'It just makes you feel good': Friends hit the streets to help those in need
A group of friends from west London, Ont. are giving back to the community one coat, one coffee and one hug at a time.
They hit the streets Friday night as part of a yearly initiative to help those living in rough conditions.
“We pick the coldest day in January, or the coldest weekend, and we just go out and load up the car with donations from all our friends, and make little goodie bags with food and water and just things that people out there on the streets really need,” said Hans Gräber, who organizes the informal event with his partner Jill Fraser.
“We used to drive, we used to go around and see the homeless out there, it just affects me,” said Fraser.
With friends and family members in tow, they loaded up their vehicles with donations and hit the Men’s Mission on York Street. Once in the parking lot, long lineups formed at each car. The response was overwhelming as those staying at the mission and on the street picked up warm clothes, hot coffee or hot chocolate and sandwiches.
There were long lineups for food and clothing donations outside the Men’s Mission in London, Ont. on Jan. 27, 2022 as a group of Londoners handed out donations to those in need. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
“This helps me get some of my stolen stuff back, so I’m very, very grateful,” said Eric, who recently had all his belongings stolen. “Because I only have maybe one set of pants to wear every single day, and I got two more right now with some jackets so this does help me out very, very much.”
From the Mission it was over to Dundas Street in the Old East Village with more essentials to give away, and no shortage of people in need.
“Well it’s nice actually. More or less try to keep warm out here, right,” said Andrew, who walked away with a coat and a bite to eat.
The group has been doing this for about four years. Fraser said she knows this is merely a band aid, but she said they could no longer turn a blind eye to a glaring need.
“It just makes you feel good to do something and if we can do a small part to help fill a belly tonight and give them a little bit of warmth, then we’re happy,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.