Niagara’s Mobile Closet provides relief for guests at Friendship Centre event

Every little bit helps in today’s tough economic times.

And one opportunity that provided some financial relief on Wednesday was a visit from Start Me Up Niagara’s Mobile Closet at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC), located at 748 Buffalo Road.

Part of the Centre’s annual Community Connections event, it is a free shopping experience where guests can browse for items that suit their needs.

The mobile closet was established during the COVID-19 pandemic and amalgamated with Start Me Up Niagara in 2022.

Volunteer Kathy Dryden said it is set up about four or five times a month at various locations across the region, partnering with community organizations at outdoor events.

“We try to hit everybody regularly,” she said at Wednesday’s event in Fort Erie.

“People are really struggling,” she said, in reference to the affordability of things like rent, groceries, as well as new clothes. “Sometimes you see the shoes people are wearing–they’re in terrible shape.”

Shoes and summer clothes for men and women were on full display on Wednesday, hanging on racks and lined across tables.

Jenelle Maracle was impressed with the selection and how “neat and clean” everything was.

“I really appreciate what they’ve done here,” she said, noting she pulled a pair of Giorgio Armani sandals from the inventory available at Wednesday’s gathering.

Michaela Kills Enemy, EarlyON co-ordinator at FENFC and one of the event’s organizers, said she is delighted to have the mobile closet back again this year.

“It’s so important for us and the greater community of Fort Erie,” she said. “We know times are tough right now.”

The celebration on Wednesday included activities and the presence of multiple organizations inside FENFC, as well as at its affiliated Under the Rainbow daycare and Aboriginal Head Start program, both of which are on the same property.

Donations to the mobile closet are accepted on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 2 p.m. at Start Me Up Niagara’s 203 Church Street location in St. Catharines.

Donations can also be dropped off at mobile closet events in the region.

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