How a church community in Binbrook is supporting the YMCA Men’s Residence

Volunteers from Binbrook United Church are making a difference for the men living in the YMCA Men’s Residence.

Whether it’s a fresh pair of socks, essential toiletries like soap and a toothbrush and toothpaste, or simply a warm cup of joe, this church community is stepping up to provide comfort to these men in need.

Hilda

Hilda has a special place in her heart for the Men’s Residence. Every week when she goes grocery shopping, she makes sure to buy extra to give to the men.

“Before I go, I always look through the flyers and make a list [of the non-perishables]. Sometimes it’s beans, sometimes it’s soup. Some weeks it’s fun because I can find a lot of things to get for them, other weeks there’s not so much,” she says.

Hilda first learned about the Men’s Residence and their need for specific items a couple of years ago when Genevieve Hladysh, the VP of Health, Fitness, Aquatics & Residence. came and spoke at their church asking for support.

“I put together a list and printed it out and put it on a tub at the church with a sign [for people to donate]. I check it every time I go to church,” says Hilda.

“We’ve been collecting and donating for about two years.”

Pam

“I come in every Saturday morning,” says Pam. “[I bring] clothes, towels, blankets, shampoo, canned goods.”

“Half my car is full of stuff to give to the men in the residence,” she says.

Pam is Hilda’s friend, and a fellow churchgoer who also plays a big role in helping get these generous donations to the men.  

Pam helps deliver the donations and spends time organizing them in the YMCA Community Room, so they are available and accessible for the residents.

“I’ve come with heavy loads and some of the residents will come down and help me bring stuff in. They’re so loving, and so grateful.”  

Cindy

After learning about the Men’s Residence at church, Cindy felt compelled to take action.

“I never knew they were that much in need, but when I heard, I wanted to do something to help.”

She spoke with a neighbour who was willing to donate an abundance of coffee beans, and she thought it would be a good opportunity to help the men have a warm beverage.

“Everybody needs a warm drink in the morning—or any other time of day!”

Unfortunately, the residents don’t all have the ability to grind beans, so Cindy decided to sell the coffee beans at church and use the proceeds to buy ground and instant coffee for the men. She also uses the funds to buy crackers, candy, and noodle cups.

Cindy’s connection has also been able to donate thousands of tea bags, and with Pam’s help, Cindy continues to donate coffee and tea to the residents each week.  

While Hilda, Pam, and Cindy facilitate these donations, they all make it very clear that it’s the entire community at Binbrook United Church that has stepped up to provide for the men.

“We couldn’t do it without each other,” Pam says. “As a group, we can make a big difference.”

“There’s no question, the Y has taken on a special significance for us.”

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