When temperatures drop in the city, it’s the homeless who have it the hardest.
That’s why two entrepreneurs went in search of those in need.
Remy Saucier and George Polsky went around the downtown core on Friday to hand out sleeping bags and grooming products.
They handed out 15 sleeping bags to those living on the streets.
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“Treat it good and it will do you good too,” George Polsky said when he handed out his first sleeping bag inside the McGill metro station.
“My wife works in the downtown core, she tells me about these people all the time,” Poslky said.
“It’s the first time I get to meet them myself and they need it.”
The idea came after Polsky’s outdoor gear company, Caribou Inc. had an overabundance of sleeping bags.
So when Remy Saucier suggested to donate the equipment, something clicked and they partnered up to create goodie bags.
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The backpacks include blankets, scarves and all sorts of winter gear, as well as Saucier’s beard grooming products.
“It’s good product to help to clean and smelling good,” Saucier, the owner of Buck Barbu said.
“When you’re feeling comfortable with yourself, you’re feeling good with your life.”
With the help of two police officers who know the area well, they set out to find those who need the help the most.
Rejean has been living in the streets ever since his wife died 10 years ago and said he appreciates the help.
“I don’t go nowhere, I sleep outside.”
There are about 3,000 homeless people in Montreal and when temperatures drop, the need increases.
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“I needed one, I got two blankets but they’re not warm enough and it’s getting colder and colder and colder,” a man who calls himself “Mr. Lachance” said.
But as the weather gets colder, people like Polsky and Saucier help keep their hearts a little warmer.
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