A Thunder Bay based program that fills wooden boxes with non-perishable food for the less fortunate, placed at various homes in the city, is expanding.
The group which started the Blessing Box program, Giant Hearts, tells us as of this morning, Monday, people in Chilliwack, BC have reached out to know more.
Lyndsay Alessandro speaks for Giant Hearts, and tells us the reaction to the Blessing Boxes on Facebook has been overwhelming in Ontario as well.
“It kind of blew up a little bit, and we’re going to travel out to the other communities, such as Fort Frances, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.”
Organizers add the boxes are meant for anyone who has a need, and are filled by anyone who wishes.
Ashlee Burton is also with Giant Hearts, and tells us she was contacted by people on Facebook.
“In the process of this, I’ve received a lot of messages in my inbox from people saying ‘Hey, I’ve looked up what your group does. We need what you do in our town, we’re struggling too.”
The organizers are surprised with how quickly the Blessing Box idea has taken off.
Lyndsay Alessandro notes what they’ll be doing in those cities.
“And we’re going to be teaching them sort of how we’ve been running everything here. We’ll probably be visiting those communities too, and going to help them and give them the rundown. And then once they’re competent that they can manage it themselves, we would just step back.”
The Giant Hearts group adds those communities are also doing street outreach and cleanup, similar to some groups in Thunder Bay.
