Wednesday, December 30, 2009
On to Montreal
Santa was very good to us. Thanks to a number of generous donations over the holidays we have made it to the next City. 16 days to the deadline and 1.5 cities to go. We cant stop now! Too close to the coast.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Ginchmas Toronto!!
Just a quick update everyone. I have not received the official totals in the Fund from the Mustard Seed but I received a few very generous donations today. I am confident this has moved us into Toronto, and quite possibly into Ottawa.
Stay tuned, and Merry Ginchmas!!
Stay tuned, and Merry Ginchmas!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
We were very strong out of the gates but it appears that we are stuck in Winnipeg. Although a shorter trek this year has some appeal to me, I would hate to see the initiative stop short. If you are planning to make a charitable donation this holiday season please consider this one. If you have been intending to donate but haven’t found the time please do so soon.
I plan to place the order for the product mid January which will allow time for fabrication and delivery in early fall. In order to place the order I will need to have all donations in and accounted for.
Remember every bit helps and everyone gets a tax deductable receipt.
Three ways to contribute:
By Phone:
Contact the Mustard Seed 403 269 1319 tell them you would like to contribute to the GotGinch Underwear fund.
On Line:
https://www.theseed.ca/DonationForm.html be sure to indicate the donation is for the GotGinch Underwear Fund in the comments section
To Brent:
Cash, or Cheques, can be given to me directly and I will submit them for you.
Help if you can,
I plan to place the order for the product mid January which will allow time for fabrication and delivery in early fall. In order to place the order I will need to have all donations in and accounted for.
Remember every bit helps and everyone gets a tax deductable receipt.
Three ways to contribute:
By Phone:
Contact the Mustard Seed 403 269 1319 tell them you would like to contribute to the GotGinch Underwear fund.
On Line:
https://www.theseed.ca/DonationForm.html be sure to indicate the donation is for the GotGinch Underwear Fund in the comments section
To Brent:
Cash, or Cheques, can be given to me directly and I will submit them for you.
Help if you can,
Thursday, November 12, 2009
On to Winnipeg
WOW. Great start.
So far initial pledges have gathered enough funds to supply: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina and half of Winnipeg’s needs (3000 pairs each). Yes, the West Got Ginch. Let’s not forget about our friends to the East. I have made good on my first tier of matching money, and look forward to the next tier as we approach our goal.
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
In other related news: Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi who filmed the journey last year has applied for the grant money necessary to create the documentary. It will be called “One Problem”. We should see something before I begin delivering our underwear in the Spring.
Thanks All.
Brent
So far initial pledges have gathered enough funds to supply: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina and half of Winnipeg’s needs (3000 pairs each). Yes, the West Got Ginch. Let’s not forget about our friends to the East. I have made good on my first tier of matching money, and look forward to the next tier as we approach our goal.
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
In other related news: Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi who filmed the journey last year has applied for the grant money necessary to create the documentary. It will be called “One Problem”. We should see something before I begin delivering our underwear in the Spring.
Thanks All.
Brent
Friday, October 23, 2009
Here we go again!!!
Hello Everyone,
I was just looking at the Mustard Seeds list of urgently needed items on their Website…… Men’s underwear is NOT listed. This one item has been eliminated thanks to us. Congratulations. The situation is similar across the Country in at least 10 shelters.
Thanks again to everyone involved in last year’s run. It was a great success and I have pledged to try again this year. Last year we saw the delivery of 25 000 pairs of underwear (3000 lbs) to individuals from coast to coast. In doing so we managed to raise some awareness and make a small difference in a lot of lives. During the journey I discovered that homelessness was a complex issue that is often viewed as hopeless. In reality I believe it is actually the sum of many smaller problems, each one with a solution. I am certain that a few individuals focused on eliminating single problems can turn a complex situation like homelessness into a solvable problem. Keeping to this simple plan of solving one problem, I will again focus on men’s underwear.
Why underwear?
1. When faced with the difficulties of living on the street basic dignity is often lost
2. There is nothing more basic than clean underwear
3. The per unit cost is low therefore more people can be reached with a given donation.
4. Underwear is typically a high need item (often at the top of shelter wish lists)
5. Many people are reluctant to give Underwear as a donation
6. This small problem is solvable
This year, like last year, I pledge to:
- Annoy and pester my Friends, Family and Professional contacts for donations
- Purchase high quality product at the very best price
- Personally deliver the underwear to as many shelters as possible (10 major cities starting in Vancouver and moving east)
- Ensure that every dollar donated goes to the purchase of clean new underwear
- Keep you all informed of the progress as we move forward
Unlike last year I plan to:
- Provide 3 sizes L, XL, and XXL
- Increase the number of units per city to 3000 (more if donations allow)
To start us off I pledge to personally match the first $5 000.00 in Donations. I will follow with a further $5 000.00 lump donation if we reach a total of $25 000.00.
Remember every dollar counts, and every donor will receive a tax deductable receipt.
I hope you will all join me again this year.
Donations can be made 3 ways:
By Phone:
Contact the Mustard Seed 403 269 1319 tell them you would like to contribute to the GotGinch Underwear fund.
On Line:
https://www.theseed.ca/DonationForm.html be sure to indicate the donation is for the GotGinch Underwear Fund in the comments section
To Brent:
Cash, or Cheques, can be given to me directly and I will submit them for you.
The website is still active though not yet updated: www.gotclothing.ca
I hope to the see the documentary of last year’s journey completed in late winter.
