Charleswood Samaritans help the homeless

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This article was published 24/02/2021 (1903 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of local residents has been stepping up to help the homeless, particularly during the recent cold snap.

Gina Smoke of Charleswood has been venturing out at least twice per week after work to share supplies and sustenance with those who need it.

Along with a core group of like-minded friends — Laura Hazlitt, Denise Ferreira, Caroline Mandarino and Karen Kowalchuk — she has been dropping off warm blankets, winter clothes, food and drinks to Winnipeg’s homeless population.

“It’s hard with people almost freezing to death out there. We care about the people. It feels personal to us. You see how much people need and how much they’re suffering. There’s absolutely no judgment,” said Smoke, who is also involved with the Mama Bear Clan.

“The more you see, the more you want to help. When you see someone with no boots, no hat, you can’t just ignore it.”  

They’ve visited bus shelters around the city, including Osborne Village, along Broadway and down Portage Avenue. They also drop off supplies at organizations such as Main Street Project, Sscope, Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre and Thunderbird House.

“Wherever we see people, we stop and offer food, care packages, blankets, mitts, boots. They are so kind and grateful. They appreciate what we’re doing,” Smoke said.

“They’ll say they’re going to pray for us. They always want to tell us stories and we take time to listen to them.”

Other community members have also been helping behind the scenes. When Suzanne King heard that Smoke was seeking donations of empty bowls and lids for soup and chili, she started calling restaurants to see if they could donate anything.

“The first donation was from Wendy’s on Kenaston, which donated 150 bowls, lids, spoons and crackers,” said King, who also lives in Charleswood.

“My next stop was at Tim Hortons at Charleswood Centre and I had gathered enough to last for the next three or four outings. For a small amount of my time, I realized I could help feed a lot of homeless people — and that’s how it began.”

When King learned about the imitative to provide winter clothing, boots, blankets and sleeping bags, she went down in her basement to see what her family could spare.

“For those with teenagers, they know they outgrow their boots before they can wear them out. I found a few things and thought maybe I can do more. There must be people out there like myself who want to help and have stuff collecting dust in their basement,” she said.  

“I posted a quick message on Buy Nothing Westdale and the Charleswood community group on Facebook and my phone lit up with messages from dozens of people wanting to donate and help out. I was in awe.”

As a result, King amassed mountains of donated warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, food and even care packages complete with handwritten notes.

“My heart is overwhelmed by the donations and I can’t thank our community enough. Every donation is helping to save a life. Driving around picking up donations was the easy part. The fact that every individual took the time to look through their belongings and reach out is the only way this was even possible,” King said.

“I teach my kids that if you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food to eat, then we are truly privileged and fortunate because not everyone has these things. Because we have these things, it is our duty to help those who don’t — in any small way we can.”

Those who want to contribute to the cause can contact Suzanne King through Facebook.
Smoke also suggests making donations directly to organizations such as the Mama Bear Clan, Spence Neighbourhood Association, Anishiative, North End Women’s Resource Centre and North Point Douglas Women’s Centre.