That is the message volunteers with the Truro Homeless Outreach Society have for the community.
"This town just blows me away," said Philip Quigley, chairman of the society. "People have been very generous and I want to thank the community, but I don't want to give the message that we're OK because a lot of help is still needed."
Several fundraising activities have been held recently, allowing the shelter to continue operating.
"We've managed to be open every night, although sometimes it was close," said Quigley. "It would be great to have more volunteers, not just at the shelter but helping with events, fundraising and awareness."
Donations of food, warm clothing and bedding are always welcome, as are financial contributions. Sometimes the donors provide specific items. One man recently drove in with a trunk full of canned soup and one small business gave 44 Tim Horton's cards.
"We value every donation," said Quigley. "There is a lot of need and everything helps, no matter how small."
An average of eight or nine people use the shelter each night, with a high of 14. Volunteers are currently running it out of First United Church but there are hopes a navigator can eventually be hired and a Hub House shelter can be constructed.
The facility's biggest fundraiser, Coldest Night of the Year, is coming up and people are already registering. There were 300 walkers for the last event and organizers are hoping that will increase to 350.
"We were thrilled with last year's walk," said Cheryl McLeod, secretary and fundraising co-chairwoman. "It was our first year and we exceeded our goal. It was amazing."
They had hoped to raise about $25,000 but the total was around $80,000, which put the community in the top 10 across Canada. Organizers hope to raise the same amount at the 2016 walk, which will be held Feb. 20.
"It was successful because people care so much and we have to make sure that support doesn't stop," said McLeod. "We had participants ranging in age from a two-year-old to seniors last year."
Many clubs, schools, churches and work groups took part.
People wishing to walk can form a team or join an existing one. Registration can be done online at coldestnightoftheyear.org/truro. More information can be obtained by contacting Cheryl McLeod at 902-986-4979 or e-mailing [email protected] .
Coldest Night of the Year
- Feb. 20. Leaving from the Truro Farmers' Market. Walk begins at 5:15 p.m.
- Walkers can choose from two-, five- and 10-km circuits.
- Rest stops will be provided at the two-km marks providing some shelter, heat, a bathroom, snacks and warm drinks.
- Support vehicles will keep an eye on everyone along the route.
- A warm, light meal will be served to walkers and volunteers.
That is the message volunteers with the Truro Homeless Outreach Society have for the community.
"This town just blows me away," said Philip Quigley, chairman of the society. "People have been very generous and I want to thank the community, but I don't want to give the message that we're OK because a lot of help is still needed."
Several fundraising activities have been held recently, allowing the shelter to continue operating.
"We've managed to be open every night, although sometimes it was close," said Quigley. "It would be great to have more volunteers, not just at the shelter but helping with events, fundraising and awareness."
Donations of food, warm clothing and bedding are always welcome, as are financial contributions. Sometimes the donors provide specific items. One man recently drove in with a trunk full of canned soup and one small business gave 44 Tim Horton's cards.
"We value every donation," said Quigley. "There is a lot of need and everything helps, no matter how small."
An average of eight or nine people use the shelter each night, with a high of 14. Volunteers are currently running it out of First United Church but there are hopes a navigator can eventually be hired and a Hub House shelter can be constructed.
The facility's biggest fundraiser, Coldest Night of the Year, is coming up and people are already registering. There were 300 walkers for the last event and organizers are hoping that will increase to 350.
"We were thrilled with last year's walk," said Cheryl McLeod, secretary and fundraising co-chairwoman. "It was our first year and we exceeded our goal. It was amazing."
They had hoped to raise about $25,000 but the total was around $80,000, which put the community in the top 10 across Canada. Organizers hope to raise the same amount at the 2016 walk, which will be held Feb. 20.
"It was successful because people care so much and we have to make sure that support doesn't stop," said McLeod. "We had participants ranging in age from a two-year-old to seniors last year."
Many clubs, schools, churches and work groups took part.
People wishing to walk can form a team or join an existing one. Registration can be done online at coldestnightoftheyear.org/truro. More information can be obtained by contacting Cheryl McLeod at 902-986-4979 or e-mailing [email protected] .
Coldest Night of the Year
- Feb. 20. Leaving from the Truro Farmers' Market. Walk begins at 5:15 p.m.
- Walkers can choose from two-, five- and 10-km circuits.
- Rest stops will be provided at the two-km marks providing some shelter, heat, a bathroom, snacks and warm drinks.
- Support vehicles will keep an eye on everyone along the route.
- A warm, light meal will be served to walkers and volunteers.
