warmingthehomeless.com blog

February 23, 2017

Today I was invited to the District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in Lynn Valley where I met Fire Chief Victor Penman, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Hutchinson and a number of firefighters from Fire Hall #1. I provided a brief history of how Sahar wanted to help the homeless, especially during the cold and wet winter months and how that idea has led to the creation of a “winter” package that we now provide to those who reside in the elements. Chief Penman complimented our efforts and advised that the DNVFRS would place a “winter” package on each fire apparatus and keep the remainder to replenish their stock.

Our sincerest thanks to Fire Chief Penman, Deputy Chief Hutchinson and all the District firefighters for sharing our vision and driving this initiative forward to benefit the homeless.

Sahar & Randy.

warmingthehomeless.com blog

January 27, 2017

We reached out to District of North Vancouver Fire Chief Victor Penman a few weeks ago was delighted to hear that they too are interested in supplying some of their front line trucks with a few packages as well. The District Fire Dept and City Fire Dept are actively involved in the North Shore Homeless Task Force. I think this a great initiative and a global North Shore community effort in truly benefiting those in need and working towards a maintainable solutions.

We thank District of North Vancouver Chief Victor Penman and his entire team for assisting us in helping the homeless.

Sincerely, Sahar & Randy.

warmingthehomeless.com blog

January 19, 2017.

I received fantastic news recently from City of North Vancouver Deputy Fire Chief Bob Schreiner. About 2 weeks ago A/Capt. Duncan Maillie and his crew attended the area of the North Shore Lookout Shelter. As A/ Capt. Maillie explained, “it was a wet, lousy night and there were 4 people outside trying to stay warm but there was only one kit (“Winter Package) to distribute. The kit was well received and A/Capt. Maillie was impressed with the immediate and positive impact it had.

We are truly grateful to the men and women of the City of North Vancouver Fire Department and their compassion and efforts in helping warm the homeless.

Sahar & Randy.

warmingthehomeless.com blog

Where it began.

My wife, Sahar and I started this journey on November 22, 2014.  As the weather outside was wet and cold Sahar mentioned we needed to do something to help the homeless. She wanted to purchase a pair of wool gloves them. That quickly grew into a package that now contains a new pair of socks, new wool toque and a new plastic rain poncho.

During the winter of 2015/2016, Sahar noticed a growing number of homeless women. She decided to create a package similar to the men’s but that contained a new pair of woman’s gloves, new woman’s toque, new pair of woman’s wool socks and a new rain poncho. We tailored it to the specific needs of women and added feminine hygiene products, a small hand and face cream, coffee and/or tea packets and/or hand cream.

Their smiles and gracious thanks makes our journey worth travelling.

We never thought that a pair of new socks could be such an emotional time.

All we ask is that you donate, only what you can afford.

Respectfully, Sahar & Randy