“These kinds of contributions really do validate our work, and we are so thankful. Donations are typically clothing or monetary, both of which are phenomenal, but when someone makes something, it goes the extra mile because we know that they spent time thinking about our clients the entire time they were making it.”
Danser notes other high-importance items people can donate include deodorant and make-up, both of which help restore some level of dignity for people.
Colleen Preston, society member, says the group is very happy to make the donation of their time to making the mats, having increased their understanding of the various ways homelessness can occur.
“In the social work program I took at RDC, we learned the ins and outs of homelessness, and about the difficulties people can have when they use drugs; how that makes it hard to pay rent and live responsibly,” she says.
“Often, people who use drugs do so as a result of trauma that’s happened to them, and they’re unable to get they supports they need. Next thing, they can be on the street, and that’s the sad reality. It would be nice if the government could provide more supports through these non-profits who are trying to help people.”
As a bonus, diverting the bags from the landfill is also great for the environment, Preston adds.
Preston was joined by fellow society members Teressa Greening and Nancy Priest, who meet with their group each Wednesday for three hours at Innisfail’s Lundgren Centre, then spend additional time on the mats at home.
Preston says people of all ages are welcome to help with the group.
They’re also asking any businesses transitioning to paper bags, and who have surplus unused plastic bags, to contact Turning Point if they are willing to donate them for the purpose of making more mats.
Danser agrees that the fact these mats are needed and go so fast is indicative of the bigger issue — part of which is a lack of roofs to put over heads.
“This is a bigger issue the community needs to get behind and help bolster. At the end of the day, there are a lot of things preventing people getting access to a bed each and every night, be it mobility issues, or not meeting admittance rules,” he says. “We need more collaboration and action to be taken toward solving this big issue.”
