The winter months in North Bay are cold. People experiencing homelessness need proper footwear as they wander the streets day in and day out.
That is why the Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay have stepped up for the third year to help.
Frontline organizations that service people experiencing homelessness requested that the committee ask the public to donate hats, scarves, mitts, thermal socks, and boots. On Saturday, December 2, at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption parking area, the community of North Bay gave generously.
“Once again, we had a great outpouring of kindness from the community!” stated Leah Pierce, Chairperson. “Organizations like The AIDS Committee of North Bay, the Unsheltered Hub (also known as the Warming Centre), Open Arms Café, Catholic Charities, and True Self were very excited and thankful to receive the brand-new mitts, thermal socks and boots to clothe people experiencing homelessness, including the Indigenous homeless, in the frigid winter weather.”
Five trunks were filled with hats, mitts, scarves, and thermal socks, and 90 pairs of brand-new winter boots were donated to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, the committee received coats, blankets, and warm clothing that were also donated to people experiencing homelessness. Over the past three years, the Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay has donated 200 pairs of brand-new boots to frontline organizations that support people experiencing homelessness.
The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay was created in March 2021, and based on research conducted, the Winter Boot Campaign was born. “With eight churches involved, and 12 volunteers through faith, service and social justice we are addressing the urgent needs of people experiencing homelessness and are engaged with all levels of government to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are front and centre in the political arena,” stated Pierce.
The committee is already making plans to host an Easter Dinner and hold a Backpacks of Love summer campaign.
The committee is made up of the faithful from churches primarily in North Bay’s downtown, who have joined together to address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness.
