I first joined the people who started this group in November 2009. As of February 2010, I took over this endeavour on my own, when they no longer were able to continue. Every Friday for close to two years, I would cook up a simple meal and a beverage, and head into the inner city by myself, and feed the people waiting outside the shelters. I would squeeze what I could from my pay and save my bonus from work, watch sales like a hawk, trying to make enough food to feed the 60-80 people I would find there. Often I would sell personal items, so I would have some funds for food and supplies. I most certainly had to be creative.
My ad on kijiji helped me get clothing. I have sorted thru 1000's of bags, ensuring all were in good repair and clean. Often in bags and boxes there were children’s items, small household items, books, knickknacks etc. So I widened my efforts and reached out to single parents or people who needed the items, and still do that after my day at work and my days off.
After a few news clips on what I was doing, people would contact me, and many offered gift cards to places I could buy food and supplies. Others sent cheques, or came to my home and offered what they could, gas cards so I could do the many clothing pickups. Many kind and generous people helped me, not only from Edmonton, but Calgary and BC.I was able to start a very small account. About 1 1/2 years ago, after another news clip, I had some amazing people contact me, and they have come with me every Friday since. They have so helped with getting donations we so very much depend on. How I ever managed without them is still a mystery to me, but if there is a will, there is always a way.
The most disturbing part is that the number of people we help has grown. Some Fridays as many as 200.Shame on our government. That so many of these people work, then have to spend the night in a shelter is very disturbing. Our Friday evenings out are filled with smiles, hugs and sometimes tears, great conversations and just general fun. We try and make the evening a good one, no matter the weather. Are we humbled by this small gesture each week?
You better believe it.
Pat Dunbar
None of this would be possible were it not for the generosity of people like you. E-mail Patty for more information on donations and volunteering & Like Us On Facebook to stay up to date on everything that we are doing for the community.
