25 Backpacks in 25 Days Campaign
Submitted by Darlene Myles
It is that time of year when the weather changes and it becomes very cold for the homeless. There are approximately 25 individuals connected with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Owen Sound that do not have housing. There will be a campaign to donate 25 backpacks in 25 days, starting on November 1st until November 21st. These backpacks can be new or just lightly used (in good shape). They should be large enough to hold a second set of clothing, extra socks, mitts, and a hat. Donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs/hair brushes, bandaids, socks, warm gloves, hot paws (a very important item) and any new or lightly used footwear, especially men’s size 10 to 13 and women’s size 7 to 10.
Safe ‘n Sound provides access to a shower and laundry facilities. The OShare meal program serves two meals per day and the CMHA offers a brunch program through their drop-in centre called Union Place. 40 to 50 people are fed daily through the brunch program on a budget of $20.00 per day, along with donations from the public. A backpack would allow the homeless to have an easier to carry storage unit for their belonging.
Items can be dropped of at 2627 Hwy 6 at The Pentecostal Country Church on Thursday, November 10 and Thursday, November 24 between 9:30 and 11:30 am. If you are unable to deliver these items, call 519-378-8842 or email to darmyles62@gmail.com.
Clean your closets and storage areas to see what you can find that you don’t use any longer! We live in a very generous community so I am confident we will reach this goal!
