Office manager June Stafford says it was the love and compassion of strangers she received as a young teen that compelled her to organize the annual Courier Christmas Drive.
“When I was only 12 or 13 I was living on my own,” said Stafford. “I was never officially homeless, but I was living from house to house. So I want to pay that kindness forward.”
Stafford launched the Christmas Drive on behalf of Directions Youth Services nine years ago by placing an ad in the paper asking for donations. The project has grown substantially since. Earlier this year, as the result of Stafford’s efforts in 2012, the Courier was honoured with gold at the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards for outstanding community service.
“I was really proud because it showed how much the community has gotten behind my project,” said Stafford.
“Last year the lobby was completely filled and in some places was stacked four-feet high with gifts.”
During a tour of Directions Youth Services last year, team leader John Kehler told the Courier how staff try to forge bonds with the teenagers who frequent the centre. Helping youth meet immediate needs through hot meals, showers and laundry facilities encourages them to seek support through education, recreation and artistic programs. The centre also offers locker space and pet kennels.
Directions operates under a harm reduction model so staff wait until the youth ask for help before working to get their housing and health needs met. Kehler added allowing youth to shower and clean up before a job interview, a family meeting or for their own sake is vital to making those connections. That’s why the centre places a premium on carrying essential toiletries such as disposable razors, shampoo, tampons, bars of soap and hair clippers.
Stafford said one generous donor has already dropped off family-sized packs of toothbrushes and toothpaste, but added more is needed. Other items included on the centre’s wish list include gift cards — particularly for fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, and new items such as underwear, sneakers and boots, warm jackets, gloves, hats, socks, rain pants and jackets, and any teen-appropriate clothing. Homeless youth are always in need of sleeping bags, backpacks, tarps, sheets, blankets and first aid items.
For more information about Directions, visit fsgv.ca. Donations of new goods can be dropped off at the Courier office, 1574 West Sixth Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday before Dec. 18.
