By Bryan Eneas

Osler couple’s contributions to the justice system recognized

Apr 6, 2017 | 12:00 PM

A pair of retired dairy farmers will be recognized for their volunteer efforts within the Saskatchewan penitentiary system.

35 years ago, Harry Martens and his wife Eva began visiting the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert to talk with inmates in an attempt to be positive figures who offer guidance. They will receive Saskatchewan Volunteer Medals at the end of the month.

“We try to encourage them [by saying] don’t call it downtime, call it an opportunity to try to get some education,” Harry said to paNOW. “Try to turn it into something positive.”

Harry said his and wife Eva’s Mennonite church group does what it can “to better this world,” and the couple was compelled to do the same.

He said he isn’t sure if they’re making a difference or not, but he knows he’s learned along the way.

SIGA

SIGA and Northern Lights Casino main sponsors of the 31st PAGC Fine Arts Festival

14h ago

Workplace incident

City of Prince Albert pleads guilty to workplace safety violation, handed fines

16h ago

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

Apr 24, 2024

“All those people, most of those people inside …After you hear these guys’ life story you just wonder how they turned out so good, because the things they’ve been through. That’s just unbelievable,” Harry said.

The Martens have also done work with Habitat for Humanity. Harry said through his work with the Willow Cree Healing Lodge in Duck Lake he was able to encourage people to build four houses in the community.

He said he’s a firm believer in the Healing Lodge’s approach, citing a recidivism rate of only 20 per cent against a traditional penitentiary which has an 80 per cent rate of recidivism.

The couple currently owns a farm in Osler, although they sold their dairy cattle last year.

The ceremony will take place April 24 in Regina. The Martens pair joines fellow honouree retired P.A. teacher Janice Olesko.

– With files from Taylor MacPherson

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas