Afterglow loves the Region of Waterloo! Not only because it’s been our home since 1991, but because of how charitable it is. Over the years, we’ve noticed many organizations that do their part to give back and support our community. Today, we want to recognize those organizations, specifically the ones that work overtime in the winter months! We are calling them our #KWColdHereos.
1. Out of the Cold
Since 1999, churches in the Region of Waterloo have opened their doors to provide overnight shelter and nourishment to the area’s poor and homeless. The program that oversees this is called Out of the Cold, and it strives to provide shelter and food in the winter.
With temperatures reaching under – 20C this year, organizations like Out of the Cold are essential for the Region of Waterloo. For more information, visit their homepage and myths and facts sheet.
2. Reception House Waterloo Region
Reception House Waterloo Region is a temporary home for government-assisted refugees. Each year, approximately 245 newly arrived refugees and about 75 secondary migrants are served.
Reception House provides orientation and settlement guidance through discussion and hands-on experience. That means for refugees who have never experienced winter before are given the tools they need to survive, including: gloves, hats, jackets, boots and more.
Learn more about Reception House and how you can support them by visiting their website.
3. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region was founded as a non-profit, registered charitable organization in 1984 and has grown immensely over the years. For example, in 2013 it distributed 91,796 emergency hampers, 34,735 different individuals were served, and 522,327 meals were served.
The 2013 snapshot of Waterloo Region is no different than the rest of the country. Thousands of neighbours continue to struggle with hunger.
It’s important to recognize that the need for food donations is greater in the winter. Why? Many have to decide between heating and eating, and with this year’s frigid temperatures people are putting their money towards heat.
If you’d like to give a donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region visit their website.
These organizations work year round to support the Region of Waterloo. At Afterglow, we are thankful for all the hard work they do, especially in the winter! It’s not easy to run a charitable organization, and it’s even harder when the demands are high.
Do you know a charity who deserves to be a #KWColdHereo? Let us know on Twitter!
The Region of Waterloo trusts Afterglow for all its heating needs. Remember we’re available for all your heating needs throughout the winter: 519-747-7732.
Afterglow. Water, warmth, well-being.