Project Downtown: Caring for Those in Need Around Toronto

Project Downtown is brought to you by the students of the MSAs at Ryerson University. This initiative focuses on not only giving back to those in need through the creation and distribution of blessing bags around Toronto, but also bringing the community together through an incredible cause. It is our duty as citizens of the world to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves, and it is through Project Downtown that we hope to take a step toward achieving this.

The Birth of Project Downtown

Toronto is the child poverty capital of Canada, with 1 in 4 children living in poverty as of 2013 (torontovitalsigns.ca). Over 5000 individuals sleep outdoors and/or in shelters, with 1000-2000 of those being our youth (covenanthousetoronto.ca). Project Downtown was born after the search for an event that would be both an opportunity to give back and raise awareness toward the rising poverty rate in Toronto, while also uniting the community to achieve the greatest impact possible.

Project Downtown: In Depth

This event will be taking place on Monday, March 13, 2017. We will be first assembling the blessing bags, which will include items such as the following:

• Coupon for free meal from Tim Hortons and/or McDonald's
  
• Granola bars
• Lip balm
• Moist wipes
• Socks
• Band-Aids
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pads and tampons
• Dog food
• Water bottle
• Handmade card 
• Pamphlet with resources for support
  

The estimated cost of each bag will be approximately $7.00, and our goal is to put together at least 200 bags for distribution along set routes. We will be handing out the bags to those found outdoors in Downtown Toronto, as well as to those in shelters around the city. Funds raised will be going towards the purchase of the aforementioned items that will compose our blessing bags.

How YOU Can Help!

We need YOUR help in order to be able to reach our 200 blessing bag goal! Here's how you can help support us:

• Donate! Each dollar counts, and the more we raise, the more people we can help and the more items we will be able to include in each bag!
• Come out and help! Come out on March 13, 2017 at 1:00pm at Ryerson University's Thomas Lounge and help assemble the blessing bags; we will begin distribution at approximately 4:00pm!
• Spread the word! Tell your friends about this amazing initiative, share the event page (link below), and share this campaign page! 

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/227029257761747/