Shawn Decaire had unloaded six pick up trucks worth of boxes into the gymnasium at Laichwiltach Family Life Society (LFLS) in Campbell River.
The boxes, lined the length of the gym’s wall, were full of tents, tarps, sleeping bags and jackets to be distributed to people sleeping outside in Campbell River. Decaire works for LFLS. He runs Kwesa place, a space for people living outside to come in from the cold, do some laundry and, this winter, have a safe and warm place to sleep. Laichwiltach purchased $10,000 worth of cold weather gear from the local Canadian Tire. “And Canadian Tire made sure that $10,000 went a really long way,” he said.
Decaire has had a relationship with the store, which has helped out in the past with discounts. However Decaire said that after an introduction by Canadian Tire’s renovation project manager Daryl McAlister, new owner Grant Wood stepped up to help in a big way.
“When Grant took it over, I had a lunch meeting with him. The rule was that if people are caught stealing from Canadian Tire, then I will address it at Kwesa and say that you can’t receive our services because you’re biting the hand that feeds you,” Decaire said. “Grant’s reply was asking if they at least get the chance to make it right. Right there … he earned my respect at that moment. Restorative justice is a huge part to our community.”
The initial order was made, and over 50 boxes of what Decaire calls “stuff that that you know, 10 grand shouldn’t have bought” were sitting in the gym ready for distribution.
On top of the purchase, Decaire said that Wood donated five boxes of warm, water resistant jackets, a donation that was matched by WC Smith, Canadian Tire’s wholesaler as well.
“Right from when I opened Kwesa, they’ve done this for me,” Decaire said. “But Grant has taken it to the next level.
The gear will be distributed as kits, giving people who need it everything necessary to spend the night outside in a much safer way. Decaire said that the goal is to start distribution right away.
Kwesa Place Shelter Opening
Also starting soon is the overnight emergency shelter that will be open at Kwesa Place starting next week. Decaire said he has found enough staff to form a skeleton crew, which will allow the shelter to open early next week.
“We will also open up for breakfast Monday morning, which will be a big game change for every body.”
The shelter will have 20 beds, and open starting at 9 p.m. With current staffing levels, it will close at 8 a.m., which for now means clients will be outside for half an hour before breakfast starts. Decaire said this year there will be cart storage available, and small pets will be allowed to spend the night as well. The goal will be to stay ope until the end of April, but Decaire said “we’ll look at the weather in that time frame once we’re there.
“If the weather still really cold, we won’t push them back outside,” he said. “We’re going to try to extend it as long as we can.”
Decaire is still looking for new staff, the only requirement being the ability to stay awake all night.
“Last year … we didn’t have any physical altercations. The clients that came to sleep were there to sleep,” he said. “Last year one of our workers was 80 years old, and she loved it.”
To apply or for more information, email kwesaplace@lfls.ca or executivedirector@lfls.ca, drop off a resume in person, or call Decaire at 250-203-2308.
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