Firefighters with Halifax Regional Fire spent the better part of Sunday giving back to those in need.
The firefighters converged on downtown Halifax to hand out Christmas care packages to the homeless, and less fortunate.
“There’s a combination of a subway sub, chocolate bar, socks, mitts, comfort items and a couple of nice items to let everybody know that this is Christmas and we’re thinking of them too,” Cliff Messervey, with Halifax Regional Fire, said.
The “Feed the Homeless” initiative was started three years ago by a Halifax area firefighter whose uncle lived on the streets of Halifax. It has since grown thanks to the support of local businesses.
“It started because a relative was homeless and had challenges and the family understood that. And they understood how people on the street had to deal with life generally. So to let them know that people do care and we are thinking of them,” Messervey said.
For those living on the streets, and in homeless shelters, the kind gesture goes a long way at this time of year.
“It means a lot to me. I don’t have any family or friends down here, all my family is back in New Brunswick,” said Shane McCabe, outside the Salvation Army homeless shelter.
“It’s really appreciative, really, and for them to go out and do something like this for the people that are in the homeless shelter, that means a lot, especially the people that don’t have anything.”
The firefighters say they hope this initiative encourages others to pay it forward.
They say a kind gesture can go a long way for those in need.
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