Christmas Day 2024 REPORT
Warming Centre and Christmas Dinner for those unhoused
When President Len posed the question on December 13th - what do the unhoused do on Christmas day and is there anyone giving them a dinner? This question went to the Bartley Road Shelter, KANDU, Salivation Army and the City of West Kelowna. Answer NO ONE
Purpose:
To give the unhoused a SAFE, Dignified, Warm place for the day.
Our understanding is that homeless people are not treated with respect and we want to give them knowledge that our organization, The Westbank LIons Club cares for All people regardless of their circumstances. If even 1 person 'get's it' and finds another path to improve their life, then we have achieved success. We DO have the opportunity to change lives.
One church had given a Brunch on December 15th. Kelkuli Cafe was hosting a Christmas Day for the lonely but they could stay only 1 hour. We also found out there were approximately 100 unhoused but not to expect more than 60 - 70 persons.
With just over a week to put together an event with all the T's Crossed and i's dotted we did all the work to ensure a day - that the unseen were seen.
We booked the hall for December 25th and 26th to clean up - Challenges arose! the Lions Hall kitchen was undergoing major renovations SO
- NO KITCHEN WAS AVAILABLE! Did that stop us? NO WAY
- We were required to have a Security person - Did that stop us? NO WAY
- We were required to have First Aid with Naloxone Training- Did that stop us? NO WAY
- Save on Food had used all their donations so we would not receive food by donation - Did that stop us? NO WAY
- Would we have enough volunteers - Did that stop us? NO WAY
- With a budget from the Lions Club members we had $950 to make this happen - Did that stop us? NO WAY
We found we could apply for a United Way LOVE grant for the Security / First Aid / food. Leah worked on this grant and has completed the final report.
We requested from the Central Okanagan Food bank items from our grocery list and they gave us about 90% of what we needed
Leah created INVITATIONS and Flyer to invite the unhoused, these were given to Bartley Road Shelter, KANDU, City of West Kelowna and Salvation Army
Warming Center - we wanted to give this community a day where they were not shuffled along and could enjoy a board game, play cards do an activity and or Adult Coloring Sheets. People came and went. We had a beverage Bars - but mostly Hot Chocolate was the preference of the day. COFB gave us LOTS of Sweet Treats
Dinner: Turkey, Ham, Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, coleslaw, buns/butter, baked beans, corn and Desserts. WE served on CLOTH tablecloths, decorated tables, really nice napkins. unfortunately without a kitchen we had no access to real plates and cutlery.
Turning Point Bartley Road Shelter sent Geoff who works directly with the unhoused.
KANDU was to be there assisting
Salvation Army - gave us many items for the care gift and lots of candy, granola bars.
some socks, mitts and toques. They also gave us some games for the Warming Center.
CARE GIFT which included: Facecloth, towel, soap, razor,(ladies pads) toothbrush, toothpaste, warm socks, some gloves, some toques, Orange, bag of candy.
LIONS - Len, Leah, Connie, Ron *soon to be lions*, Eldon, Wayne & Adona
FAMILY - Len & Leah's daughter and son in law: Lenetta & Greg and grandson J.T.
Friends - Keith & Joy - Monica and Robert
Drop in volunteers - Geoff from Turning Points called a Lady Jen and another couple with their children who decorated the dining tables and served dinners.
Without the above assistance and support - we would have gone forward but they made this day VERY SPECIAL
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
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