Brent King
V.P. Operations
Tenet Medical Engineering
W 403 571 0750
F 403 571 0752
C 403 561 1558
I was just looking at the Mustard Seeds list of urgently needed items on their Website…… Men’s underwear is NOT listed. This one item has been eliminated thanks to us. Congratulations. The situation is similar across the Country in at least 10 shelters.
Thanks again to everyone involved in last year’s run. It was a great success and I have pledged to try again this year. Last year we saw the delivery of 25 000 pairs of underwear (3000 lbs) to individuals from coast to coast. In doing so we managed to raise some awareness and make a small difference in a lot of lives. During the journey I discovered that homelessness was a complex issue that is often viewed as hopeless. In reality I believe it is actually the sum of many smaller problems, each one with a solution. I am certain that a few individuals focused on eliminating single problems can turn a complex situation like homelessness into a solvable problem. Keeping to this simple plan of solving one problem, I will again focus on men’s underwear.
Why underwear?
1. When faced with the difficulties of living on the street basic dignity is often lost
2. There is nothing more basic than clean underwear
3. The per unit cost is low therefore more people can be reached with a given donation.
4. Underwear is typically a high need item (often at the top of shelter wish lists)
5. Many people are reluctant to give Underwear as a donation
6. This small problem is solvable
This year, like last year, I pledge to:
- Annoy and pester my Friends, Family and Professional contacts for donations
- Purchase high quality product at the very best price
- Personally deliver the underwear to as many shelters as possible (10 major cities starting in Vancouver and moving east)
- Ensure that every dollar donated goes to the purchase of clean new underwear
- Keep you all informed of the progress as we move forward
Unlike last year I plan to:
- Provide 3 sizes L, XL, and XXL
- Increase the number of units per city to 3000 (more if donations allow)
To start us off I pledge to personally match the first $5 000.00 in Donations. I will follow with a further $5 000.00 lump donation if we reach a total of $25 000.00.
Remember every dollar counts, and every donor will receive a tax deductable receipt.
I hope you will all join me again this year.
Donations can be made 3 ways:
By Phone:
Contact the Mustard Seed 403 269 1319 tell them you would like to contribute to the GotGinch Underwear fund.
On Line:
https://www.theseed.ca/DonationForm.html be sure to indicate the donation is for the GotGinch Underwear Fund in the comments section
To Brent:
Cash, or Cheques, can be given to me directly and I will submit them for you.
The website is still active though not yet updated: www.gotclothing.ca
I hope to the see the documentary of last year’s journey completed in late winter.
Brent King
V.P. Operations
Tenet Medical Engineering
W 403 571 0750
F 403 571 0752
C 403 561 1558
Monday, July 6, 2009
End of the Road
Monday July 6
Those of you who know me have probably never heard me talk about this before. I am not a religious man. Although I don't subscribe to any specific religion, I have to acknowledge its presence on this journey. I acknowledge the deep faith present in the hearts of those working the shelters and I see its power as a catalyst to recovery. To me the most effective groups operate like businesses balanced by their belief. Ramin referred to them as businesses operated by angels. I can't say I disagree.
Thanks to every one who supported the run. Special thanks to all the shelters who opened their doors to us and who hold their doors open to those in need.
Brent
Those of you who know me have probably never heard me talk about this before. I am not a religious man. Although I don't subscribe to any specific religion, I have to acknowledge its presence on this journey. I acknowledge the deep faith present in the hearts of those working the shelters and I see its power as a catalyst to recovery. To me the most effective groups operate like businesses balanced by their belief. Ramin referred to them as businesses operated by angels. I can't say I disagree.
Thanks to every one who supported the run. Special thanks to all the shelters who opened their doors to us and who hold their doors open to those in need.
Brent
Halifax
Monday July 6
Homelessness is not as visible in Halifax says local musician Brendan Fraser. A transplanted Calgarian Brendon says "you don't see the panhandlers like you do in Calgary". Maybe it’s due to the good work of the Metro Turning Point Shelter. This shelter is a focused shelter supplying basic baseline shelter and belonging. Unlike other programs, Turning Point will not refuse access to those who are under the influence. Michael Poworoznyk (Prozzz) tells me that they focus on building trust and honesty. Once they break down those barriers they can focus on the underlying issues. Without that honesty you can’t begin to work with someone. Turning point then operates as a referral service, directing people to services that can help them. It's a little like triage for the less fortunate. I like the approach. It allows different groups to specialize rather than duplication of effort. It also fits well with my approach of focusing on one problem and dealing with it in an efficient manner.
Michael tells an amazing story of when he first came to Turning Point. This guy spent some time living amongst the guests of Turning Point. Without telling the other guests Michael quietly spent a night or two literally in their shoes. As the story goes he had borrowed a pair of beat up shoes from a friend so as to look the part. Unfortunately the shoes were a little small and quickly began hurting his feet. (Street people spend an enormous amount of time on the move) Another patron of the Mission offered Michael an extra pair of shoes that he had with him. A huge gesture. To the homeless shoes are like gold. This would be the equivalent of me offering to give a stranger my car.
Pretty moving stuff.
On the plane at 8 pm tonight. Time to let Westjet take the wheel.
Brent
Homelessness is not as visible in Halifax says local musician Brendan Fraser. A transplanted Calgarian Brendon says "you don't see the panhandlers like you do in Calgary". Maybe it’s due to the good work of the Metro Turning Point Shelter. This shelter is a focused shelter supplying basic baseline shelter and belonging. Unlike other programs, Turning Point will not refuse access to those who are under the influence. Michael Poworoznyk (Prozzz) tells me that they focus on building trust and honesty. Once they break down those barriers they can focus on the underlying issues. Without that honesty you can’t begin to work with someone. Turning point then operates as a referral service, directing people to services that can help them. It's a little like triage for the less fortunate. I like the approach. It allows different groups to specialize rather than duplication of effort. It also fits well with my approach of focusing on one problem and dealing with it in an efficient manner.
