A Year of Small Acts With Big Heart
It may look quiet from the outside, but I haven’t been idle. Even with all the changes in my own life this past year, I’ve kept doing what I simply call Service — small things that make someone’s hard day a little easier.
Hydration in the Heat
It started last August with one simple worry: dehydration. The heat was awful, and I kept thinking about the Outsiders walking long distances with nothing to drink. So I began putting bottled water on my window ledge for anyone who needed it.
I still do. I’ve even got “regulars” now — no money, just familiar faces grabbing what they need.
Snacks for Empty Stomachs
Over time I added snacks. Healthy but still tasty things like Ritz Snackwiches and MadeGood Chocolate Chip Cookies (they sneak vitamins in there, so I feel good about it).
It’s not much, but it helps someone who hasn’t eaten in a couple of days. A small bite can be a lifeline.
First Aid and Herbal Support
Around August this year I expanded again, offering basic first aid supplies — peroxide, Vaseline, and bandages I already had on hand.
Then autumn arrived and I added herbal cold remedies I’d found. They’ve actually been quite helpful for a few people.
Winter Warmth
Last winter I gave out socks. Outsiders go through socks fast — wet, dirty, worn right through.
I’m working on a plan to offer mitts, hats, scarves, and more socks this upcoming winter, but it depends on my finances while everything is shifting around.
Dignity Matters
Sometimes I’ve given clothing to people who soiled themselves because there was nowhere for them to use a bathroom. It breaks my heart every time.
For women especially, this is a huge issue — we can’t just discreetly pee anywhere. We need privacy, and they often don’t have it.
I hand out wipes, too. They don’t like feeling dirty; cleaning up is hard when washrooms and laundry are scarce. I help where I can, even though I wish I could offer showers and toilets. But my apartment building makes that impossible — people would have to come too far inside, and the neighbours wouldn’t tolerate it.
A Few Extras
In September I started offering a few more things: juice crystals to flavour the water, the occasional cigarette rolled with ceremonial tobacco, and lighters.
This month I’ve added hot chocolate, coffee, and tea for some of the regulars. It’s not something I can promise year-round, but for the colder months it feels right.
Hygiene Kits for the Holidays
I’ve given out soap, toothbrushes, hand lotion, and other little essentials when I had them. For a while I ran out, but now I have more. Once I’ve sorted and bagged everything, I hope to hand out hygiene kits as we get closer to Christmas.
Looking Ahead
I want to reach out to One City, PARN, and a few other local agencies for more support — but I’ll be honest, I’m shy.
I just need a little more courage.
I’ll get there.
