Social Service Worker students fill backpacks to support the homeless
Feb. 18, 2016
To date, Packz has distributed 700 backpacks to people in Barrie.
Packz for the Homeless is getting some extra help this winter thanks to students in Georgian’s Social Service Worker program.
The students are bringing fresh energy and ideas to the volunteer-led project – which provides backpacks full of essential items to local organizations, shelters and directly to homeless individuals in need.
“Packz is an important project to get behind because homelessness can happen to anyone,” says student Madison Wilson. “Job loss, illness, escaping an abusive relationship, not being able to pay rent – these are all factors that can contribute. We must show support and empathy for those in situations any one of us could find ourselves in.”
To date, Packz has distributed close to 700 backpacks filled with clothing, food and personal hygiene items in the greater Barrie area. The students, as part of a Community Projects Initiative, are expanding the project this semester to the Orillia community and have been hard at work liaising with local organizations, soliciting items, distributing Packz and planning awareness initiatives.
Anyone can help. It’s easy to put a Packz together with friends, family, classmates or colleagues. Get information about what articles are needed. Bring completed Packz to the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Georgian’s Orillia Campus (Room A105) or Room E203 at the Barrie Campus.
For more information, email packzforhomeless@gmail.com.