Gratitude and excitement are warming the hearts of everyone taking part in a new program.
Today (Nov. 28), the first Keeping Seniors Warm event that allows participants to shop for outdoor gear was held at Giant Tiger in the Porcupine Mall. The program is offered through the United Way Centraide North East Ontario and pairs participants with a volunteer to shop for $175 worth of winter necessities.
Daniel Stewart is the first person ever to experience the program in Timmins.
With the help of United Way regional manager Jennifer Gorman, Stewart filled a cart with jogging pants, mittens, winter boots, underwear and more.
It couldn't have come at a better time for Stewart, who lives in seniors' housing and says his life has had challenges.
"Well, it's, it's very, very important to me, I can tell you the timing has been awesome in my life. I just finished a stint in the hospital," he said.
"And I'm very grateful for these programs. I didn't even know this program was available. One of my neighbours put me on a list, I guess."
Most of what he bought today could have been given to him, but it wouldn't have been new. Living on a low income, most of his clothes are from the St. Martin de Porres thrift shop on Spruce Street North, which is open on Tuesday and Thursday.
"I go there for clothes. But I'm a little bit on the bigger side so I do need bigger stuff and I'm lucky if I find something there. But that's where I get clothes for the last couple of years," he said.
"I'm grateful. My life's been very difficult. So I'm grateful to be alive and be eligible for these programs. But, like I say, most people aren't aware and I wouldn't have been aware of somebody wouldn't have called me."
Keeping Seniors Warm is a program that's been successfully held in Sudbury for a number of years and is being offered for the first time in Timmins, said Gorman.
The United Way worked with a couple of local service providers, who sent in referrals for the program. Of the 30 people they connected with, about 15 people participated.
They're already looking ahead to next year and improving the process.
"We're hoping to have it earlier because we think the seniors need their warm clothes and things like that earlier, also, so there's more inventory for them. And we'll be doing more outreach to agencies. We only reached out to a few agencies, next year, we hope to expand ... if we can help 100 seniors instead of the 15 or so on the list that's our goal for next year," she said.
The program is funded through the United Way campaign dollars. Giant Tiger also offered a 20 per cent discount on each order.
People over the age of 55 who are in a vulnerable living situation are eligible and must be referred by a service provider. People who have participated within the last two years are not eligible. Applications for the 2023 event are closed, but details will be available online next year when the 2024 initiative launches.
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