Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster praised local grassroots efforts to support unsheltered residents in Bowmanville during a recent recognition event.
Mayor Foster acknowledged the work of local faith communities, service clubs, and not-for-profit organizations that came together to form Iconic – the Integrated Community Outreach Network in Clarington.
He noted that during the cold winter months, these residents provided warm spaces and a sense of community during the day for those spending their nights at a winter warming centre. The group offered free breakfasts, lunches, soup suppers, and coffee cafés, as well as access to food banks, warm clothing, and hygiene products. He added that the devoted citizens established a network to give unsheltered residents daily access to a warm space, food, and community connections.
“On behalf of Clarington Council and our entire community, I want to thank the incredible members of Iconic. This group embodies the very heart of Clarington’s kindness, compassion and community spirit. Their dedication and care for those in need will continue to ripple through our community, fostering lasting positive change and inspiring us all,” Mayor Foster concluded.
Iconic started meeting last year and had a plan in place to support unsheltered residents who used the winter warming centre, which opened on December 1, 2024. Many of these programs may continue to run throughout the year, said a Clarington spokesperson.
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