Winter Care Packages for Toronto's Homeless
Donation protected
In lieu of collecting donations for Movember this year, I'm asking my friends, family, and anyone else who is able to donate, to consider contributing to a cause I am very passionate about.
This winter, the homeless in Toronto will be facing even greater risk, not only facing the unforgiving cold of the Canadian winter but also the serious risk of being exposed to COVID-19 due to the increased strain on our shelter systems, which has been compounded by the job losses and financial insecurity related to the pandemic.
With the funds raised from this initiative, we will be purchasing supplies for, and putting together care packages for those living outdoors, primarily focused on Toronto's East End (Moss Park, Cabbagetown, Regent Park, Riverdale, Leslieville & The Beaches) but will try to expand as much as the funds raised will allow.
The contents of these packages will include Thermal Socks & Underwear, Scarves, Winter Hats, Gloves, Hand Warmers, Oral Hygiene Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, A Handwritten Holiday Card (because everyone deserves to feel loved during the holidays!), ready to eat foods such as granola bars & Reusable Water Bottles. We will also be preparing quick sandwiches they can eat that day, as well as baking some banana bread to throw in as a treat. Once we've obtained all the supplies, we will be putting together individual care packages into reusable bags and hand-delivering them to anyone we see on the streets in the above-mentioned areas.
I'm roughly budgeting for around $20-25 per bag, and would like to put together at least 50 bags, ideally would like to try to stretch this number closer to 100.
Of course, these packages are not a solution to the root causes of the challenges they face and what we really need is to get them safe, warm places indoors for the winter, but I believe it will be crucial to provide as much as we can for those who remain outside this winter.
I will be happy to share updates on this project via pictures of the supplies we've purchased and the completed packages loaded in the car for delivery, however, out of respect for those we encounter on the street and their loved ones, we will not be sharing photos of anyone who receives the packages, as I do not want them to feel like they're part of a photo opportunity or being pitied in any way. They are members of our community and we just want to share as much love with them as we can during the holiday season.
Thank you very much for your generosity and for taking the time to read this. If you aren't able to donate, sharing the link with someone who can help just as much!
This winter, the homeless in Toronto will be facing even greater risk, not only facing the unforgiving cold of the Canadian winter but also the serious risk of being exposed to COVID-19 due to the increased strain on our shelter systems, which has been compounded by the job losses and financial insecurity related to the pandemic.
With the funds raised from this initiative, we will be purchasing supplies for, and putting together care packages for those living outdoors, primarily focused on Toronto's East End (Moss Park, Cabbagetown, Regent Park, Riverdale, Leslieville & The Beaches) but will try to expand as much as the funds raised will allow.
The contents of these packages will include Thermal Socks & Underwear, Scarves, Winter Hats, Gloves, Hand Warmers, Oral Hygiene Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, A Handwritten Holiday Card (because everyone deserves to feel loved during the holidays!), ready to eat foods such as granola bars & Reusable Water Bottles. We will also be preparing quick sandwiches they can eat that day, as well as baking some banana bread to throw in as a treat. Once we've obtained all the supplies, we will be putting together individual care packages into reusable bags and hand-delivering them to anyone we see on the streets in the above-mentioned areas.
I'm roughly budgeting for around $20-25 per bag, and would like to put together at least 50 bags, ideally would like to try to stretch this number closer to 100.
Of course, these packages are not a solution to the root causes of the challenges they face and what we really need is to get them safe, warm places indoors for the winter, but I believe it will be crucial to provide as much as we can for those who remain outside this winter.
I will be happy to share updates on this project via pictures of the supplies we've purchased and the completed packages loaded in the car for delivery, however, out of respect for those we encounter on the street and their loved ones, we will not be sharing photos of anyone who receives the packages, as I do not want them to feel like they're part of a photo opportunity or being pitied in any way. They are members of our community and we just want to share as much love with them as we can during the holiday season.
Thank you very much for your generosity and for taking the time to read this. If you aren't able to donate, sharing the link with someone who can help just as much!
Organizer
Tyler Baldwin
Organizer
Toronto, ON
