Al Lindskoog was hooked on CARTS from his first experience offering small comforts to some of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 most vulnerable residents.
Six years ago Lindskoog, now the president of the charityB次元官网网址檚 board of directors, came out on a Sunday night to offer a hot drink, warm clothing and an open ear to those living on the street.
B次元官网网址淚t just fit my heart and my personality so well,B次元官网网址� Lindskoog said. B次元官网网址淚 took one trip out on the street and never looked back.B次元官网网址�
Every Sunday he continues to uphold the CARTS B次元官网网址� Christian Actions Reflecting The Spirit B次元官网网址� mission to feed, embrace and inspire others through non-judgmental and compassionate outreach.
B次元官网网址淚 got out of my middle class upbringing and lifestyle and realized thereB次元官网网址檚 a group of people, where poverty is a big issue for them, either through homelessness, limited income or addiction issues,B次元官网网址� Lindskoog said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been endeavouring with my heart to address the needs that are there, to see people not just as statistics, but as actual people, to become friends, to hear the stories and to discover who they are, not to view people as a project, but to build a friendship.
B次元官网网址淚t becomes very much a relationship about caring for people.B次元官网网址�
Every Sunday afternoon some 20 volunteers, armed with four garden carts loaded with sandwiches, hot chocolate, personal health items, toques, scarves, gloves and about 150 pairs of socks, meets up at Queens Manor (710 Queens St.).
After doling out B次元官网网址渁 smile and love and conversation,B次元官网网址� Lindskoog said, the team then heads toward Centennial Square where they offer more of the same. The route ends at the Salvation Army if thereB次元官网网址檚 anything left at the end of the two-hour effort.
CARTS relies on a constant stream of donations, including cash to purchase undergarments for recipients. This yearB次元官网网址檚 tighter-than-usual budget has seen CARTS hold off on purchasing the gloves they would like to give. CARTS remains open to a variety of donations, though winter gear is at the top of their wishlist this year.
More volunteers B次元官网网址� of any faith B次元官网网址� are also welcome to join the 10-year-old charity.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e a bunch of people from a lot of different backgrounds,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淟ots of people just have a heart of gold and want to express that. We want to be that place for people.B次元官网网址�
And although the Christmas season is a wonderful time to get people thinking about giving, Lindskoog said, CARTS hopes to achieve consistency year round.
To donate, or to volunteer, either on the front line or preparing behind-the-scenes, visit .
nnorth@saanichnews.com
