At the end of 2023, two retired Comox Valley residents got together and tinkered about ways to support the regionB次元官网网址檚 growing unhoused population.
Ann Zanbilowicz and Dorothy McGinn recognized that they couldnB次元官网网址檛 single-handedly solve the issues of housing, addiction, or the lack of services. However, they believed they could alleviate some of the pressure felt by many.
B次元官网网址淒orothy and IB次元官网网址� had both gone by (the Connect Centre) and seen all the homeless people. We wanted to do something,B次元官网网址� Zanbilowicz said. B次元官网网址淚t just feels so wrong that people were starving in the Comox Valley when most of us had so much.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淲e cannot be indifferent. We have homes, warm beds and food. Surely we can provide for those who donB次元官网网址檛 have resources. We found the money to pay for COVID and to fund foreign wars. Why canB次元官网网址檛 we find the money to provide appropriate services for those in need?B次元官网网址�
The two ladies ultimately concluded that providing meals to the unhoused would be the most effective approach.
Uncertain at first how to bring this idea to life, McGinn proposed the Meal Train - a free online service designed to facilitate the co-ordination of meal distributions.
After , the retirees pitched their idea to the community through a Facebook post, hoping to find some who would be willing to lend a hand.
B次元官网网址淭he response was so great that we quickly were able to expand the program and have a hot dish and a dessert at lunchtime on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,B次元官网网址� said McGinn.
With more than 30 participants from across the Valley, volunteers are preparing and donating meals, along with providing essential everyday items such as personal care products, blankets, rubber boots, and coats to CourtenayB次元官网网址檚 Connect Centre.
Mario Palmas, a staff member at the Connect Centre, has witnessed the positive impact of this initiative.
B次元官网网址淣ot only has it been a big blessing for the Connect Centre staff to be able to provide warm lunches for the clients, but it has also brought lots of love and smiles from the clients,B次元官网网址� Palmas said.
B次元官网网址淲hen you have this beautiful freshly made lasagna or a lovely casserole getting dropped off, itB次元官网网址檚 something that would not be provided without their help.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just incredible to see how thankful the clients are for them providing that service. TheyB次元官网网址檝e honestly gone above and beyond with their generosity and their time.B次元官网网址�
Samuel, a client at the Connect Centre, was quietly enjoying his meal on a Monday afternoon when he shared how grateful he was for having access to such a service.
B次元官网网址淭he food is really good, (and) itB次元官网网址檚 healthy. (We feel like) weB次元官网网址檙e being taken care of and we know that a lot of it has to do with the community - which we are very grateful for,B次元官网网址� said the man. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been in a community where thereB次元官网网址檚 nothing or you get old food, but this is fresh.B次元官网网址�
Despite feeding lunches to an average of 25 people three times a week, Zanbilowicz and McGinn seek additional volunteers to expand the reach of their initiative.
B次元官网网址淧eople (just have to) log into the site, open the calendar, choose a date and indicate what they are going to make. We provide instructions for where and how to deliver the food,B次元官网网址� said McGinn.
Feeling powerless at times, Zanbilowicz remains optimistic that a little act of kindness from a single individual can go a long way.
B次元官网网址淚t seems like weB次元官网网址檙e doing so little, but at least itB次元官网网址檚 something. WeB次元官网网址檙e not politicians and weB次元官网网址檙e not fundraisers. WeB次元官网网址檙e not in a position to do anything about homelessness or drug addiction. (But what we can do is) contribute in some small ways.B次元官网网址�
To participate or have more information about the Meal Train, visit .
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