It’s supposed to be the off-season for Toolbox Niagara, but the organization’s founder James Symons is still hard at work trying to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness in the Region.
From January 30th to February 6th, Toolbox Niagara will be holding their second annual Snack Drive for the homeless, to deliver them a Super Bowl they will never forget.
“This is our smallest campaign,” explains Symons. “It’s very straightforward. For one week our drop off location will be Boldt Realty — our sponsor — and then we'll be distributing to several shelters.”
Symons says it’s little things we take for granted — like snacks — that people facing homelessness don’t have access to.
“We’re having snacks so they should be entitled to them as well,” he says. “With the shelter, their focus is on food for the residents. They don’t necessarily have a budget for snacks or extras.”
So for the week leading up to the Super Bowl, Toolbox Niagara will be collecting chips, pop, and candy.
“Last year, we filled a boardroom with snacks,” Symons says. “We were overwhelmed with how much we did so it was a good first drive last year.”
But that’s not the only project Symons is working on. On February 22, Toolbox Niagara will once again participate in the Coldest Night of the Year.
“We’re looking for people to join our team,” says Symons. “The walk is in downtown St. Catharines at the Market Square. It's a cold night but it's a fun night. We have lots of food after. We walk together, meet other teams, to help support Start me Up Niagara. It’s their big fundraiser of the year.”
With the snowy weather, it’s a particularly difficult time for homeless people in the region.
“It definitely is for those that are in an encampment,” Symons says. “It is very difficult for them. There are warming centres in the City of Thorold and St. Catharines and throughout Niagara for when it gets to that extreme cold. But unfortunately some shelters are only available overnight so it's tough for them.”
More than enough reason, for Symons to keep expanding and growing Toolbox Niagara.
“We had a very successful year,” he says. “We helped women for the first time and it was very good. We delivered 570 women’s care packages.”
To participate in the Super Bowl Snack Drive, you can drop off any snacks between Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 at Boldt Realty in St. Catharines, located at 211 Scott St.
