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A large number of cases of items for the less fortunate was picked up at Medicine Shoppe to be given out to the community.

On January 18th, 2018, Layne Collinson kicked off her annual fundraiser, “Hearts for the Homeless,” at Smoke ‘n Waters restaurant with a number of supporters present. It was a fun evening with draws, great food and music provided by soloist, Tom Morrissey. The perimeter windows are dorned with hundreds of beautiful stain glass hearts, each one unique and skillfully created by Layne. Over 500 stained glass hearts will be on display and available for purchase ranging in price from $10-$100. Don’t miss out – these hearts make incredible gifts and are for a great cause! Visit SMOKE ‘N WATER restaurant from now until February 28th and purchase a ‘HEART FOR THE HOMELESS’ (benefitting the Manna Homeless Society). Below are photos from the kick-off of the “Hearts for the Homeless.”

How wonderful to receive gifts from the youth in our community. A group of students from Ballenas school surprised us with a visit and a whole lot of love.

The Manna Homeless Society is grateful to the Anglican Church in Qualicum Beach for their ongoing support. Rene Carriere (middle) presents the cheque.

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.