Michael tells an amazing story of when he first came to Turning Point. This guy spent some time living amongst the guests of Turning Point. Without telling the other guests Michael quietly spent a night or two literally in their shoes. As the story goes he had borrowed a pair of beat up shoes from a friend so as to look the part. Unfortunately the shoes were a little small and quickly began hurting his feet. (Street people spend an enormous amount of time on the move) Another patron of the Mission offered Michael an extra pair of shoes that he had with him. A huge gesture. To the homeless shoes are like gold. This would be the equivalent of me offering to give a stranger my car.
Pretty moving stuff.
On the plane at 8 pm tonight. Time to let Westjet take the wheel.
Brent
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Stopover
Sunday July 5
We stopped along the highway to Halifax to visit and personally thank our most eastern donor. Tom and Leslie Mclean are the parents of Ryan Mclean who works with me at TENET. Lesley told us that her donation came about as her and a friend decided to make a donation this year instead of exchanging gifts. When her son told her of the drive she wanted to get involved. Two of the finest people I have ever met not surprising considering the calibre of man heir son has become.
On to Halifax!
We stopped along the highway to Halifax to visit and personally thank our most eastern donor. Tom and Leslie Mclean are the parents of Ryan Mclean who works with me at TENET. Lesley told us that her donation came about as her and a friend decided to make a donation this year instead of exchanging gifts. When her son told her of the drive she wanted to get involved. Two of the finest people I have ever met not surprising considering the calibre of man heir son has become.
On to Halifax!
Friday was huge
Friday July 3
We woke up early for a 7.30 live phone interview with a local Montreal FM station. I think I did ok but the short nights are beginning to take a toll
9.00 Tour of Ottawa Mission (OM). The Mission has an impressive kitchen that doubles as a training center for those who wish to learn culinary skills. Most unique at the Ottawa mission was their onsite hospice. They have a number of bed to care for terminally ill people who come from a street back ground and who do not have anyplace else to go. Many of them don't fit in at a standard Hospice. The staff at OM will attempt to contact family and if possible will try to reunite people in their final days. Some of the stories were really moving about parents coming to be with their children who they long thought dead.
9.30 on " A" channel Ottawa breakfast show. I managed to squeeze a recorded radio interview in the lobby with another local radio station. I also got a good plug in for one of our corporate sponsors who is local to Ottawa.
10.00 back to Ottawa mission for photo op with Member of Parliament Royal Galipeau. Ctv, CBC covered the event for local news while the Ottawa sun took some picture for their piece that I may live to regret.
Off to Montreal at 11.00 am with a tray of Chinese Food from the OM kitchen. Special thanks to Shirley Roy for the hospitality and providing the tour and media contact arrangements. Shirley comes from a medi background and her reputation in the industry is apparent.
12:00. While driving I talk to a Montreal newspaper and set up for an in studio radio bit with CBC
1.00 we hit the edge of Montreal. No problem making the 2.00 drop time right? Wrong!!! Some of the most challenging traffic I have ever experienced was in our way. What's with the no right on red lights thing an way. We managed to get lost in the myriad of one way streets in the core and arrive 15 minutes late for the event.
When we finally arrive at Mission Bon Accueil (Welcome Hall Mission)there are a number of cameras recording the Van pulling in. Now I know I'm tired as Anne Cattaruzza of Welcome Hall flashes me a signal to smile. Anne and the crew put together a very impressive and official ceremony for the drop. This was one the most organized drops to date. Latter Anne tells me that an event like this has given them an opportunity to raise their profile in the Montreal area. Good news as this was also one our goals.
I think that Welcome Hall has the biggest facility of the tour. Their factory style building fills an entire block and contains impressive facilities and amenities for those working through their addiction and reintegration programs. Gaetan Nolet performed the tour and also translated for me with French media. Gaetan has been with the mission for a number of years leaving a career as a stock broker for a career that satisfied his need to make a difference. We couldn't help talking a little bit about business.
5.00 off to CBC studios for an in studio live broadcast on the Home Run Show. Paul Rainone the Associate Executive Director of Programs at Welcome Hall will be interviewed with me. Paul is an Electrical Engineer who led a sales team at a major appliance manufacturer. Later he told me he also has a short stint as a distributor for arthroscopy equipment. It was great talking shop for a bit.
6.00 interview over
7.00 campground in site!
Later that evening we headed into Montreal to take in some of the Jazz festival. A guy has to have a little fun............Right?
Today we on the road for Halifax and the last drop Monday at noon. With luck we will return the motor home and catch an earlier flight that night. This would get us home 24 hrs earlier.
Gonna crash for a bit while Ramin drives
Brent
We woke up early for a 7.30 live phone interview with a local Montreal FM station. I think I did ok but the short nights are beginning to take a toll
9.00 Tour of Ottawa Mission (OM). The Mission has an impressive kitchen that doubles as a training center for those who wish to learn culinary skills. Most unique at the Ottawa mission was their onsite hospice. They have a number of bed to care for terminally ill people who come from a street back ground and who do not have anyplace else to go. Many of them don't fit in at a standard Hospice. The staff at OM will attempt to contact family and if possible will try to reunite people in their final days. Some of the stories were really moving about parents coming to be with their children who they long thought dead.
9.30 on " A" channel Ottawa breakfast show. I managed to squeeze a recorded radio interview in the lobby with another local radio station. I also got a good plug in for one of our corporate sponsors who is local to Ottawa.
