THUNDER BAY – Shelter House has food, shelter and hope on their Christmas list this year.
The local emergency shelter launched their holiday campaign on Monday morning, urging the community for donations to support the organization’s programs and services.
Acting executive director Brad King said the goal is to exceed the $120,000 raised in last year’s Christmas campaign.
“We’re encouraging all community members to remember the true spirit of giving this Christmas and think of those who are doing without over the holidays and remind them what they give now sustains us for the rest of the 364 days of the year,” he said.
Shelter House provides 77 emergency beds through their shelter, as well as a 15-person managed alcohol program, community kitchen which serves more than 700 meals per day and their street outreach services program.
Last year the organization received more than $400,000 in community donations, which is essential because nearly 40 per cent of their annual budget comes from unsecured funding sources.
Those services are vital lifelines for many in the community with nowhere else to turn, especially as winter begins to descend upon Thunder Bay.
“It’s extremely important for all of our less fortunate community members in Thunder Bay. Sometimes it’s a matter of life or death for people who are living on the streets,” King said.
“We’re almost always at capacity but we see the need become more dire with more people needing shelter more urgently. It’s a very important time for us.”
Shelter House development officer Takwama Mahu said the generosity of the community is appreciated.
“Every little bit counts,” she said. “It shows Thunder Bay does care and Thunder Bay does recognize there is a need…At Shelter House we’re supporting the people who need the help and there are people who want to help, so we’re just facilitating that for them.”
She added donations can be made in person at Shelter House, online or by telephone or at all TD Canada Trust locations.
