December 2022 Volume 5 Issue 5

Meet Tyler Melnyk, High School educator by day, community warrior by night.

“Teaching is a tough slog some days, but I will admit that after 16 years of teaching business, legal studies, psychology and social studies that no two days are exactly the same and every student wants to learn.” Tyler Melnyk

The idea of the Huggabowl comes from a pay it forward concept. When researching the type of venture, I knew the goal and mission for NFA would be to provide dignity and quality to all, regardless of one's ability to pay for it forward. Food insecurity is much easier to miss than housing.

The Huggabowl is the second bowl. It's the afterthought for most. Now that you have ordered your soup from NFA you will be

asked if you'd like a second, a Huggabowl. It's going to be half price, covering costs only. This is where the pay it forward system kicks in. You can take the Huggabowl with you, give it away to a co-worker, or leave it with us to give back to the community.

“When we keep the Huggabowl we place a token out front of NFA's order window so that the next individual who walks past can stop and get a warm cup of soup while keeping their dignity.” Tyler Melnyk

To get involved, learn more, or book No fixed Address for your next event email: info@nofixedaddress.ca.

Where the inspiration came from: “For a period in my 20's I watched my father slip away becoming my towns homeless population. There was a physical and emotional divide forming. No matter how much my family and I tried it was never enough. I felt ashamed and at the same time enraged that a city wouldn't acknowledge this as an “us” problem while treating him with such distain. Helpless I forged on with my own path, charting a course through university and into the life I never thought possible. I look at my situation today - my wife, daughter and career and see that this is my shot at creating that legacy for my father. He didn't leave us anything when he passed except the rich knowledge that every person caught out in the cycle of housing insecurity is someone's loved one. I look at No Fixed Address as my turn to pass along that legacy, one bowl at a time.” Tyler Melnyk.

So many terrific partners have offered their support along the way, Thank you to everyone, especially to my wife, Kristine.

Community Collides! Calgary Centre for Newcomers Ethnicity Kitchen is today’s soup supplier. They run a social enterprise catering and cafe business from The Village Square Leisure Centre. Employing newcomers and refugees while teaching transferable skills.