Outreach # 6 Sunday, May 5, 2019
Before we were to head out for our 6th outreach, we already had 64 Project Dignity bags, that we filled last weekend, ready to go. On Saturday we had stopped at Dollarama to buy a bunch of toothbrushes since we still had a few boxes of travel size toothpaste, that had been previously donated to us by a local dentist. We also dropped in at Value Village and found a great pair of men’s runners in size 13. I had mentioned in last weeks post, that we had encountered a fellow who was in dire need of shoes in this size! Not many men wear size 13, so when we didn’t receive a donated pair, we decided to buy him some!
Beau and I woke up bright and early today in anticipation of our 6th Outreach venture. Even at 6:00 AM, we could tell it was going to be a glorious, sunny spring day! After a leisurely breakfast, and some outside puttering, we started to get ready for our day. Beau brewed 70 cups of coffee in the urn, we packed up the vehicle and headed downtown. Our first stop, as usual, was near the Salvation Army. Some of the fellows recognized us right away and greeted us with big smiles. We had an offer to help us from a young man that had just moved to Ottawa from Winnipeg, that we gladly accepted. He helped us set up the table, carry the bins of Project Dignity bags and helped clean up afterward. Once the coffee was all set up, a lineup quickly formed for coffee and clothing. In no time all the men’s clothing had been dispersed, as well as a few of the women’s bags. We also were able to give a gentleman, who was walking around in only a pair of socks, an almost new pair of size 13 running shoes! He was incredibly grateful to now have some shoes to protect his feet! It gave us a wonderful feeling inside! We then decided to head over to the Shepherds of Good Hope location with the rest of the women’s clothing, since this shelter also houses women. Once there, we handed out most of what we had left and enjoyed some chats and laughs with some of the ladies there.
After spending almost 3 hors downtown, we headed back home feeling satisfied with another great day we had. We thoroughly enjoyed all the interactions we had with everyone that we encountered. The highlight of the day for us, was when one of the regular fellows said, “The only good thing really consistent here is knowing that you guys will be dropping by here every couple of weeks. It really does make a difference! Thank you both for caring!” This really touched our hearts!
As usual, we asked everyone what their most urgent immediate needs were and we were told:
- Shoes, especially runners in all sizes for both men and women.
- Bras and underwear in all sizes, as well as men’s boxers
- Socks
- T-shirts and other tops and bottoms
- Toiletries of all kinds, as well as toothpaste + toothbrushes
We again want to thank everyone, who generously donated so many wonderful items! That generosity gave us the ability to fill a total of 64 Project Dignity bags! We certainly couldn’t do what we do without all of you!
