Photo Credit: CPAN
The Renfrew County Community Poverty Action Network (CPAN) is once again running Operation Snowsuit, but as an organization that relies entirely on community generosity they are feeling the strain of modern economic struggles.
Terri-Lynn Sukkel, CPAN’s Treasurer, said the organization has adopted a new model to distribute donations across their coverage area; being the entire county.
Under the new model, snowsuits will be gathered at two hubs, one in Renfrew and one in Pembroke.
Alex Sapera, CPAN’s Chair, said this is crucial because the physical size of Renfrew County makes it even more difficult for people in more remote locations to come in for the help they need.
The donations will then be distributed from those points which lessens the strain on logistics for CPAN’s volunteers and also cuts the cost down on traveling and transportation.
Once CPAN has received the snowsuits they then distribute them to community members in need through the hubs or if the family picking up their snowsuits wants to be more discreet they can reach out to CPAN’s website, also called the Village.
The Village was launched so people who need a little extra help for living necessities such as clothing and food and even simple pleasures like funding guitar lessons.
CPAN’s next big give is Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Renfrew and Champlain Discovery Public School in Pembroke.
Last year they handed out over 700 snowsuits, and while ideally nobody would need to come grab one, Sukkel and Sapera are hopeful everyone who is in need is able to make it out.
However, as the date approaches Sukkel and Sapera are concerned about incoming donations, citing a big demand in their services.
They need the community’s support and while funding such as cash donations are helpful, CPAN really needs the physical snowsuits to ease the logistics strain.
No matter how much they receive CPAN is always very grateful for the community’s support and support from their partners, including Knights of Columbus, Ontario Power Generation, Giant Tiger Pembroke and Renfrew Timberwolves.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
