The Options Committee of Making Kenora Home is proposing the sixth poverty challenge, A Walk in Other’s Shoes. This year, we have asked our local business community to take the challenge.

Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $305 per month, $10.00 per day, or $50.00 for the five-day period. A couple would receive $468 per month, allowing a daily budget of $15.60 or $78.00 for five days.

The budget includes all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each participant will be given a daily challenge card, which will reveal an additional challenge to be completed before the end of each day.

The participants will experience some of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face. It is hoped that the event will raise awareness and break barriers for people living in poverty. The challenge takes place February 16th until February 21st, 2016.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Thank Goodness It's Friday

I can see the "end in sight". It feels palpable. I have enjoyed a light breakfast and a satisfying dinner, perogie leftovers. Not too many but enough to see me through to tomorrow.

I woke up to a grey and rainy day. It almost feels like spring, out there. And, that works for me. It has been a busy day. I have been focused on a project that is starting to take shape, with the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. It is a tiny studio and ideas project, that is centred around residencies and the "tiny houses" phenomena that is sweeping across the continent. There was a pep rally at Naotkamegwanning First Nation, at the ChiKeyWis Arena as they make a bid for Kraft Hockeyville 2016. I liked that. The Ojibwe community has a chance to make hockey history. Let's all share and like their posts on Facebook and tweets with the hashtag #khv_chikeywisarena

I almost forgot that I was participating in the poverty challenge. Today, was the first day that I didn't think about menu planning and the daily challenges. Well, until it came time to unfold the little piece of white paper. I have to admit, I was secretly hoping for a "pass go and enjoy a free dinner" ticket. That did not happen. My daily challenge was to take care of an oozing sore. I was instructed to buy a product to take care of the wound. I found a small bottle of peroxide. It took a chunk out of my reserves. I am down to $4. Tomorrow at 12noon cannot come soon enough.

I feel buoyed by the idea. It really is almost over. On that note, I am going to watch some TV. I haven't done that since Tuesday evening. And, the Westminster Dog Show is on and I love dogs. Oh, and I am going to have a small bag of zesty cheese tacos. So, make that $2.50 to go.
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