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By John McDonald
There’s nothing much special about living homeless in Kelowna or anywhere else for that matter.
So that’s what the crew at the Kelowna Drop In Centre do at Christmas for their regular clients and anyone else who shows up; make them feel special.
“Most of them don’t have family or a place to call home,” said Selena Stearns, executive director of the Leon Ave. facility. “So everything we try to do at Christmas is aimed at making them seem special. We try to be encouraging and warm and embracing.”
She says the centre gets a sizable number of clients that they might not see very often throughout the year, including families and the elderly.
“They’re lonely and they feel it more around Christmas,” Stearns explains. ”
The festivities start at 1 p.m. Dec. 23 when Santa Tom and Mrs. Claus show up in the Polar Express, not to be confused with Santa’s sleigh.
“It’s a big white Caddy or Lincoln or something like that,” laughs Stearns.
Santa’s entrance is timed for maximum impact on the kids, who will receive a gift provided by the Creekside Pub, which holds toy run each year for the centre. “Everyone gets a present and a delicious traditional meal,” says Stearns.
Anyone who shows up is welcome, regardless of circumstances.
“Even if they’re under the influence of something, as long as they are well-behaved, they’re welcome,” says Stearns. “The ones under the influence are the ones who most need shelter because they can’t feel that they’ve out in the cold too long.”
The next day, the Kelowna Drop In Centre does it again with Christmas Eve Breakfast, a full-on bacon-sausage-and-eggs feed.
“We served just shy of 300 last year and they all went away with smiles and round bellies,” said Stearn, in predicting how many people she expects at both events.
Stearns says the centre doesn’t need volunteers for either event, but can always use more toys for both teens and kids, as well as food, such as turkey, ham, and baked goods.
“Anything we can’t use, you can be sure, will go back into the community,” Stearns added.
They are also well supplied with winter clothing, thanks to Invus’ Angels in the Night program. “That allowed us to buy new boots, coats, hats and gloves,” said Stearns.
Stearns says the centre and its clients would like to thank the community for its support. “From all of us, to all of you, have a wonderful Christmas,” she said.
If you can help, drop off your donation at 467 Leon Ave. in downtown Kelowna. For more information, contact Stearns at 250-763-3311.
john@kelowna.com
250-575-0521
