December 2022 Miracle On Windsor Avenue For Canadian Mental Health Association

“Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don’t you see? It’s not just Kris that’s on trial, it’s everything he stands for. It’s kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.” – Miracle on 34th Street

As they prepare to Light the Way for the 2022 holiday season our intangibles are all about being in service to those in need with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB). They are now seeking the community’s help to create A Miracle on Windsor Avenue this holiday season.

The Branch operates several programs that rely on community support for sustainability, and provide services to members of our community at no cost.

Many items most desperately needed are things many of us may take for granted – personal hygiene items, a supportive pair of running shoes, or water and snacks to help fuel the day.

Their Light the Way campaign is focused on the power of story – and how we can work to help others, especially during this holiday season.

“Our programs are vital as they allow us to help others and are part of community well-being which means we all benefit,” says Kim Willis, CMHA-WECB Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion.

CMHA-WECB’s Miracle on Windsor Avenue has three programs that will benefit from these donations, including . . .

The Dr. Pat & Bianca Montaleone Comfort Closet – the Comfort Closet houses items that a CMHA-WECB Community Support Worker can easily access on behalf of their client. Perhaps the client has put other bills before themselves and is in need of some personal hygiene items, perhaps they’ve come in to their appointment without having eaten and the CSW can offer a bottle of water and a granola bar, or perhaps their budget is a bit tight this winter and their CSW can provide them with a hat and gloves for themselves or their child(ren).

CMHA Health Centre Foot Care Clinic – 75% of Canadians will experience foot problems at some point in their lives and heredity only plays a minor role in the development of these issues. Neglect and lack of awareness of proper foot care as well as health inequities are a big contributor! Foot care is not covered by OHIP and there is limited coverage for CMHA clients when it comes to their foot health. Due to the cost of treatments and products, it makes it hard to impossible for a lot of CMHA clients to improve the health and condition of their feet.

Safe Beds – Helps divert individuals experiencing homelessness and a mental health and/or addiction crisis from the justice system, incarceration, and unnecessary hospitalization by providing short-term accommodations and crisis support. They provide short-term housing support, and require non-perishable food items for clients in residence, personal hygiene items, as well as a variety of clothing items.

The full list of needed items includes:

Monetary donations may also be made online.

Donations will be accepted at the Branch’s main office at 1400 Windsor Avenue on . . .

• Wednesday, December 14 from noon until 6 p.m.
• Thursday, December 15 from noon until 6 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.