Quigley, the chairperson of the Truro Homeless Outreach Society, was blown away when a man from Ontario called him and donated a freezer for the shelter.
“I had done an interview with Monique (Chiasson with the Truro Daily News), and at the end of it she had asked if there was anything the shelter was still in need of. I said a new freezer,” said Quigley. “But then I thought, ‘that was stupid. We’re looking for $350,000 and I say a new freezer.’”
But that need was heard by the man living in Ontario, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“People from Truro are all over the globe and they continue to follow us,” said Quigley. “The gentleman from Ontario got a hold of me and asked if we still needed a freezer because he said he’d donate one.”
The 17 cubic foot upright freezer was purchased through Berry’s with a four-year extended warranty. It was to be delivered sometime on Thursday.
Since the Out of the Cold program ended at the end of March and the society began operating on a nightly basis out of the First United Church, Quigley said 18 different individuals have utilized the facility.
“Some will stay one night, but some will stay longer. That’s part of the exercise we will have over the summer – to see what sort of need there is during the warmer months. So far, that need is still there but how that transfers over the summer months remains to be seen,” he said.
Along with a place to rest their heads, Quigley said many homeless people still have navigational needs.
“Finding a place of their own, finding resources or financing if possible, and some need health care,” said Quigley, adding others need a boost in their life skills.
“They need security. They need to feel safe.”
To help with the costs of operating the shelter, the long weekend will see numerous activities and entertainment happening at Victoria Park with food and clothing vendors on site.
Entertainers for Saturday include Eric Peters, Jeff Neil Brown, Shelter, Gordon Tucker, Ben Edwards, and Sean Regan, and family-friendly games will be featured, including bouncy houses.
It will be a faith-based Sunday event, with acts from Cassidy Collins, Crossroads Baptist Worship Team, The Scriptures, Wayne Elliot – For Old Times Sake, and Khrysalis.
Monday’s schedule includes Rob Fleming, Dan Doiron, Dave Taylor, Next Exit, Duncan MacLeod, and Tim Bowers.
A 2015 Arctic Cat 400 ATV, valued at $7,000, will be raffled off, along with a Yamaha generator worth $1,000.
The Nook and Cranny is continuing Saturday night’s festivities with a private party beginning at 8 p.m. that includes dinner, swag bag, and live entertainment. Tickets are $79 and proceeds go to the society. The event will also feature 50/50 draws and a balloon blitz.
More information on the three-day event can be found online at https://www.facebook.com/events/868294579908320/.
“Truro is an amazing town,” said Quigley. “If there is a need and it’s put out there, it’s answered. What’s blown me away more than anything is the anonymous donations that have come in. We literally have seen thousands of dollars donated anonymously.”
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
