 |
Community van helps the homeless
(Toronto Sun)
Volunteers from Verdiroc Development corporation spent the evening
of April 16 aboard the Street Help Van operated by the Native
Men's Residence (Na-Me-Res). Two staffers and five volunteers
distributed sandwiches, soup, blankets, clothing and personal
hygiene items to homeless men and women in the downtown core.
The shelter operates two vans seven nights a week, serving about
150 people each night.
Ve'ahavta, a Jewish charitable organization, operates the van
along with Na-Me-Res.
Providing basic necessities of life and preventing hypothermia
among the estimated 200,000 homeless residents of Toronto are
the immediate goals of the program. Their ultimate goal is to
build trusting friendships and assist in the transition to a
shelter, the first step to self-sufficiency.
Verdiroc staff and principals have participated in a number
of community service days.
"The suggestion for community service projects come from
our staff," says Cary Green, v-p of development for Veridroc.
"These have included sorting food at the Daily Bread Food
Bank and building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
Green also presented a cheque to cover the cost of three evenings'
worth of supplies delivered by the van.
  |
|
Gary Green of Verdiroc Development Corp. and son
Daniel (left) present a cheque to Rachel Lasry of Ve'ahavta and Simon
McNichol of the Native Men's Residence in support of the Street Help
Program. |