10.00 back to Ottawa mission for photo op with Member of Parliament Royal Galipeau. Ctv, CBC covered the event for local news while the Ottawa sun took some picture for their piece that I may live to regret.
Off to Montreal at 11.00 am with a tray of Chinese Food from the OM kitchen. Special thanks to Shirley Roy for the hospitality and providing the tour and media contact arrangements. Shirley comes from a medi background and her reputation in the industry is apparent.
12:00. While driving I talk to a Montreal newspaper and set up for an in studio radio bit with CBC
1.00 we hit the edge of Montreal. No problem making the 2.00 drop time right? Wrong!!! Some of the most challenging traffic I have ever experienced was in our way. What's with the no right on red lights thing an way. We managed to get lost in the myriad of one way streets in the core and arrive 15 minutes late for the event.
When we finally arrive at Mission Bon Accueil (Welcome Hall Mission)there are a number of cameras recording the Van pulling in. Now I know I'm tired as Anne Cattaruzza of Welcome Hall flashes me a signal to smile. Anne and the crew put together a very impressive and official ceremony for the drop. This was one the most organized drops to date. Latter Anne tells me that an event like this has given them an opportunity to raise their profile in the Montreal area. Good news as this was also one our goals.
I think that Welcome Hall has the biggest facility of the tour. Their factory style building fills an entire block and contains impressive facilities and amenities for those working through their addiction and reintegration programs. Gaetan Nolet performed the tour and also translated for me with French media. Gaetan has been with the mission for a number of years leaving a career as a stock broker for a career that satisfied his need to make a difference. We couldn't help talking a little bit about business.
5.00 off to CBC studios for an in studio live broadcast on the Home Run Show. Paul Rainone the Associate Executive Director of Programs at Welcome Hall will be interviewed with me. Paul is an Electrical Engineer who led a sales team at a major appliance manufacturer. Later he told me he also has a short stint as a distributor for arthroscopy equipment. It was great talking shop for a bit.
6.00 interview over
7.00 campground in site!
Later that evening we headed into Montreal to take in some of the Jazz festival. A guy has to have a little fun............Right?
Today we on the road for Halifax and the last drop Monday at noon. With luck we will return the motor home and catch an earlier flight that night. This would get us home 24 hrs earlier.
Gonna crash for a bit while Ramin drives
Brent
Young Street Mission Toronto
Thursday July 2
We did something different at Young Stet Mission (YSM) in Toronto. The staff hosted a popsicle party in the parking lot and distributed flyers inviting the community to join them. We handed out free underwear to anyone in need and quickly burned through 500 pair. The recipients were very thankful and were not shy in showing their appreciation. YSM has a number of impressive programs much like the other missions, however two initiatives stand out as unique. YSM operates a thrift store supplying much needed affordable clothing to the neighbourhood. Unlike other thrift stores the clothes are cleaned, pressed and displayed in a professional manner. David Adcock tells us that they take pride in providing a clean attractive facility in order to emphasize dignity for its customers. The store operates at close to break even in order to keep prices as low as possible. David is quick to point out that the real product being offered here is jobs. Through their store valuable income and job experience is provided. A lack of previous job experience is a common barrier to success. Most unique and my favourite element of this group is their cheque cashing facility. YSM partnered with a major bank to provide financial services to the less fortunate. Humane service charges and special attention for those with little or no banking experience is provided. All this next door to their state of the art computer training center and across the street from one of (in my opinion) the largest barriers to homeless success. Predatory lender style cheque cashing facilities. Ray Marshall and Stephanie Lear of YSM treated us to dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant then sent us on to Ottawa once the traffic slowed down. We arrived just after midnight and went straight to bed as Friday was going to be a huge day. Brent
We did something different at Young Stet Mission (YSM) in Toronto. The staff hosted a popsicle party in the parking lot and distributed flyers inviting the community to join them. We handed out free underwear to anyone in need and quickly burned through 500 pair. The recipients were very thankful and were not shy in showing their appreciation. YSM has a number of impressive programs much like the other missions, however two initiatives stand out as unique. YSM operates a thrift store supplying much needed affordable clothing to the neighbourhood. Unlike other thrift stores the clothes are cleaned, pressed and displayed in a professional manner. David Adcock tells us that they take pride in providing a clean attractive facility in order to emphasize dignity for its customers. The store operates at close to break even in order to keep prices as low as possible. David is quick to point out that the real product being offered here is jobs. Through their store valuable income and job experience is provided. A lack of previous job experience is a common barrier to success. Most unique and my favourite element of this group is their cheque cashing facility. YSM partnered with a major bank to provide financial services to the less fortunate. Humane service charges and special attention for those with little or no banking experience is provided. All this next door to their state of the art computer training center and across the street from one of (in my opinion) the largest barriers to homeless success. Predatory lender style cheque cashing facilities. Ray Marshall and Stephanie Lear of YSM treated us to dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant then sent us on to Ottawa once the traffic slowed down. We arrived just after midnight and went straight to bed as Friday was going to be a huge day. Brent
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Regina/Winnipeg
I apologize for blending two drops into one blog but we have been running a pretty tight timeline with the Travel
Regina
On the drop date in Regina we went for breakfast with Derrick and Joe of the mission. We discussed the history of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, threw around some ideas and talked about barriers to success. It reminded me of a brain storming session at TENET when tackling a tough design problem. We got on the subject of cheque cashing places and pawn shops. Two barriers to their clientele. Derrick has a sales background and runs the P.R. department. He is also a graduate of the program. Joe hails from a manufacturing background, (my kind of guy). We met Michelle later that morning. She runs the show. Immediately we felt this group operated a little different than the others. It wasn't just Jack, the Harley riding chaplin either. This operation was run much like a business. Don't get me wrong they were focused on helping the less fortunate but they were going to cover their bills while they were doing it. The mission has about 5 buildings all fully paid for. Michelle tells us that her husband and her avoid debt in their personal lives and feel their operation should be run the same. Besides she says, when you own your building each donation is used 100 percent to help the needy and not service a mortgage. I love this woman. I hope she never decides to branch out into medical devices. TENET would not survive the competition.
