With the New year up and running, the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter looks to inform more residents about what the facility has to offer. Executive Director Valerie Lazicki says some people in the community don’t know that the shelter aids more than just men in the community.
“Only men can stay in our shelter, but we provide support and food to men,women and children year round. We serve over 100 hundred meals a day, seven days a week, most of the time.”
The shelter is looking to utilize different avenues in order to educate the community, including social media and through events. Another priority for the shelter is increasing monetary donations in 2019 says Lazicki.
“We just need to bring donations through the door, not only food and clothing, that kind of thing, those are always appreciated, but also monetary donations are really important to help us keep the shelter open.”
Lazicki says one of the shelters biggest events is the Coldest Night of the Year walk. The walk not only raises money, but educates the public on homelessness and hunger in the community. Last year the walk raised over $13,000. This years walk takes place on February 23 aiming to reach $20,000 in donations. All money raised will go back to the shelter.
The Christmas season is another important moment for the shelter, Lazicki says people were in every day donating items from the shelters Christmas Wish List. Lazicki recalls one family showing up with a truck load of donations with everything from the list. The family had a father who frequented the shelter at one point, Lazicki says he later moved out on his own. After his passing in 2018, the family wanted to give back because they were grateful for the support the shelter had shown, adds Lazicki.
“To see how many people in the community know we’re here, know what we do, understand what our needs are, was really really heartwarming.”
Through the winter months, the shelter sees a lot of people looking to get out of the cold weather. Lazicki notes that the shelter, which holds 27 beds, has been at capacity for the last couple weeks. Lloydminster Families in need can stop by shelter for items such as mittens and toques. All items are free and donated from residents in the community. She adds that anyone can stop by or phone (306) 825-3977 whether you’re looking for help, you want to volunteer or just learn about the shelter.
