Homeless shelter in Kenora, Ont., hopes benefit concert will help pay for toilet paper, water
Benefit event to cover cost of bottled water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies at shelter's temporary home
The emergency shelter in Kenora is holding a fundraising concert Saturday night to help cover the cost of its temporary stay at Knox United Church in the northwestern Ontario city.
The money collected on the weekend will pay for things such as bottled water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and laundry services, said Patti Fairfield, the executive director of the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre, which operates the shelter.
- What's the summer been like at Kenora's makeshift temporary emergency shelter?
- Kenora, Ontario mayor declares state of emergency over closure of emergency shelter
"There was just some things we didn't realize initially when we had this agreement, about the water and the cleaning supplies, and we have to send the blankets out to be washed every second day, which is a huge expense as well," she said. "So just things that we needed some help financially to carry through."
A Kenora couple, Vicky and Joe Barnes, approached Fairfield with the idea of bringing Manitoba-based band, Prairie Joe, to the city for a benefit event.
"I thought it was an awesome gesture on their part. I was very appreciative that they came forward and offered to do this," said Fairfield.
Meanwhile, the search for a new location for the emergency shelter continues because the agreement with the church expires on October 1.
"We're working on it all the time," she said, adding that she was actively investigating at least one possibility, which would include showers and laundry facilities.
"I have my fingers crossed that this is going to work out. It's not going to be the long-term plan. It will be something that will be in place for a couple of years," said Fairfield.
- Homeless people in Kenora get temporary shelter
- Kenora, Ontario council defers emergency shelter zoning amendment
Currently, about 18 people stay at the shelter each night, she said.
The concert, featuring Christian country band, Prairie Joe, runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kenora harbourfront on Saturday August 27.