Description

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Monday, February 12, 2018

DAY THREE - EXTREME COLD WARNING AND A STOLEN JACKET

My challenge today:
You can't find your winter jacket. It may have been stolen. Try to stay warm for the day.

I will try and stay warm, its not like its -40C outside. Except (SHOCKER) - it is.
Needless to say I didn't walk from the Rec Centre this morning like I intended to because I would have frozen.
 
 
 
I was able to swing by the Salvation Army and pick out a great jacket that fit - it was my colour and also very warm. The staff at the Salvation Army are very warm and welcoming and did a great job helping me. They also offered me sweaters and socks for warmth. The jacket cost normally would be $25.00 - still very cheap for a good, warm winter jacket! Because I have blown my budget (see yesterdays post), I was able get the jacket through their voucher program and was given the jacket for free! Thank goodness for this program - a literal life saver in this weather. Right now the Salvation army is in need of mens clothing items (sweaters, pants, boots, jackets), in addition to their usual need for clothing. The also offer food programs and have boxes of food available for those in need.

 

 
Ways to donate items, money and time in Kenora:

Salvation Army
  • Will accept: anything that people can wear - shoes, seasonal clothing, new underwear & socks; non-perishable food items; toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, pads and tampon; household items
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Charitable receipts available
  • Drop by or call ahead 468-1044
  • Open 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
  • Always looking for volunteers
Kenora Fellowship Centre
  • Will accept: anything that people can wear - shoes, seasonal clothing, new underwear & socks; fresh and non-perishable food items; toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, pads and tampon
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
  • Drop in or call ahead - 468-5538
  • Open 8:00am to 4:00pm every day
  • Always looking for volunteers
Jubilee Church of God
  • Will accept: food donations (i.e. meat, non-perishables), grocery gift cards ($25 cards are good since they can go to a family in need); seasonal clothing and footwear that is in good shape
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque), tax receipts available if over a certain amount
  • Call ahead - 407-3620; call if unsure if an item you have can be donated
  • Always looking for volunteers
Twice is Nice
  • Will accept: anything that people can wear  (i.e.: shoes, seasonal clothing)
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Charitable receipts available
  • $25.00 Gift cards are available for purchase and are then given to individuals in need to enable folks to come to the store and shop for themselves
  • Drop by or call ahead – 467-2337
  • Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Closed Monday
  • Always looking for volunteers
Kenora Emergency Shelter (Ne-Chee Friendship Centre)
  • Will accept: toiletries, toilet paper, new underwear and socks
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
  • Donations can be made to Ne-Chee Friendship Centre (call ahead to 468-5440 ext. 233)
  • Open 8:00pm to 8:00am every day
  • Ne-Chee Street Patrol performs outreach 6:00pm to 10:00pm every day
Legal Aid
  • Will accept: toiletries (i.e. mini shampoos, conditioner and soaps)
  • Call for more information 468-8888
  • Can be dropped off during operating hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Saakaate House
  • Will accept: unopened toiletries, new underwear, sanitary napkins; diapers
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque) - will go to shelter resources or to women/families transitioning out of the shelter
  • Call ahead - 468-1889
Minto Child Parent Resource Centre
  • Will accept: toiletries, baby and children's (and some women's) clothing for their 'give and take'
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Used to purchase resources for the centre, family activities and outings for low-income families
  • Call ahead - 468-3161
  • Open 10:00am to 3:30pm Tuesday to Friday, closed Monday
Women's Place Kenora
  • Will accept: donations of seasonal clothing for women & children, household & kitchen items, books of any kind
  • Do not accept: shoes, toys or men's clothing
  • Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
  • Call ahead - 468-9095
  • Open 12:00pm to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday
Northwestern Health Unit
  • Will accept: toiletries (i.e.: mini shampoos, conditioner, soaps), toilet paper, new underwear, socks, mitts, hats, black garbage bags, bag tags, re-usable bags, and bus passes.
  • Call for more information 468-3147
  • Can be dropped off during operating hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
 
Churches offering food programs in Kenora - contact for details:

Knox United Church

Fellowship Centre 

Jubilee Church

Salvation Army

St. Alban's

Lakeside Baptist

First Baptist

If I forgot any please add into comments section ;)

Just an FYI - Fellowship Centre is currently in need of gently used towels and coffee cups...




Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)