Helping Hands looks back on year of successes, challenges

Helping Hands Sault Ste. Marie is looking back on a year of both successes and challenges as it gets set to hold its annual general meeting this week.

The organization notes that it has served more than 15,000 residents in the community, helping to get furniture, clothing and household items into the hands of those in need.

However, it has also had to deal with multiple break-ins and people dumping garbage at their site on Wellington Street West.

Read more about their experiences the past year and Tuesday's meeting in the following news release:

Helping Hands Sault Ste. Marie will hold its annual general meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at 7 p.m. at its store, located at 346 Wellington St. W. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an overview of the organization’s progress, challenges, and future plans.

As another year comes to a close, Helping Hands is proud to announce that in 2023, it served over 15,000 residents in the community. Through its Facebook platform, with a following of over 20,000 people, more than 7,000 posts were exchanged, offering and requesting furniture, clothing, and household items for those in need.

However, the year was not without its challenges. "We've faced multiple break-ins and continue to struggle with people dumping garbage at our site. It’s a constant financial burden, especially when cleaning up after people dump things at the side of the store," said Robert Peace, President of Helping Hands. "Rent remains our biggest obstacle, with costs exceeding $3,000 a month. Without government funding, we rely on the generosity of our patrons and volunteers to keep us going."

"This past summer Helping Hands applied for a grant through the Trillium Foundation to help fund a salaried full time manager but we will not hear until November if we were successful," says Peace. "It is almost impossible to ask someone to work everyday in this challenging position and not be able to offer them some compensation. We have been fortunate to have two people – Liana and Chrystina (mother and daughter) help in the last number of months but we need a permanent solution." 

John Korab, a key figure at Helping Hands, echoed these sentiments.

"While it’s been tough, we’ve seen incredible resilience from our volunteers, retirees, students, and community members looking to make a difference. Our volunteer base has grown, and without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to operate," said Korab.

In 2023, Helping Hands hosted Santa Claus, distributing hundreds of gifts to local children. The organization also held its annual Summer BBQ and yard sale, giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Additionally, a program was completed to help several families with grocery expenses, supported by local corporate donors.

Peace has recently coordinated a complete overhaul of the store and often steps in at the front desk to ensure operations run smoothly. "Helping Hands is more than a store. It’s a place where people find refuge, connect with others, and feel supported, even if just for an hour," he added.

"In times of financial shortfall, both Robert Peace and I have stepped in to cover the gaps, ensuring that Helping Hands continues to operate," said Korab. "We’re committed to this organization and to helping those who rely on us, " said Peace. We need more community and corporate support to secure a stable future. It’s challenging, but we’ve made sure no one is turned away. We do this because we believe in the mission of Helping Hands and its importance to Sault Ste. Marie.

Helping Hands is always looking for volunteers, partners, corporate donors, and a Board member with financial expertise to help continue its vital work in the community.

For more information, or to get involved, please contact:

Robert Peace, President
Helping Hands Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 647 778 6696
Email: [email protected]