Winter Essentials for Ajax Homeless

UPDATE! *FEB 15* I just dropped off the first items. Gloves, hats, neck warmers, hand warmers. The socks I ordered got delayed due to weather.

I have increased the goal - I just need $170 to reach $1000! There’s a lot I can do with that. LFG! Thank you again to everyone who has supported and contributed to this effort.

Valerie

UPDATE! FIRST ITEMS ON THE WAY!

- 40 pairs of reusable hand warmers

- 24 toques

- 24 pairs of gloves

- 24 neck warmers

- 50 pairs of wool socks

Since this fundraiser did so well, I am going to ask the local shelter about other items they are in need of. I will keep you posted!

Valerie

UPDATE - GOAL REACHED!

I’m happy to share that the goal I set has been reached—and even surpassed! I’m incredibly grateful for all the support and donations. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this cause!

This was my first time using GoFundMe, so I wasn’t aware that donations take several days to process before they can be transferred to my bank account. However, I’ve received notifications that the approved funds are finally on their way!

As I still have some friends who wish to donate but needed to wait, I’ve decided to keep this fundraiser open for now. Unfortunately, given the current

social and economical climate, the need for donations to local shelters will likely continue, so may as well leave it open!

-Valerie

Hello, my name is Valerie, and I am a lifelong resident of Ajax, ON, Canada. I’ve worked retail positions at some of your favorite spots in Durham, including PJ’s Pets in the PTC, where I sold pets and taught you how to care for your budgies, finches, parrots, and various fuzzy little critters. I currently work at Long & McQuade in Pickering, where I always take the time to help you find the guitar (or other musical gear) of your dreams. I believe in community and in connecting with my fellow local residents.

I am fundraising to purchase bulk orders of winter hats, gloves, and thermal socks from Amazon.ca to donate to the Ajax Hub via CFOC (Christian Faith Outreach Centre). I am not affiliated with either organization in any way—I’m just a local resident looking to help and connect with others who want to contribute to this effort. As many Ajax residents have likely noticed, we have a large number of unhoused persons with no option but to brave this harsh winter weather on their own, outside, in a polar vortex (-20°C and below regularly).

Anything helps! Even just sharing this fundraiser will help me connect with people who are in a position to donate. I know times are tough and may get tougher, so if you’re reading this and want to help but just can’t right now—I get it. I truly appreciate any kind of support, whether it’s a donation, kind words, or simply sharing this post.

All donated funds will go toward purchasing the items shown in the photos. As soon as I reach the goal (or get close enough to cover the rest myself), I will order the items immediately and drop them off at the CFOC, located at 125 Commercial Ave in Ajax.

I play in a touring punk rock band, and over the last couple of years we’ve been fortunate enough to travel across Canada multiple times. One thing we’ve noticed in just about every major city, small town, and everywhere in between is the ever-growing homeless population.

This is happening across our country, and I wholeheartedly believe that we must be the change we want to see in our society. Those who are in a position to help need to support their communities and vulnerable populations. So, I’m starting at home.

The dollar amount is not huge - if just 30 people donate $20, I’ll reach the goal and we will have warmer hands, heads, and feet within DAYS! You can make a difference, anything helps!

I have attached a photo of the breakdown total $615.12 - the goal is slightly higher to accommodate the gofundme fee (2.9% + $0.30 per donation made).