Gather & Give standing in the gap for overworked charities

Jennifer Legare in the Gather & Give warehouse.

THREE years ago, Jennifer Legare didn't think helping existing charities would turn into a much-needed service - which she would end up operating.

"In January of 2003, the idea was to provide extra storage for shelters in the community in winter months," said the director of Gather & Give - the charity she now runs out of a warehouse on Quebec Street in Vancouver, with the help of a dozen or so volunteers.

"We were coordinating excess donations and doing redistribution. But within a year-and-a-half of just doing clothing, bedding and blankets, I started getting questions about hotplates, cutlery, pots and pans. So I realized there is a huge gap in services, that there isn't enough government funding . . . They are always short on things like pots and pans."

Her response was to assemble pre-packaged starter kits for people just coming out of rehab and shelters; for immigrants and refugees; and for women affiliated with Vancouver Rape Relief, who are fleeing abuse or are in a crisis situation.

"We even get full families with eight or 10 kids," Legare told BCCN. "Agencies can call us when people are moving into their own place - and with the agency's referral, they receive this kit."

Supplies in the kits usually include frying pans and pots, dishes, cutlery, mixing bowls and wooden/plastic spoons, strainers, peelers, can openers, bed sheets and blankets, pillows and towels. When available, Gather & Give tries to distribute donated Bibles - and always includes a 'welcome to your new home' card in each package.

Initially, Gather & Give distributed some 14 kits a month. "Then we went consistently over 30," said Legare. "Now we are at 60. Giving out at least 60 of each item is a lot."

Patricia Pedersen, a mental health outreach worker with Look Out Emergency Aid Society, said there needs to be more services like Gather & Give in other communities.

Because basic belongings are not deemed a necessity, her clients are often refused extra funds for clothing, household items and furniture.

"The result is that these already marginalized individuals use their support money for these items - and then have to line up in food line to eat," she said. "This only perpetuates their despair, fear and mental illness issues. The problem isn't resolved."

A Gather & Give fundraiser will feature speaker Jonathan Bird November 20 at 7 pm. 'Gather for the Kingdom' will take place at Granville Chapel, and will include a silent auction; prizes will include a weekend in Whistler.

Call: 604-637-2250

- Meghan Wood