independent and sustainable.
👉 Explore it here: www.supportourheroes.directory
2️⃣ Free Peer Support & Training
We provide no-cost peer support training and resources for firefighters, veterans, first responders, and their partners.
Businesses listed in the Directory can also access peer support awareness training, so staff can better recognize and respond when someone is struggling.
Peer support isn’t just about crisis intervention — it’s about morale, connection, and resilience.
Training is available now at www.redfridaytalks.help.
3️⃣ Recruitment & Retention Support for Fire Departments
Volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention are challenges across the province. By recognizing the people who volunteer — and the employers who stand behind them — we help strengthen local departments and inspire others to serve.
🗣 Voices from the Community
Bryce Walker, General Manager of 306 Tactical in Saskatoon, shared:
“As the General Manager of 306 Tactical in Saskatoon, I’m proud to stand behind Red Friday Talks and the Support Our Heroes Directory. These men and women deserve recognition, support for their families, and a boost for the businesses that keep their communities running. On a personal note, my grandfather was a veteran, and the respect I carry for him is the same respect I feel for those serving today. I’m proud to work alongside Red Friday Talks in making sure that happens.”
💬 From the Red Friday Talks Team
“Red Friday Talks has always been about standing together. In Saskatoon, we’re proving that support doesn’t stop with a thank you — it extends to families, workplaces, and the businesses that make volunteer service possible. We fund this ourselves through premium listings and directory advertising so our free services remain free.”
— Bob McTaggart, Red Friday Talks
🇨🇦 Looking Forward
The Saskatoon pilot is the first step in a larger plan to connect communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.
Our model is simple: support those who serve by supporting their families, their mental health, and the businesses that stand behind them.
If you’re a business owner, a firefighter, a veteran, or a first responder — you’re already part of this community.
Join us.
👉 Explore: www.supportourheroes.directory
👉 Learn: www.redfridaytalks.help
#RedFridayTalks #SupportOurHeroes #Saskatoon #Veterans #FirstResponders #VolunteerFirefighters #PeerSupport #RedFridayFieldNotes
Credit: Bob McTaggart — Red Friday Field Notes
