Resource fair to help those in need

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Overnight Shelter is in the midst of finalizing preparations for the Helping Hands Resource Fair that will take place Sep. 16 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Strathmore Civic Centre.
The purpose of the fair is to allow citizens and people in need to find and acquire needed resources all in one place. The fair is also designed to allow nonprofit associations to promote their programs and display the initiatives they perform and all the work they do in the community.
Richard Rodgers, director of outreach at the Strathmore Overnight Shelter, said the resource fair is designed to create more awareness of the tough times many citizens are finding themselves in right now. His goal is to “open people’s eyes as to the extent of the recession.”
Rodgers said he thinks it is beneficial for all the nonprofits to work together to help citizens in need. He is expecting approximately 40 nonprofit associations to attend the fair, including the Red Cross and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
“I think with the economy as bad as it is, we can actually work together and accomplish more and help more people,” said Rodgers. “My goal is to keep the communication open, keep the teamwork going [and] help maximize the number of people we help.”
The fair will have door prizes, guest speakers, free pizza and activities for kids. Bottles of water and hygiene bags will be given to attendees, and anyone is able to fill up one bag of free clothes at the clothing store. Canned goods, toys and diapers will also be on hand.
There will be two or three artists in attendance, including an artist sketching portraits and a sci-fi artist.
Some services that will be offered free include a pharmacist performing blood pressure and glucose level checks, and a hair stylist.
Rodgers said funding has been drying up, and the Strathmore Overnight Shelter is trying to help people in Strathmore and Wheatland County area who may have lost their jobs or who do not have enough income to support themselves.
“We want to help the people who have been here all their lives,” said Rodgers. “If we can all work together and keep them here and get them the help that they need, then they can stay in this area where they grew up.”
Pastor Elizabeth Karp of the Harvest Healing Centre Church started an initiative to provide overnight housing for men and women in the area who are in need. The overnight shelter has not opened as of yet, but events like the Helping Hands Resource Fair help those in need until the shelter officially opens.
“This event is very important for the community,” said Rodgers.