The window of the Quesnel Green Hope Society was smashed in the night. When Cindy Mighton from the Green Hope Society came in on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 1 she found a brick and shattered glass.
"Unfortunately, Quesnel has an overlapping mental health crisis along with the drug poisoning crisis and a housing crisis," Mighton said. She said they have a few suspicions about who may have done the vandalism but have no intention of pressing charges. "Even if they were to catch the person it would be a year down the road and it wouldn't do that person any benefit."
Within a few days of putting a call for donations on Facebook, around eight people had donated the $1,000 needed for the repair. Mighton said they had extra donations come in that went back to the donors because they had enough to repair the window.
"I think people appreciate what we do here for people in the street and for people that are just struggling," she said. "I think it's a testament of the good work we do that the funds came in so quickly." Mighton said at the society's previous location a door was broken and it took a month to get the donations needed for repairs. She said she's amazed and grateful to the community for stepping up to help.
Green Hope aims to support people in need with food, clothing and supplies. They're open daily to give food to those who need it. They have tables of fresh produce, freezers with meat, pre-made meals and things like desserts for people to come in and collect. They don't ask questions about peoples' situations, they just do their best to ensure people's needs are met.
"We want to make sure this is a positive experience. That when they come to the door, they're not feeling judged. The stigma of needing help sometimes can deter people," Mighton said. They also have supplies like shoes, coats and blankets for people who need them.
They have shelves with hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes and toiletries as well as supplies for babies for those who need things like diapers for children in their care.
Green Hope is run by volunteers and Mighton said it's hard work, but people come from different backgrounds to support those in need.
"Teachers, social workers, we also have people that are coming from the shelter that are trying to start fresh," she said. "We all kind of blend seamlessly."
Mighton said nothing goes to waste at Green Hope. Perishables that aren't used go to other organizations that provide hot meals for people in need. Meat that has expired is given to trappers for bait and expired produce is given to places like farms to be composted.
Green Hope also works with other organizations in Quesnel that support people in need. They work closely with CSUN (Coalition of Substance Users of the North), Seasons House and Nourish Food Bank and some other organizations.
"If (people) are interested in supporting us, you can tell people about us if you know someone who's struggling for food, we accept e-transfers if you want to make a monetary donation. We also accept donations of dry goods or any other goods from 10 to 11 every day," Mighton said. She added if people going through their cupboards or if a family member has passed away and they have unopened food in their pantry, Green Hope will gladly accept those donations.
