UPDATE: SooToday readers step up and reach goal of buying 200 care kits in just nine hours—so we made more kits available!

Update: Thanks to SooToday's generous readers, we reached our initial goal of buying 200 care kits for community members in need in just nine hours. The outpouring of care and support from the community was overwhelming and swift! 

SooToday has matched the first 100 care kits purchased, but since many readers who were hoping to purchase a care kit weren't able to when the first 100 kits sold out and the match initiative was complete, we have offered 100 more for purchase. 

If you would like to support our vulnerable population by providing a community member in need a curated kit containing essential items for their health and wellness, you can purchase a care kit here!

Thank you for your outpouring of support.

Original story:

Homelessness, mental health issues and food insecurity are growing concerns in our community. 

While figuring out how to help with such serious issues can feel daunting, it’s the little things that often make a big difference for community members in need.

In an effort to provide essential support to those who need it most, SooToday is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of purchasing 200 care kits for SOYA (Save Our Young Adults) to provide to our vulnerable population who access their services. 

The care kits are thoughtfully curated to include essential items that will help those in need maintain their health and well-being. Each kit will contain a mix of reusable water bottles, lip balm, body wash, personal-size sunscreen and a non-perishable food item—necessities that can make a significant difference in the daily lives of those facing difficult circumstances.

You can help by purchasing a care kit today! Each kit can be purchased on behalf of someone in need for $15 and for every purchase made, SooToday has pledged to match the contribution, doubling the impact of each dollar raised. With 100 kits available, the goal is to raise a total of $3,000 to directly benefit those served by SOYA.

SOYA is a non-profit that has been serving Sault Ste. Marie for the last 13 years. They assist approximately 500 community members a week who suffer from mental wellness, substance use disorder, homelessness and food insecurity; providing food, clothing, household items, personal hygiene products and resource support.

SOYA plays a vital role in the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable individuals in the community and each contribution made helps provide essential resources to those who need them most.

Join us in making a difference today by purchasing a care kit and helping us reach our goal.