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Today I was working the street for Manna. I came across a number of homeless people and I was able to assist them in one way or another. Then I came across Adam who is about 6’ 5” or so with size 16 feet. His shoes were totally blown out. So I said I would help him. I called the Shoe Guy and he told me that there was nothing that size on the Island. So I tried all the stores I could think of and was just about ready to give up when… I remembered one place I hadn’t tried. So Adam and I went there. And what do you know… there were a beautiful pair of size 16s leather steel toe boots! Adam tried them on and they fit just perfect. Then I asked for a the fellow I knew who worked at the store but he wasn’t in. The person behind the desk said he was the owner, so I asked him if there was any way I could give him cash or barter. Then he said, “Are you Robin?” I said ‘yes,’ and he said, “I know you.” So I said, “I’m sure I would have something you might want and I will pay cash for the balance.” He thought about then said, “Just take them.” I said, “Let me put you on our Facebook page and website.” He said, “Don’t do that. Everyone will want the same deal.” WHAT A MIRACLE! Truly a Christmas Miracle… This story made my Christmas. I hope it is cheerful for you.

Beautiful handmade hats and scarves are presented to Manna for the less fortunate. Thank you Cecilia, Paige, Mahin, and Noushin.

Over 50 people came for lunch to our partner – Salvation Army Soup Kitchen – and collected groceries for the weekend.

Almost 20 bikes were delivered to friends in need during 2020. This bike is destined to a friend in Whiskey Creek, finding support also from SOS and Greta and Auren. It’s great to partner with community agencies serving the most vulnerable in Oceanside!

Manna Homeless Society is pleased to have been awarded $750 from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Hitchcock Family Foundation Fund. Each year, board members of the Ontario-based foundation choose charities that represent their desire to support community organizations that are making a difference. With ties to Errington, the Foundation chose Manna Homeless Society as one of four awarded charities. Manna is honoured for this prestigious recognition and thanks the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Hitchcock Family Foundation Fund for their helpful support in providing resources of food, clothing, shoes, bedding, and first aid kits to the most vulnerable in Oceanside.

This past week, Manna was given fourteen pair of boots to distribute to those who need winter and rain footwear. But the story behind the boots is most valuable. Jerrold was able to meet a woman Home Care apprentice last week tag teaming with his mother-in-law’s Wednesday Care Aid. Dorothy, Jerrold’s mother-in-law, explained about Manna and the work we do, so the woman was interested in finding out more information. In the course of the conversation, she revealed that her son, living in Ontario, dealt with mental health issues, had been clean but OD’ed alone in a hotel room about five weeks ago. She wanted to do something special in honour of his memory because her son had been helping people live with him off the street as they sought to overcome their issues. The woman’s classmates joined the cause, and together purchased the boots to be handed out to those in desperate need. Fourteen people will appreciate the boots and we’ll tell the story in memory of a son who loved others.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness, Patrick and Olivia!

Thank you Seaside Cruizers for your generous donation of $2000 to Manna! From left to right: Kevin Varey – President, Seaside Cruizers; Robin Campbell – President, Manna Homeless Society; David Field – Vice-President, Seaside Cruizers Photograph by Keith Reimer – Treasurer, Seaside Cruizers

The Manna Van is preparing to serve the needy and vulnerable in Oceanside thanks to a local school’s invitation to offer groceries to families supported through our shared lunch program. Manna is providing food for forty lunches a day to school students. Then once a month we’ve started offering groceries at a loonie an item to those in need in our community as a way of providing hope and help without judgment.

Penny and Lorne deliver donations from Craig Bay Estates. Many of Oceanside’s less fortunate will benefit greatly from the wide range of clothing thanks to this generous donation by residents from our local community.

David had been hit by a car. He needed a cane and he needed warm boots. This is the way Manna has Sunday morning church.