Finding the need
April 26, 2004
By Cam Tait
TORONTO, ON // Jody Steinhauer is a discoverer. She has discovered
many ways to make life just a little easier for people facing challenges
in Ontario's capital.
Jody founded Project Water, a program that distributes spring water
during the hot summer months to Toronto's homeless to help them fight
dehydration. "I do everything, from finding donations, to arranging
logistics, and distributions to over 90 frontline agencies," she says
in an e-mail.
In Canadian winters water turns to ice, giving Jody another opportunity
to lend a hand. "I am one of the organizers for Hockey for the Homeless,
which provided free winter survival kits to more than 1,100 people this
year. I am constantly collecting 'free' items from donors for distribution
to the agencies."
A decade ago, Jody was volunteering at a fundraising event for a local
shelter. "I met a woman who told me the challenges she had in regard
to getting 'product' that was so desperately needed and not donated.
When I found out what she needed, I told her that was what I did."
Jody calls herself CVO (chief visionary officer) of The Bargains Group
Ltd. The discount wholesale store sells many promotional items, winter
clothing, and personal hygiene products. "My volunteering is my 'expertise'
in purchasing and also my knowledge of how to make limited budgets and
resources go a very long way," she says. "I am also so involved in so
many business groups that I often match up people who all need help."
Jody also helped start the Many Miracles Fund and distributes money
to the Children's Aid Foundation. Funds are used to "provide the little
things in life that add to a child's self esteem and make a huge difference,
like a Brownie uniform, a pair of ice skates," she says.
Jody's first big undertaking was Project Warmth, because of her passion
for helping people in need. "I truly believe that many are in situations
due to just needing an 'opportunity' or someone giving them a chance."
The key to Jody's success? Don't be shy. "Tell everyone you know about
what you do: coworkers, suppliers, friends, family, clients, kids -
it's contagious and they'll want to help too. We can do this by educating
university/college students about how to bring volunteerism into their
everyday lives at companies they will be working for. Make it fun and
exciting and easy."
Do you know of someone who deserves to be in Charity Village's Spotlight?
Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement
to cam@charityvillage.com.
