The Stratford Connection Centre is working hard this holiday season, and they could use your help. The Connection Centre is offering care packages for those in need this holiday season. The supports are to help people when many supports are closed during the holiday season.
“Some of the items we need as we head into the winter is sleeping bags and tents for those who are outdoors, as well as hand and toe warmers,” said Maddison Green, a case manager with the centre. “We are also looking for nonperishable snacks, Gatorade, single serve instant coffee, and tissues.”
The care packages will be created for people who are unsheltered or provisionally accommodated, who are welcome to access the Connecton Centre. This is a service that is offered each holiday season to individuals accessing the support services offered bt the Connection Centre.
“We are also looking for gift cards for Tim Hortons or Subway,” said Green. “That way they can go somewhere warm to get something to eat and drink. We are asking for gift cards to be between $15-$20 so people can get themselves a meal.”
In the three years since opening, the Connection Centre has supported over 500 people including between 20-40 daily, with numbers higher in poor weather.
“We are seeing the need for supports is growing rapidly,” said Green. “Winter is a difficult time for many of us, but especially those who are unsheltered or are inadequately housed. We are seeing an increase in the number of people accessing our services daily, as more and more people are struggling to afford things like groceries, laundry and more.”
Anyone looking to donate to the Connection Centre can do so anytime between noon and 4:30 p.m. to their location located at 9 Douro Street.
If those hours don’t work, people can call or email to arrange an alternate drop off time.
Anyone looking for more information about the Stratford Connection Centre can visit their Facebook page, or email [email protected].
