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Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 25 | Issue 50
10
Business | 16
Helping those in need through the coldest nights Elmira man is one of the “hot dog people” collecting and handing out care items Sean Heeger Observer Staff
A painter, John Schaefer is also a member of the “hot dog people,” a community group dedicated to helping those in need. He’s currently collecting warm clothing, blankets and the like. Sean Heeger
THERE ARE THOSE WHO COULD use a hand throughout the year, but that’s especially true when winter’s bite sets in. Active all through the year, a group informally known as “the hot dog people” sets up shop biweekly in downtown Kitchener to distribute much-needed items – toiletries and socks, for instance – and food to low-income residents. And, yes, there are hot dogs. Launched in 2014 after taking on the work of another street ministry, the group of volunteers now stakes out a space in front of TheMuseum every other Tuesday evening to hand out supplies. Right now, that includes hats, gloves, warm clothing and blankets.
Elmira resident John Schaefer joined about three years ago after a friend told him about the initiative. After taking part a few times, he decided this was something he wanted to do regularly. His urge to spread love and help those who do not have the basic necessities has not only kept him coming out, but also taking on additional tasks. “About three years ago, she (one of his friends who is part of the group) told me what they do and I said ‘oh I might be interested in that.’ So, I went down a few nights and said ‘OK, this can be a regular thing for me,” said Schaefer. Eventually, his time there speaking with people brought him close friendships with those who would come out for items. When he started →COLD NIGHTS 5
Council votes to shutter five regional childcare centres Sean Heeger Observer Staff
THE REGION OF WATERLOO IS getting out of the childcare business, council last week voting to close the five regionally operated facilities, including
the Elmira Children’s Centre. In a 12-3 decision (Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz was one of the dissenters) at a special session December 2, councillors approved the money-saving move, pledging to use some of the
$6.8 million to fund more daycare spaces. The region plans to begin the transition immediately, looking to begin closing facilities by mid-2021, eliminating 207 spaces. Closing the centres was among the recom-
mendations in a report by a consultant, KPMG, hired to find cuts that could cover an expected $25-million shortfall in the region’s 2021 budget. The idea met with widespread opposition from parents and childcare advocates,
though their numerous pitches to council ultimately proved fruitless. Councillors picked up on figures in the consultant’s report noting that the municipality provides about two per cent of the 14,000 daycare spaces in
the region, but spends about 10 per cent of its childcare budget on its five centres. Those who voted for the closures argued should be a service manager, not a provider. The move was neces→ CHILDCARE 8
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