Project Connect 2012 was a great success! Thank you to everyone who donated, whether it was your time or items – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Project Connect is a one-day service and information fair for those experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in our community. We gathered dozens of services and information booths together and provided a BBQ lunch for attendees. An estimated 600 people attended Project Connect this year, eating 1,350 hamburgers and 600 hot dogs! Hundreds of people were provided with important information and services, just a few of the highlights were:

• 150 Birth Certificate applications were completed
• 80 Care Card applications were completed
• 45 income tax returns completed
• 60+ artist contributed to the Project Connect art project
• 30 people received foot care
• 25 bicycles repaired and serviced

Due to the generosity of our community, we were able to collect nearly 15,000 items to give to attendees in custom care packs. The items ranged from toques and mittens to toilet paper and shaving cream. Your donations, while they may seem small, make a huge difference in the lives of those attending Project Connect. One gentleman was overheard saying, “I haven’t had a roll of toilet paper in months!”. Here’s what 15,000 items look like, before and after:

Care Pack Items – Before

Care Pack Items – After

For more photos and information: Project Connect