In an effort to battle homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, a group of local businesses is issuing a challenge to the local community.
Maple City Homes Ltd, Sacwal Flooring Centres & The Lighting Shoppe, Windmill Cabinet Shop Ltd., CKXS Radio, and the Chatham Kent Association of REALTORS have joined forces to raise money for these growing issues that affect many people within Chatham-Kent.
“The true number of unhoused people in Chatham-Kent would be shocking to the residents of our community,” says CKXS’s Greg Hetherington, adding that there’s no one reason why homelessness occurs. “The people you see on the street could be there for various reasons: mental health issues, leaving violent relationships—or they just can’t afford a place to stay. The time is now for us to step up, and help.”
The group of businesses is challenging everyone to make a donation in support of the United Way of Chatham-Kent’s 12 Days of Giving. Donors are then asked to create and share a video online through social media, challenging someone else to join the cause.
Online donations can be made through any of the participating businesses, the United Way at www.uwock.ca, or by dropping off a cheque payable to the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
The “Because We Care Challenge” will officially begin on Thursday.