THUNDER BAY - A festival in the downtown south core on Saturday was not only a way to give back to the community, but also a chance to build a stronger and more proud neighbourhood.
The first Shelter House Community Festival was held at the Thunder Bay Shelter House and was organized, planned, and hosted by people who utilize Shelter House services.
“It’s their way of giving back,” said Gary Mack, executive director of Thunder Bay Shelter House. “It’s an event that brings together our population who are often ostracized from society so it’s an opportunity for our folks to connect with other people.”
Mack said that often people don’t know any homeless people and often have certain judgements about people who use the shelter house. He added that this is a way to bring two worlds together.
“What we are really trying to do here is create an organization and atmosphere that supports people to get well,” he said. “When people are engaged they feel better about themselves. When people start to feel better about themselves, everything changes for them.”
Linda Bruins came out to the fair-like event, which included clowns, live entertainment, and a lot of food. She said that it is always to support a strong community, no matter where it is.
“This is their community and this is their neighbourhood,” she said. “Building strong neighbourhoods gives people a sense of pride and purpose and we all need pride and purpose to move ahead in life.”
Melanie Harding, who works in the downtown south core and volunteered for the Shelter House, agrees that building stronger communities not only benefits those who may be struggling, but also provides an opportunity for everyone to feel stronger.
“Having an inspirational community and celebrating the vibrancy of all the people here and their strength is really important,” she said. “I think often this community may experience more negative reactions to their struggles, but here it is an opportunity to celebrate the strengths and come together and be together.”
Based on the strong turnout on Saturday, Mack said the event will definitely be back next year.
“I’m super excited about this,” he said. “This was awesome.”
