Beating the Heat

For people who are homeless, the heat of summer is equally as challenging as the cold of winter. That’s why staff from The Ottawa Mission routinely patrol the streets around the shelter on hot days handing out cold bottles of water to those in need.

This year, in addition to the water, we thought it would be a good idea to encourage people to spend time inside where there is air conditioning. This grew into the idea of “Cool Off Days”, and the first was held this past week.

Every Wednesday afternoon this summer, people are being invited into the shelter’s dining room – in between regular meal services – to enjoy homemade lemonade, games and camaraderie. For many, this is a welcome and comforting diversion during the long hot days of summer.

As usual, this type of activity would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteers who really make the whole thing happen – setting up the dining room, welcoming visitors, pouring cold drinks, and cleaning up afterwards.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for giving the gift of simple kindness to those who need it most – in the summer and all year round!