We made the public drop at 9 am and had CTV, Global and the local newspaper cover the story. MLA Warren McCall joined us and helped unload.
Ramin got some excellent interviews from grads and the team. He was also so impressed with their youth center that he offered to return to help out.
In Winnipeg
We had a restless night in the Walmart parking lot but nothing we couldn't shake of with a subway coffee. At first look the Silome Mission looked a lot like a number of other groups we have visited. The outside is brick building that may have been an old factory. Inside it is bright and modern with a good feel. We arrived at lunch and it smelled great. I didn't have much breakfast and imagined the guests were hungrier than me. Beverly toured us through the facility and showed us its many facets. They have an art program targeted as therapy allowing their guests to express themselves in a different media. It was not for sale. Shame as some of the work was excellent. Most impressive was the state of the art health facility that was on site. This is the first location that we have seen provide this level of care. They have two full dental suites, chiropractic facilities, exam rooms, and a lab. The facility and equipment were supplied by a local pharmacist who donated the funds. The clinic is staffed by volunteer Dr.s and treats anyone regardless if they have a current Manitoba health care card or not. Keri, director of the Saul Sair health Center told us if she could have anything to add to their capabilities it would be a full time physician staff member who could address mental health issues. Beverly finished the tour with words to this effect. "Most Canadians live two paychecks from being homeless", loss of ones job combined with a personal disaster or addiction could find any one of us amongst the ranks of the clients at Silome Mission. If so, pack clean underwear cause from what I saw 2500 pair are not going to last long.
Best press coverage yet.
On the road for Toronto.
Brent
Regina
On the drop date in Regina we went for breakfast with Derrick and Joe of the mission. We discussed the history of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, threw around some ideas and talked about barriers to success. It reminded me of a brain storming session at TENET when tackling a tough design problem. We got on the subject of cheque cashing places and pawn shops. Two barriers to their clientele. Derrick has a sales background and runs the P.R. department. He is also a graduate of the program. Joe hails from a manufacturing background, (my kind of guy). We met Michelle later that morning. She runs the show. Immediately we felt this group operated a little different than the others. It wasn't just Jack, the Harley riding chaplin either. This operation was run much like a business. Don't get me wrong they were focused on helping the less fortunate but they were going to cover their bills while they were doing it. The mission has about 5 buildings all fully paid for. Michelle tells us that her husband and her avoid debt in their personal lives and feel their operation should be run the same. Besides she says, when you own your building each donation is used 100 percent to help the needy and not service a mortgage. I love this woman. I hope she never decides to branch out into medical devices. TENET would not survive the competition.
We made the public drop at 9 am and had CTV, Global and the local newspaper cover the story. MLA Warren McCall joined us and helped unload.
Ramin got some excellent interviews from grads and the team. He was also so impressed with their youth center that he offered to return to help out.
In Winnipeg
We had a restless night in the Walmart parking lot but nothing we couldn't shake of with a subway coffee. At first look the Silome Mission looked a lot like a number of other groups we have visited. The outside is brick building that may have been an old factory. Inside it is bright and modern with a good feel. We arrived at lunch and it smelled great. I didn't have much breakfast and imagined the guests were hungrier than me. Beverly toured us through the facility and showed us its many facets. They have an art program targeted as therapy allowing their guests to express themselves in a different media. It was not for sale. Shame as some of the work was excellent. Most impressive was the state of the art health facility that was on site. This is the first location that we have seen provide this level of care. They have two full dental suites, chiropractic facilities, exam rooms, and a lab. The facility and equipment were supplied by a local pharmacist who donated the funds. The clinic is staffed by volunteer Dr.s and treats anyone regardless if they have a current Manitoba health care card or not. Keri, director of the Saul Sair health Center told us if she could have anything to add to their capabilities it would be a full time physician staff member who could address mental health issues. Beverly finished the tour with words to this effect. "Most Canadians live two paychecks from being homeless", loss of ones job combined with a personal disaster or addiction could find any one of us amongst the ranks of the clients at Silome Mission. If so, pack clean underwear cause from what I saw 2500 pair are not going to last long.
Best press coverage yet.
On the road for Toronto.
Brent
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Bridge in Saskatoon
Man I love this City. I spent the afternoon with my Grandmother (95 next month) then met a very inspiring lady at the Bridge on 20th. Linda Chamagne is the director and founder. This is a woman who started with $120 donated $20 at a time from 6 friends. Through the insight of a friend and the generosity of the landlord she arranged two free months of rent from a location on 20th and started her agency to help those in her neighborhood. That was more than 10 years ago. Now in a new location with a bright clean environment, the Bridge employs a small staff including some former guests. They have a number of initiatives to offer their guests including, a 12 step program, education on hygiene and help to reintegrate. Linda has a dream to expand the services into transitional housing to help even more people help themselves. When asked "What does your organization need above all else?" Her answer is "space". I have no doubt that a lady of this caliber could do magical things with an adequate amount of space. I am entirely impressed with Linda and her strength and commitment.
