Give a man a fish you feed him for a day..

I met Chantelle Simpson in nursing school back in 2011. We clicked instantly. Chantelle and I both had “hard” upbringing, a lot of childhood Trauma that allowed us to understand each other without ever having to share it. Both young moms- we supported each other through one of the hardest programs out there. Despite everything on her plate, she welcomed me and my son like family. I’ll never forget how often she invited us over, making sure we never felt alone.

Chantelle was suited for nursing. She was compassionate, empathetic, and one of the strongest students in the program. But as many of us know, life doesn’t always go as planned. While we were in school, Chantelle’s marriage fell apart. She began struggling further with her physical and mental health, and eventually, she turned to drugs as a way to cope.

Her life spiraled — she lost her home, her children, all of her possessions, and ended up living in tent cities and under bridges in Winnipeg’s core and north end. She was eventually arrested and found herself in jail.

In that cell, Chantelle cried out to God — a God of second, third, and fourth chances. She entered rehab with her then-boyfriend (now husband). Since then, both of them have been sober and rebuilding their lives. Today, they work as outreach workers in the core- the very same streets they once called home, helping others find hope and healing.

Chantelle now has her three children back and is in her final year of chaplaincy training. She works hard, loves hard, and gives back to her indigenous community and everyone else that crosses her path. Opening her home to people struggling, sharing meals, time, prayer with anyone who needs it.

But you can’t give from an empty cup! Chantelle is at a place where she is struggling to keep it all a float. Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, but give him a fishing rod and you feed him for life!

Chantelle’s fishing rod is her driver’s license — suspended years ago and has gone to collections. Without it, she can’t advance in her career or reliably transport her children to school, appointments, or activities. She’s doing everything she can, but she just needs a little help to clear this final hurdle.

I’m starting this fundraiser on Chantelle’s behalf to help her pay off her license fees so she can continue to grow, support her family, and do the life-changing work she’s already doing in our community.

If you believe in second chances please consider donating. Anything helps! Chantelle is in year 4 of sobriety!!! Let’s come together and help Chantelle keep "driving" forward.

Thank you so much for your support.