Cathy Dobson
Nothing has been the same for operations at The Inn of the Good Shepherd since the pandemic began.
Cancelled fundraisers and food drives have left the local food bank and homeless shelter scrambling to meet growing demand.
And with churches shut down, their critical donations and fundraising have dried up.
But massive support from new sources is pouring in at this unprecedented time, says executive director Myles Vanni.
The extreme generosity of the community has generated $350,000 in donations and pledges, which was enough to keep operations “in balance” in March and the first part of April.
“The last three weeks have been very chaotic here,” he said. “We’re trying to reinvent how we do just about everything because of COVID-19.”
Big industry, individuals, politicians and even celebrities have stepped up with cheques, and at least two grassroots food drives helped keep shelves stocked, said Vanni.
David Chilton of Dragon’s Den fame pledged to match donations to the Inn up to $10,000. He was inspired to help his local food bank, he tweeted, after fellow Dragon Arlene Dickinson did a similar fundraiser in her community.
Chilton’s challenge has already generated more than $30,000 after RBC contributed $10,000 and the public another $11,000.
“The response is overwhelming,” said Vanni. “Our problem is that we don’t know how long we’ll have to keep cancelling our regular fundraisers. We don’t know when this will end.”
An annual Surf and Turf dinner in June that usually raises about $60,000 is in jeopardy of cancellation. Even if life does returns to normal by June, Vanni is conscious local businesses that sponsor the dinner and provide prizes may not be able to help financially.
The hard truth is The Inn can’t count on its regular sources of income and donations during the pandemic, and must rely on strong community support, said Vanni.
Meanwhile, the pandemic has brought new expenses. Cardboard boxes and clamshell containers are needed to provide takeout meals to the 60 or 70 people daily who normally eat inside on plates.
There’s new expenses related to distancing at The Good Shepherd’s Lodge, which is running at capacity. The homeless who often couch-surf aren’t finding friends or family willing to take them in during this time of isolation.
The Lodge normally accommodates about 45 homeless, in close quarters. To accommodate physical distancing, a hotel wing is being secured, said Vanni.
A few residents at The Lodge also became symptomatic and needed to be housed separately. No one has tested positive for COVID-19.
All this costs money, Vanni said.
“We are keeping pace with donations, but only just managing to balance it all.”