Last night, I posted a link and the general idea of what this blog is about on inov8.ca. Inov8.ca is a forum for SFU students to discuss what they feel are the most important social issues facing our generation. There are a lot of really great posts about drug abuse, homelessness, waste, poverty, etc. Take a look, comment, vote and add your own issue!
On an unrelated note, as I was compiling my page of “Resources”, I noticed that the WISH Drop-In Centre and the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre are especially in need of donations.
The WISH Drop-In Centre is a non-profit organization run by women that provides a number of services to survival sex-trade workers. They offer hot meals, showering facilities and hygiene items, among other things. The centre also provides “on-site nursing care, referrals to detoxification centres, rehabilitation houses, and shelters”.
The WISH Drop-In Centre Wish List:
- Underwear, socks, tights and pantyhose
- Makeup and toiletries (new and used)
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash
- Season-appropriate clothing
- Coats, hats and gloves
- Shoes and boots
- Bedding and towels
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is a safe place for women and children in Vancouver’s DTES. They provide women, children and seniors with “hot meals, phone and computer access, functioning and secure toilets and showers”. They also provide “feminine hygiene products, first aid [and] toiletries” among other things.
It’s one of those things I’ve never really thought about but…if you’re destitute and living on the street, how do you obtain tampons and pads?
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre “appeal for in-kind donations”:
- dinner plates (dire need!)
- cups & mugs (dire need!)
- bowls
- blankets
- linens
- laundry soap
- towels and washcloths
- women’s clothing
- footwear(athletic, dress, steel-toed boots )
- outdoor wear (esp. rain gear)
- socks, underwear (new & gently used)
If you have any of these items lying around, unused, please consider donating them to these organizations. Above each list, I’ve included the links to the websites with information on how to donate.
