Melissa Asks:
What are 3 things you think are going well for Kamloops, what 3 things need improving and what are 3 things you'd like to express that could promote compassion and dignity towards our cities most vulnrable?
Three things I think are going well are, working with the Secwepemc people to add the transit line and to possibly turn Stuart Wood into a cultural centre, updating and improving facilities on the TRU campus, and the pedestrian plaza on fourth avenue.
Three things that need improving are transparency in government and community engagement, snow clearing and pot holes, and streamlining the process of building and business permits. That might be considered six things but I think that each of the groupings is its own issue.
I believe that the cities most vulnerable are the at risk children who come from abusive or uninterested households and women who are homeless or trapped in an abusive situation.
There needs to be a separate shelter for women who are struggling with homelessness and addiction, the Y women's' shelter is for women and their children escaping a dangerous situation and they do not have the ability to properly care for someone with an addiction. Meal programs for children of all ages in any school is a great start to ensure no child is left without proper nutrition and after school programs can offer different learning opportunities they may not get at home.
I have had the privilege of doing electrical work at the y women's shelter, I cannot go into specifics but the women who work there and reside there are some of the strongest and most giving people I have met. It is a safe haven and I would like to see them continue and improve this service. When I was in grade eight I would volunteer at John Todd Elementary, now the YMCA, and I would see children come to school wearing flip flops in January and no jacket. Many children relied on the meal programs to be the most nutritious meals of their day. I would donate my clothes and have young girls tell me the clothing article I gave them was their new favourite because it was like new. These children have no choice. They are not able to make a decision to seek help and better their lives. We have a responsibility to them to make sure they are safe, healthy, and happy.