Big thanks to Steve and Jordan of Global Saskatoon. These guys made a special journey to my Grandmothers house to capture footage of the run for their 6:00 deadline. A couple of newly transplanted Calgarians made the interview process fun and relaxing, by far the easiest interview to date. CTV and the star phoenix also covered the event.
Thanks to my friends and family in Saskatoon that came down to the event
Brent
Go Riders!!!
Big thanks to Steve and Jordan of Global Saskatoon. These guys made a special journey to my Grandmothers house to capture footage of the run for their 6:00 deadline. A couple of newly transplanted Calgarians made the interview process fun and relaxing, by far the easiest interview to date. CTV and the star phoenix also covered the event.
Thanks to my friends and family in Saskatoon that came down to the event
Brent
Go Riders!!!
Edmonton and Beyond
We made our 3rd drop yesterday at the Mustard Seed (Edmionton). We met some great people Rev. Sam Breakey, Wesley Proch, and Laurel Hoffmann. Laurel tells me that they are seeing an increase in people in need with the recent economic downturn. 16132 visits were made to there personal assistance center in 2008 for clothing and hygiene items. Underwear is only one of the items needed. Wesley is a young energetic member of the team and runs the personal assistance center. We had a chance to interview him and found that he was full of innovative ideas for increasing the help they are able to administer. I look forward to keeping in touch with him and learning more of his success. I asked Rev. Breakey to tell me one thing that could be offered to increase their effectiveness and he told me that volunteers from the community were their best asset. The seed focuses on building trust in the neighborhood so they might be available to help when individuals are ready to make the transition. Volunteers from the community are essential to that first step.
Along the way we had a chance to do some investigative reporting on cheque cashing establishments in the area. There are many barriers to the homeless and this one is huge. More on this in my next report.
We have delivered 3/10th of the load. The motor home is still cramped but we managed to get access to the stove today so I could cook a pizza as we traveled to Saskatoon, I look forward to access to the bathroom and the shower.
Off to the Bridge on 2oth in Saskatoon
Stay tuned.
Brent
Along the way we had a chance to do some investigative reporting on cheque cashing establishments in the area. There are many barriers to the homeless and this one is huge. More on this in my next report.
We have delivered 3/10th of the load. The motor home is still cramped but we managed to get access to the stove today so I could cook a pizza as we traveled to Saskatoon, I look forward to access to the bathroom and the shower.
Off to the Bridge on 2oth in Saskatoon
Stay tuned.
Brent
Friday, June 26, 2009
Two down eight to go.
Hi
Everyone,
The Calgary Delivery went very well. City News, CBC and NUTV covered the event. Keep an eye out for my ugly mug on the evening news. A reporter for the CBC wrote the following:
Everyone,
The Calgary Delivery went very well. City News, CBC and NUTV covered the event. Keep an eye out for my ugly mug on the evening news. A reporter for the CBC wrote the following:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/06/26/underwear-drive-homeless-shelters-donations-king.html
We held the event at the Mustard Seeds foothills shelter. When asking one of the Seed staff about the effect of giving underwear to an individual, she told us that small gestures like this make all the difference. Once she simply offered a man the opportunity to take a shower, he burst into tears. Small luxuries when you have none can be an overwhelming gift.
I going to crash at home with my family tonight then head for the Mustard Seed in Edmonton at about 6am. We will make our drop at noon local time. I am looking forward to the relatively short distances in the prairies.
Ramin continues to get exceptional footage of the faces and places on the front lines.
Thanks as always to our supporters.
Brent
Back in Calgary
We got back to Calgary at 2am local time. I'm a little punchy but ready for our noon drop at the foothill Mustard Seed Shelter. Looking forward to a few shorter runs in Alberta and Sask. 6hrs max. Thanks again to everyone who has helped out. I told the crowd at Union Gospel Mission Vancouver about how many friends and business associates donated. I could see the emotion in more than one face, including my own. Here we go again!
Brent
Brent
Thursday, June 25, 2009
1st drop Complete
We just finished our first drop of the run at Union Gospel Mission in downtown Vancouver. The staff was increadably supportive and helped to unload their gear. I had a chance to meet with some of the alumni of the mission, and learned a lot about their programs. Thanks Keela, Bruce and all the staff an volunteers at UG. UG has three different programs that address homlessness. Emergency care, housing and feeding. Addiction treatment (they have an ~ 75% success rate) and Prevention, helping youth in the area and familys to stay in their existing homes. When I asked Keela, what the biggest single challenge they faced, her answer was "Space". Oddly not underwear. Every week they have to make hard decisions on who they will allow into their programs due to limitation of space. I can only imgine how hard it would be to turn away a person who is willing to make the commitment to kick an addition but is unable to enter the program due to space constraints.
Keep up the amaizing work UG, hope to see you next year.
We leave today for Calgary and expect to be home ~ 1am local time.
Brent
Brent
Keep up the amaizing work UG, hope to see you next year.
We leave today for Calgary and expect to be home ~ 1am local time.
Brent
Brent
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On the road!
I am just stepping out of the office and into the motor home. I have a quick stop at the grocery store and then I will pick up Ramin (Film Maker) at 10:00 am. We should be in Vancouver by 10:00 pm local time. I can't wait to get underway, it's been a long time building.
Once again thanks to Kerry Worth and the people at Canadream Motor Homes for providing the cush ride!
Once again thanks to Kerry Worth and the people at Canadream Motor Homes for providing the cush ride!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Vancouver update (delivery time revision)
Hi Everyone,
To accomidate some of the media we have moved our drop for Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver to 11am. If you are in town feel free to come down and help unload.
