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Vern + Clara Welker wedding photo Oct 17, 1933 – Saskatoon Public Library
June 4, 2020 – As the Welkers’ Downtown story begins, Vern started working for Caswell’s – a menswear shop still around, today. Then in 1948, Vern + Clara bought Hearn’s Clothing Store, which was located beside the original Capitol Theatre on 2nd Avenue, and from there, they created Vern Welker Men’s Wear. Their 22 years of working Downtown, makes them like many others in our community then and now – hard working, supportive and generous people.
So many proudly generated their wealth in our Downtown district, and humbly share it across the entire community, within their favourite causes – from health, to culture, sports + more. It would be impossible to cover all support, but we can certainly point to well known examples – our Remai Modern Art Gallery, Harold Latrace Arena, and Nutrien Playland… To each Persephone performance, and Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s newest renovations… All the way to the sponsorship of a team’s jerseys, to the donation for a bake sale. Large or small, the people of Downtown Saskatoon business are leaving legacies that reach far and wide.
Supporting local, especially in our current situation, is of the utmost importance! Our local businesses survival feeds our community’s economic survival! Our local businesses turn around to support you right back, from that silent auction or prize donation, to their names on important community buildings and foundational gifts – such as this one. Each donation generates pride for what can be accomplished locally, Downtown Saskatoon.
The Welker’s legacy donation to the Saskatoon Community Foundation – today supporting Habitat for Humanity and other organizations – is quite an amazing story and gift to our community! Thanks kindly to all who have ever donated, including the Welker family! We continue to build and grow our community off your generosity.
Read full News Release here.
Find Habitat for Humanity FAQs here.
View June 4 – Virtual Press Conference here.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 6, 1971, p. 4.
Downtown Saskatoon strives to support our Downtown business community by enhancing the experience of all who work, live, and visit Downtown Saskatoon.
