Shoe and Sock Drive to Warm People's Soles

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Nobody likes cold feet. As the weather gets colder, those unhoused in our communities know this more than anyone. Right now, two groups are coming together to help warm feet.

Today we’re talking to Nanaimo Women Helping Women, a grassroots organization that works to support women–with or without children– in the community who are in crisis. They not only support women experiencing intimate partner violence of any kind, but they also support women who become unhoused.

The group was founded by sexual health educator Kerri Isham in the fall of 2021 after she and some other women in Nanaimo were inspired by the Netflix show Maid which follows a young mother escaping an abusive relationship and the struggle of trying to provide for her daughter.

Nanaimo Women Helping Women has several ongoing fundraisers to raise money for women in crisis. Recently they launched a winter boot program to raise money to give new winter boots to unhoused women. Having access to dry winter boots helps to prevent frostbite and trench foot as the weather outside becomes wet and cold.

In addition to their efforts, VIU nursing students have recently started a sock and shoe drive to donate to those unhoused in Nanaimo. Student hosts from CHLY’s show A Sound Constitution, have teamed up with Tillicum Lelum to run the drive, accepting donations of new and slightly used shoes and socks.

Today I speak with the founder of Nanaimo Women Helping Women Kerri Isham about the group and their current winter boot drive.

I also speak with 4th year VIU Nursing student and member of A Sound Constitution Lauren Nissen about their shoe and sock drive.

Finally, I speak with Youth Career & Leadership Training Coordinator at Tillicum Lelum Alicia Dawson about their partnership and the importance of the drive.

Additionally, a quick note! Today also marks my temporary leave from Midcoast Morning to do other work in our nonprofit Newsroom. I’ll be working full time with Local Journalism Initiative reporter Mick Sweetman until the end of March. Starting this Friday, Joe Pugh, Midcoast Morning alumni and current host of People First Radio will be taking over and bringing you the latest news that is happening on the Salish Sea.

Transcript:

Transcription Incoming.

Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.

Guests:

Kerri Isham — Founder of Nanaimo Women Helping Women
Lauren Nissen — VIU Nursing student
Alicia Dawson — Youth Career & Leadership Training Coordinator at Tillicum Lelum

Program Team: