Straight to the Street 2009 Helps Toronto's Homeless Special

For the fourth year the grassroots project Straight to the Street gathered blankets, coats, sweaters and other cold weather clothing to take to the people living in the streets of Toronto.

On Saturday the volunteers went out into the cold streets giving warmth. Founder Tomy Bewick worked tiredly since September getting ready for today's event. In the end he had gathers over 38 boxes and bags worth of clothing for the homeless in Toronto.

KJ Mullins

Tomy Bewick

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With the help of 45 donors and volunteers Bewick was able to make 2009 Straight to the Street a success. Teams of volunteers teamed up to hit the streets handing out clothing starting at Queen West and Bathurst and ending at the Salvation Army shelter off of Queen East on Jarvis. There was very little clothing left at the end of the day to give to the shelter. Most of the clothing went to those on the street who needed the extra warmth for the coming cold winter. Digital Journal traveled along King Street with one of the teams, meeting with homeless as clothing was distributed.

KJ Mullins

Straight to the Street 2009

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The volunteers may have taken away more from the day than those who were given clothing. The feeling of helping another who has less is powerful. Every volunteer I spoke with was happy to be part of the project and looked forward to next year's chance to help. One of the volunteers, Cameron did say that he hoped that one day there would be no need for Straight to the Street. That would mean that homelessness in Toronto was a thing of the past.