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
what a effing great idea!! good luck!!
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