Fredericton Kindness Meters collect hundreds

While the Downtown Fredericton Inc. Kindness Meters have collected more than $800 for two charities in their first week, local panhandlers say they're seeing their take from the streets drop.

The retrofitted parking meters are meant to crack down on panhandling in the city's downtown by soliciting loose change from passersby for local charities.

"Fredericton is very generous. This week we're looking at in excess, $800 dollars," said Therese Murray, Executive Director of the Fredericton Community Kitchen.

The Community Kitchen and Fredericton Homeless Shelters receive the profits from kindness meters. Because each meter only has a small collection cup inside, the charities have a rotating schedule to open the meters daily. They split the money collected 50/50 at the end of the week.

Murray says over the last week she has collected the change with someone sitting on the street beside the meter.  She says that is a difficult experience but she sees first hand the difference the donations can make at the kitchen.

"I am not going to criticize that option however if they choose to give to one of the six meters, they are giving to more than one individual," said Murray.

Llewellyn Brewer was sitting next to a meter today with his collection cup sitting out. He says there have been fewer coins dropping into it over the course of the last week.

"I understand that people can misuse [money] for drugs or alcohol, stuff like that… that is an issue," he said.

But he added, that's not always the case. "There are people out there like me, just looking to get something to eat."

Shawn Mclaughlin plays guitar for money in the downtown area. He says he's experienced a  50% decline in his collection profits since the meters were installed.

"In my own personal opinion, if I had money, I'd rather give to people in need rather than a green post in the ground."