The eight annual Community Connect Day was as busy as ever said event coordinator Ann Harvey. Held in the Central school gymnasium, Harvey was there with Nelson Cares and thirty volunteers to help provide a warm reception on sunny yet chilly day.
The Nelson Committee on Homelessness, and dozens of service providers, health professionals and small-businesses have pooled their volunteers and resources to host a marketplace of free activities and resources at the Central school gym for anyone in the community struggling to make ends meet.
All of the 38 booths at the open event showcased their services for free with many give-aways and on the spot services such as dental care, hair cuts, nutritional information, food and warm drinks.
Service providers were available to help people search for housing, seek employment, provide advocacy, and assist with government forms and problems. There was information and support services for seniors, women and youth. A nurse practitioner was on site for consultation.
Scott Baio from Valhalla Pure Outfitters distributed gently used winter jackets to new owners thanks to the Coats for the Koots.