Andrea said that they're looking for more community support to fill the food hampers they'll be giving out this Christmas | Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Southern Huron Connection Centre in Exeter works with the unhoused and most vulnerable in our community, all year around.
Heading into the holiday season, they run their Adopt A Friend program. Andrea Loohuizen, Volunteer Coordinator at the Connection Centre, says that this year their program will assist 14 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in the community.
This year, the response was overwhelming – with the community fully embracing the initiative.
Many were adopted by families, and the success of Adopt A Friend reflects the community’s commitment to ensuring everyone is cared for during the holiday season.
While the Adopt A Friend program is now fully subscribed, Loohuizen says that there’s still plenty of opportunity to help the Connection Centre make this Christmas merry and bright for everyone in our community. These include a kids shopping day on December 16th, the Angel Project supporting struggling families, and their crucial Christmas food hampers.
Loohuizen stressed the ongoing need for support to provide food hampers, particularly with the rising cost of food, and more people needing help stocking their kitchens than ever before. The Centre aims to provide stress-free holidays for families by offering food hampers.
Addressing broader challenges, Loohuizen acknowledged that this Christmas presents unique difficulties due to the increasing cost of living.
As the Connection Centre works tirelessly to make a difference in the community, the call for support echoes beyond the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of year-round assistance for those in need.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
