'Comfort clothes' for kids in need
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Tillsonburg's Tamara Bull has jumped onboard an effort to provide 'comfort clothes' to Oxford children in true need.
Bull was introduced to Power of Hope founder Karen Geerts during Tillsonburg's tree-lighting ceremony at Avondale United Church, taking advantage along with other town, county and area service agencies of an open invitation to be present and present post-ceremony. Geert's foundation's goal is to provide pyjamas and teddy bears to each child who needs to attend the Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) women's shelter in Woodstock.
Last year, Geerts managed to round up 200 pairs of PJs and teddies through her foundation's home base in Woodstock and a satellite location in Ingersoll. That number represented only a partial list of clients however, and this year, via a year-round campaign and an effort to expand into Tillsonburg, Geerts hopes to collect 500 of each, enough for each child passing through the shelter annually.
"Which made me think, oh my gosh - that many kids go through the shelter?" said Bull. "That many - that's what crossed my mind first."
Encouraged by their initial meeting, Geerts sent Bull an email asking if she would spearhead Tillsonburg's participation in the project?
"I said 'absolutely,'" said Bull, whose tireless and varied volunteerism has helped establish a diverse network - and also an understanding families in Tillsonburg utilize the shelter.
"I'm sure this town would like to get involved too."
Those heading to the shelter are typically under duress, as well as operating on an unscheduled and abrupt timeframe. A pair of pyjamas and teddy bear won't solve anything like all the issues faced by those requiring DASO services, but apart from being a tangible and portable sign of support, Bull believes the combination is a parallel on a level to some foods considered to provide comfort, in effect, 'comfort clothes.'
"When you talk to kids, these are two things that are very important."
Bull mentioned the concept to Indigo Lounge owner/operator Kelly Spencer the next time she showed up there for work.
"I think it's amazing," Spencer responded. "I immediately jumped onboard.
"It's shocking," Spencer added. "I can't believe how many women and children have need of the shelter."
As well as offering her lounge as a Tillsonburg collection depot, Spencer sent out an email blast informing her personal and professional network of the initiative and inviting others to participate.
"I challenge other businesses to follow suit," she said. "To talk to their employees and team members and follow suit."
The Power of Hope is a year-round campaign, ramped up through the Six Weeks of Hope Campaign which culminates at Christmas.
"This is the highlight," said Bull. "That's when people tend to be in a huge, giving mood."
Those interested in supporting Power of Hope are invited to call 519-688-1188 for more information or simply bring PJs and teddies to the Indigo Lounge between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Boys, girls, all sizes," said Bull.
"Toddlers to teenagers," Spencer added.
The Tillsonburg satellite office campaign has already opened and collection will run until Thursday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m., giving local organizers a chance to assemble donations for pick-up on the 20th. Pyjamas and teddy bears are being collected in a box on the cafe side, by the Christmas tree.
"I hope to fill it five times over," Spencer concluded.