When Lawrence Ross moved into his bachelor unit in a supportive housing facility for seniors two years ago, it was “a big, dramatic change” from his last few months living in a shelter.
Ross, now 64, had been on pins and needles while living at the shelter, where many people were drinking and using drugs and he felt he needed to keep to himself.
“It’s almost like going to jail. If you don’t mind your business, you’re going to be confronted,” he said.
When he first saw his new home in Cool Aid’s Olympic Vista building near Uptown, Ross thought to himself: “How fortunate I am that Cool Aid has a place for senior adults.”
The 24/7 staff go above and beyond for residents, Ross said, and he can have all of his medical needs taken care of at Cool Aid’s downtown clinic.
“I’m so forever thankful for Cool Aid Society, who gave me a chance to have some sort of a sensible life with my own apartment,” he said.
The 36 residents of Olympic Vista, who are 55 years old and up, receive a daily meal, medical care for mental health and substance use, harm reduction support and life-skills development.
A donation from the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund will support Olympic Vista’s breakfast program.
Ross has the same holiday plan this year as usual. He’ll cook a full Christmas spread — turkey, vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy — and leave his door open to any neighbours who want to join him.
He doesn’t intend to send out formal invites, but he’s confident people will be able to follow their noses. “They’ll smell it,” he said.
If there are any leftovers, he’ll package up turkey sandwiches and hand them out to people living on the street so they don’t go hungry on Christmas Day.
“I know what it’s like to be on the streets, with nothing to eat at night, and I went to bed hungry many nights. So since I’m off the streets, I have to give a little bit back,” he said.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND
• Go online to . That page is linked to CanadaHelps, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Cheques should be made out to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund. Drop them at the Times 91原创 office in Vic West, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria.
• Or, for the duration of the postal strike, contact Maximum Express for free pickup and delivery of your cheque. Call dispatch at 250-721-3278 or email [email protected].
