A group of local youth and volunteers are helping bring warmth and encouragement to people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg through the Blessing Bag Project.
A Hug In a Mug campaign is on now to raise funds for next year’s campaign
The outreach provides bags filled with essential items, including hygiene supplies, non-perishable food, and warm clothing. Each bag also contains a handwritten card with words of encouragement and a bible verse.
Evan Kehler, one of the project’s organizers, said the goal is to offer both practical support and a reminder that people care.
The group recently assembled 152 blessing bags, with the youth group taking part. Kehler said involving young people is an important part of the initiative.
“It gives them a chance to serve in a hands-on way and better understand the realities that others are facing.”
The project works with Winnipeg’s Main Street Project to distribute the bags safely and respectfully. While the focus has traditionally been on supporting those in the city, Kehler says they are also exploring ways to respond to needs closer to home.
“We’ve been having conversations with The Community Exchange and the Share the Warmth initiative,” he said. “While poverty may look different in smaller, rural communities, the need still exists.”
Blessing Bags are typically distributed during the winter months, closer to Christmas. Planning for the upcoming season usually begins in September or October, though donations are accepted year-round at Altona EMMC or Altona United Church.
Supporters can contribute through a creative fundraiser going on now called Hug in a Mug. It’s run by Kehler’s mother, Eileen. She’s collecting gently-used mugs donated by friends, family, and community members and selling them by donation to raise funds for the Blessing Bag project.
“My Hug in a Mug is just a small, tiny part of the Blessing Bags,” she said. “As a mom, I wanted to find a way, other than just making a donation, to help subsidize their efforts.”
What started as a simple idea has grown into a popular fundraiser.
“It’s probably fair to say I have a mug addiction now,” Eileen said with a laugh. “But I try very hard not to keep them for myself.”
Each winter, Kehler posts photos of the mugs for sale on her Facebook page. Buyers can choose their favourites, and then stop by to pay and pick them up.
“People in this town are very supportive,” she said. “The most common donation for one mug is usually $20, but I’ve also had $40 and $50. I’ve even had someone buy a mug from Texas.”
“I tell people that it isn’t only about getting a mug that speaks to you,” she continued. “It’s more about helping the homeless, and as a bonus you get a mug.”
Community members can also donate mugs by dropping them off at her home, 123 Centre Avenue in Altona.
With planning for the next round of Blessing Bags set to begin in the fall, organizers say the project continues to be a simple but meaningful way for the community to show care for others during the coldest months of the year.