Brent
To accomidate some of the media we have moved our drop for Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver to 11am. If you are in town feel free to come down and help unload.
Brent
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
One week to Launch
Hello everyone
Just a few details to report.
The film maker Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi has raised enough money to join me onthe journey. Thanks to all of you who were able to help out!
The Website is up and running www.gotclothing.ca Thanks Robin. We have created links to each of our sponsors and invite you to link to us if youwish. If you are a corporate sponsor and your logo does not appear please contact me this week prior to our start. The site is linked to the blog and will be the best place to follow along as we make the trip. I will be posting updates daily after June 24th.
The schedule is:
June 24th Calgary Canadream RV's pick up motorhome
June 25th Vancouver Union Gospel Mission 12:00 Noon
June 26th Calgary Mustard Seed (foothills shelter) 7025 44 ST SE 12:00 Noon
June 27th Edmonton Mustard Seed 10635 96th Street 12:00 Noon
June 28th Saskatoon The Bridge on 20th 1320 20th street west 4:00 pm
June 29th Regina Souls Harbour Rescue Mission 1380 Elphinstone St 9:00 am
June 30th Winnipeg Siloam Mission 12:00 noon
July 2nd Toronto Younge Street Mission 4:00 pm
July 3rd Ottawa Ottawa Mission 35 Waller Street 10:00 am
July 3rd Montreal Bon Accueil (Welcome Hall Mission) 4755 D Acorn 2:00pm
July 6th Halifax Saint Leonard's Society 2170 Barrington StreetJuly 7th
Calgary YYC 10:30 pm
July 8th back to the grind.
Feel free to stop by when we are in your town. I would love to thank eachof you personally.
Brent
Just a few details to report.
The film maker Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi has raised enough money to join me onthe journey. Thanks to all of you who were able to help out!
The Website is up and running www.gotclothing.ca Thanks Robin. We have created links to each of our sponsors and invite you to link to us if youwish. If you are a corporate sponsor and your logo does not appear please contact me this week prior to our start. The site is linked to the blog and will be the best place to follow along as we make the trip. I will be posting updates daily after June 24th.
The schedule is:
June 24th Calgary Canadream RV's pick up motorhome
June 25th Vancouver Union Gospel Mission 12:00 Noon
June 26th Calgary Mustard Seed (foothills shelter) 7025 44 ST SE 12:00 Noon
June 27th Edmonton Mustard Seed 10635 96th Street 12:00 Noon
June 28th Saskatoon The Bridge on 20th 1320 20th street west 4:00 pm
June 29th Regina Souls Harbour Rescue Mission 1380 Elphinstone St 9:00 am
June 30th Winnipeg Siloam Mission 12:00 noon
July 2nd Toronto Younge Street Mission 4:00 pm
July 3rd Ottawa Ottawa Mission 35 Waller Street 10:00 am
July 3rd Montreal Bon Accueil (Welcome Hall Mission) 4755 D Acorn 2:00pm
July 6th Halifax Saint Leonard's Society 2170 Barrington StreetJuly 7th
Calgary YYC 10:30 pm
July 8th back to the grind.
Feel free to stop by when we are in your town. I would love to thank eachof you personally.
Brent
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hi Everyone,
Two new exciting developments.
Our newest Sponsor CanaDream RV Rentals http://www.canadream.com/ is supporting the drive by providing me with a huge discount on the rental of the motor home. The budget was beginning to creep a little on me and this generous donation has brought me back in line. Thanks Kerry and everyone at CanaDream RV rentals
In other news. We have caught the eye of a local filmmaker who is very interested in traveling along with me and capturing the journey in a documentary. He is presently running a fund raiser of his own to cover some of his expenses. He has raised $700.00 and needs ~ $2500.00 total to be able to join me. If anyone knows people interested in sponsoring independent film, please have them contact Ramin at ramin@nurfilms.net . The intention of the documentary is to create further support for future activities as well as to inform on some of the lesser known facts about the homeless population in Canada. Ramin is an incredibly talented film maker and I am honored, and very lucky that he would consider accompanying me on the trip.
The new Delivery dates are as follows:
June 24th Leave Calgary with Motor home
June 25th Vancouver
June 26th Calgary
June 27th Edmonton
June 28th Saskatoon
June 29th Regina
June 30th Winnipeg
July 2nd Toronto
July 3rd Ottawa
July 4th Montreal
July 6th Halifax
July 7th Calgary via Air.
I don’t see any delays in the works this time.
Brent King
“If it’s worth doing it’s worth over-doing”
Two new exciting developments.
Our newest Sponsor CanaDream RV Rentals http://www.canadream.com/ is supporting the drive by providing me with a huge discount on the rental of the motor home. The budget was beginning to creep a little on me and this generous donation has brought me back in line. Thanks Kerry and everyone at CanaDream RV rentals
In other news. We have caught the eye of a local filmmaker who is very interested in traveling along with me and capturing the journey in a documentary. He is presently running a fund raiser of his own to cover some of his expenses. He has raised $700.00 and needs ~ $2500.00 total to be able to join me. If anyone knows people interested in sponsoring independent film, please have them contact Ramin at ramin@nurfilms.net . The intention of the documentary is to create further support for future activities as well as to inform on some of the lesser known facts about the homeless population in Canada. Ramin is an incredibly talented film maker and I am honored, and very lucky that he would consider accompanying me on the trip.
