A local woman is collecting donations so she can make Canada Day special for the less fortunate in Winnipeg.  

Melissa Trudeau is looking for hygiene items to hand out to Winnipeg's homeless on Canada Day, along with a homemade meal.

Trudeau has been handing out donations directly for a few years, giving away clothing in the winter and hygiene products in the summer. All of these have come with a homemade meal, which has ranged from chilli to sandwiches.

"I was very amazed at the response, they are very thankful," she said.

Prior to handing items out on the street, Trudeau was a volunteer at Siloam and a long-time donator. She wanted to really engage with the community and what better way to do that than with food.

"It's nice to do the face-to-face interaction with people because they are people," Trudeau explained. "Anybody can end up in their position, and that breaks my heart."

Trudeau's first experience was in winter while Siloam Mission patrons were lined up outside waiting for food.

"This one lady, she was frozen," Trudeau explained. She and a friend covered her with scarves to keep her warm. "She was so thrilled and thankful for that." 

Trudeau is hoping this one will be even bigger. Her next handout date is set for Canada Day. She is hoping to collect hygiene items for males and females like:

  • toothpaste/toothpaste
  • soap
  • face cloth
  • hairbrush/comb
  • deodorant
  • women's hygiene products

Trudeau is asking for no alcohol-based products. Her plan is to put items together in a kit before handing them out, along with a homemade meal.