Here we are in February: the coldest month, still in lockdown and vaccines, for most, still months away. Not a lot to be happy about. But one thing we can feel good about is giving to local groups that need help, especially this time of year.
The VOS’s Community Centre Stage fund has been active over the past few months donating funds we would have used for theatre rental deposits to charities in Northumberland. In December, it was Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre.
Cornerstone is helping to break the cycle of family violence by providing immediate shelter, counselling and prevention services throughout Northumberland County. They run a 17 bed shelter, a 24 hour support line, and a resource centre to women and children who have experienced family violence to help them move out of danger and into a violence free future. The strength and support of the community has enabled Cornerstone to deliver first class services to Northumberland County for more than 35 years, serving more than 2100 women, children and youth last year alone.
As we moved into the new year, the new Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Ed’s House, was the recipient.
Led by Community Care Northumberland, Ed’s House is a hospice hub in Hamilton Township, that offers resident care, caregiver support, health system navigation, palliative support and grief and bereavement support. it features six private residence suites that are now operational and four others that will be finished and open when funding is available.
February is here and the coldest nights remind us that Port Hope’s annual walk, known as Coldest Night of the Year, hosted by Green Wood Coalition is coming up February 20th. Coldest Night of the Year raises money for charities serving people experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger.
This year is a little different. It’s a self-organized micro-walk, where you gather only in your covid-safe bubble or on your own and walk 2 to 5 km, then share your success, and your pledges, online.
Green Wood Coalition is a street-level, charitable organization that uses a community model of caring to walk alongside people living with poverty, mental illness, substance dependency and other disability in Northumberland County.
http://www.greenwoodcoalition.com/
Check out these worthwhile groups, get involved, and donate if you are able. In these dreary months of winter, we all need something to make us feel a bit better.
VOS Theatre 