The new Delivery dates are as follows:
June 24th Leave Calgary with Motor home
June 25th Vancouver
June 26th Calgary
June 27th Edmonton
June 28th Saskatoon
June 29th Regina
June 30th Winnipeg
July 2nd Toronto
July 3rd Ottawa
July 4th Montreal
July 6th Halifax
July 7th Calgary via Air.
I don’t see any delays in the works this time.
Brent King
“If it’s worth doing it’s worth over-doing”
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Underwear has Landed
Word is 25000 pairs of Got? Ginch have arrived at the docks in Vancouver. I expect them to be delivered to my buddies warehouse within the week. Stay tuned for the new delivery schedule. I'm thinking June 19 th feels good.
I also received, via fedex, samples today of the finished product. White as the driven snow, with the Got? logo proudly displayed on the waist band.
Gota love it!
Brent
I also received, via fedex, samples today of the finished product. White as the driven snow, with the Got? logo proudly displayed on the waist band.
Gota love it!
Brent
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Still coming together, but not on schedule! Argh!!
Me again.
I hate it when the phrase "too good to be true" strikes. And while the Underwear Drive is still on (no way they're stopping me!), there has been a delay in the shipment.
After my renewed excitement and optimism yesterday, I found out today that the shipment will be delayed before it arrives in Vancouver. :-(
Somehow, the container the ginch are in fell between the bureaucratic cracks in Shanghai, and has been sitting on their docks for a few weeks. Now they've found it and it's on its way, but there's no way the container will land in time to stick to our original schedule. (The earliest it will arrive is May 12.)
So I am revising the dates of my trip, and will let you know when I have them sorted out again. This started out as a Christmas charity project in 2008, so I want to be sure it happens before Christmas 2009.
What is that quote about adversity? Here it is, found it online. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” (Henry Ford)
So here I go, nose into the wind. Sometimes the only way you can take these events is with a grain of philosophy ...
I hate it when the phrase "too good to be true" strikes. And while the Underwear Drive is still on (no way they're stopping me!), there has been a delay in the shipment.
After my renewed excitement and optimism yesterday, I found out today that the shipment will be delayed before it arrives in Vancouver. :-(
Somehow, the container the ginch are in fell between the bureaucratic cracks in Shanghai, and has been sitting on their docks for a few weeks. Now they've found it and it's on its way, but there's no way the container will land in time to stick to our original schedule. (The earliest it will arrive is May 12.)
So I am revising the dates of my trip, and will let you know when I have them sorted out again. This started out as a Christmas charity project in 2008, so I want to be sure it happens before Christmas 2009.
What is that quote about adversity? Here it is, found it online. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” (Henry Ford)
So here I go, nose into the wind. Sometimes the only way you can take these events is with a grain of philosophy ...
It's all coming together!
Hey gang,
Had lunch yesterday with Del, Rion, and Richard from the Mustard Seed. We went over the communications plan, the details of the shipment arrival, and what we would do in each city as the time got closer.
Man, I can feel this thing coming closer, and I'm getting so pumped about it. This is going to be a lot of fun. I think that after this I will have a unique perspective on this country that many of us don't know a thing about. It will certainly be a different kind of cross-country trek than most embark on. I'll let you know what I see as I'm going.
More updates to come!
Had lunch yesterday with Del, Rion, and Richard from the Mustard Seed. We went over the communications plan, the details of the shipment arrival, and what we would do in each city as the time got closer.
Man, I can feel this thing coming closer, and I'm getting so pumped about it. This is going to be a lot of fun. I think that after this I will have a unique perspective on this country that many of us don't know a thing about. It will certainly be a different kind of cross-country trek than most embark on. I'll let you know what I see as I'm going.
More updates to come!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Got? on Facebook
We have a face book page. You can find me under the name "Got Ginch and we accept all friend invitations.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Getting started
Hi, I'm Brent. Just an ordinary guy. I have a very tolerant wife and a son who keeps me very busy. I go to work every morning as a medical device designer. Every year I give to charity and hope that it makes a difference. This year I decided to try something different.
I like finding solutions to problems. Homelessness is a huge problem in our society, but not one with an easy solution. So I tried to think of a way to solve one portion of the problem, in my own small way.
Turns out that homeless shelters across the country are always in need of new, clean underwear. That was a manageable need, so I began working on providing for that one need.
I like finding solutions to problems. Homelessness is a huge problem in our society, but not one with an easy solution. So I tried to think of a way to solve one portion of the problem, in my own small way.
Turns out that homeless shelters across the country are always in need of new, clean underwear. That was a manageable need, so I began working on providing for that one need.
I started locally in my hometown of Calgary by asking the good people at the mustard seed how many pair of underwear they would typically need in a year. The answer 2500. I set out to supply them with enough underwear to last them one year. The need was within my means and I could solve this problem for one agency.
I was feeling pretty good about myself so I told a friend about my idea. His response was: "you could make this so much bigger". This friend and a few others pledged some money and before I knew it I had Calgary and Edmonton covered. Then I decided to challenge my friends and business contacts. (A decision I may soon regret) It told everyone I knew that I would personally deliver 2500 pair of underwear to each major city if they donated the money to supply the remainder. I started with Vancouver and we started moving east. Each week more donations rolled in and we would have another major city on the list.
And it turns out I know a lot of generous people. I am now the proud custodian of 25,000 (yes, twenty-five thousand) pairs of tighty-whities that I will deliver to 10 Canadian cities, from Vancouver to Halifax.
I'm excited and grateful for the response and support. I invite you to join me on the drive. I will be hitting the road on May 7th, posting updates here leading up to departure, and once I'm on the road.
Mom always said pack lots of clean underwear. Got it covered Mom! Thanks.
Brent
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