A Kamloops man is hoping his Caravan of Care will be able to raise money to help homeless youth and young people aging out of foster care in the city.
Nathaniel Martin says there are several companies in the trades industry involved in tonight’s caravan that will head from Riverside Park to the United Way office on the North Shore.
“Its not a parade. The caravan has an objective goal to show unity within the community to help our community,” he told NL News. “I just want to put that message out there that we got to tackle all these issues with mental health and with the homeless – a nice simple message of everybody working together to get Kamloops through this.”
Companies involved include Weir Minerals, Molycop, Cyclone Hydrovac, Sher Crane, Norcan Fluid Power, BTA Reliability, and Lapper Security. Martin says he’s kept the times on the downlow to avoid crowds gathering, but he notes if there are other businesses interested in joining, they’re welcome to.
“If you can’t see eye to eye with them, then look at the economic impact too. I think the better approach is to help them feel a little bit more part of the community, to feel like they’re valued again,” Martin added.
“I think that’s kind of what we’re trying to get here, is bring Kamloops back ahead of the game here, and start getting these people a little bit more value.”
The plan is to leave Riverside Park around 7 p.m. tonight. When the caravan gets to the United Way office, drivers will drop off cheques and other donations that have been made. COVID-19 protocols will be top of mind, Martin says, noting people will remain in their own vehicles, wearing masks, with no handshakes or fist bumps.
There is also a GoFundMe account where people can donate towards the cause. As of publishing, it had raised $1,650.
Martin tells NL News he’s hoping to raise about $4,000 as part of this caravan, with the money going to support both the United Way and A Way Home Kamloops.
He previously raised more than $4,000 last fall for the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association through the “Cutober 2020 fundraiser” where Martin’s six-year-old daughter cut his hair to help him raise money.
(Photo via Nathaniel Martin)