Would You Like to Assist with Our Efforts?

The "Not Just A Food Program" is exactly what the name suggests—it’s not just about providing free meals. It’s about taking support for those most in need to the next level. In addition to meals, we’re working to provide essentials like clothing through LIFE Clothing and will soon launch LIFE Necessities, addressing critical needs like hygiene products and other life essentials.

We recognize that food insecurity often goes hand in hand with other challenges, such as access to clothing and basic necessities. Our goal is to build a network that fills the gaps left by existing support programs and organizations. Many of these programs only highlight their successes, but the reality is often more complex. For example, some programs won’t allow others to pick up food or necessities on behalf of those who cannot make it to their location. Imagine relying on a walker or cane, facing freezing temperatures, and being unable to reach the support you desperately need.

We’re addressing these challenges by working one-on-one with individuals, learning about their struggles, and providing personalized support. This allows us to bring more love and compassion into our efforts. For those with mobility issues or other barriers, we deliver meals, clothing, and other essentials directly to them. Through donations, we also locate specific clothing needs and deliver items when available.

This approach takes time and effort, but it’s helping us grow steadily. We’re reaching more individuals, building stronger relationships, and adding volunteers who share our passion for helping others. By focusing on small groups and individual connections, we can make better use of limited resources and create a support base that truly understands and addresses the struggles of those in need.

Together, we can bring more compassion, love, and understanding to our community. With your help, we can continue to grow and fill the gaps in support within Oshawa. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every effort makes a difference.

Join us in creating a more compassionate and inclusive community—because LIFE truly is for everyone.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone.

YOLI Deli European Market & Homemade Meals

Providing supplies for making sandwiches, thank you!

Eat Savage

Providing the licensed kitchen to produce the meals, thank you!

Front Porch Mentors

Thank you for providing the pick-up location for those without an address.

As well Front Proch Mentors are providing a pick-up location for supplies to make the meals and a bin for the LIFE Clothing drop-off.

Those interested in making financial donations to help expand our "Not Just A Food Program" can message to arrange pick-up of cash or e-transfers can be made please message us for the address (we do not use the address publicly to prevent spam)! Can message, LIFE Community Project, Just  Oshawa, or the founder John E Walker

A Community United:

Supporting Those Most in Need

December 4th, 2024 marked the beginning of a transformative effort in our community.

The day was beautiful, not just for the weather but for the collective spirit of love and compassion. It was the launch of an initiative bringing together small businesses, individuals, and community groups to provide free lunches to those most in need. For individuals with mobility challenges, meals were delivered directly to their homes. For those without a fixed address, lunches were available for pickup through Front Porch Mentors.

This initiative, dubbed "Not Just A Food Program," is about more than providing meals—it is about fostering ongoing connections and building a network of resources to support the city's most vulnerable residents.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community

This milestone was made possible through the generosity and dedication of countless individuals and small businesses. To everyone who has donated, volunteered, or supported this effort, thank you. Your contributions are filling critical gaps in support and building a foundation for meaningful change.

This is just the beginning. Together, we aim to bring our community closer, addressing urgent needs while working toward sustainable solutions.

Why Independence Matters

Unlike traditional programs bound by rigid policies, our independence allows us to act swiftly and effectively. We focus on the people often overlooked by existing support systems—those with mobility challenges who cannot attend programs, those facing barriers in accessing resources, and those falling through the cracks.

For individuals unable to leave their homes, especially during harsh winter conditions, our team arranges deliveries, ensuring no one is left without help.

Building a Network of Love and Compassion

With small businesses and individuals joining forces, we’re creating a ripple effect of support. Our efforts include:

• LIFE Clothing: Generating resources for free clothing.
• LIFE Necessities: Providing essential hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, and other basics to those struggling to make ends meet.

These initiatives are part of a broader mission to prevent homelessness, support the homeless, and help individuals maintain stability during tough times.

A Growing Need for Action

The challenges in our community are significant, with an increasing number of people facing hardships. However, by working in small, focused groups driven by love and compassion, we can expand awareness and resources.

A Vision for Change

This is a community effort, for our community. With every small action, we build something bigger—a network of kindness, understanding, and practical support. Together, we are proving that meaningful change is possible when we unite with love and compassion.

Let’s continue to work together to address the most difficult issues facing our community. By focusing on inclusion and action, we can help those who need it most.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

This guiding principle reminds us of the power of collective action. With more love and compassion for all, we can turn challenges into opportunities and struggles into triumphs.

The journey has begun, and with your support, it will only grow stronger.

Introducing the Free Lunch Program in Oshawa:

How to Sign Up and Participate

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Free Lunch Program in Oshawa, designed to support individuals with mobility challenges or other barriers preventing them from accessing existing lunch programs. This program aims to bring meals directly to those in need, creating a safer, more accessible environment for everyone.

How the Program Works
This weekly program provides free lunches, delivered directly to approved participants. Meals are prepared every Wednesday morning, with deliveries starting Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Thursday morning. Over time, we will expand the program to include basic necessities and clothing through our integrated LIFE Clothing initiative.

Initially, we are offering 50 spaces, providing 50 lunches each week. As we grow and receive more support from the community, we aim to increase our capacity and the services we provide.

For Individuals Without a Permanent Address
We are collaborating with Front Porch Mentors to offer a pick-up location and sign-up sheet for individuals who do not have a regular address for delivery.

For Those With A Delivery Address in Oshawa

Participants with a permanent address can sign up directly through the ILFJL Collective website. To register:

1. Create a profile on the ILFJL Collective website.
2. If you are not yet a member, request a sign-up link or ask any existing member to share one with you.

Sign-Up Process
To begin the sign-up process, you can:

• Message one of the website admins.
• Contact us through any of our social media accounts, including Just Oshawa, LIFE Community Project, ILFJL Collective, or John E. Walker or click the banner link.

How We Ensure Privacy and SupportEach participant will be assigned a LIFE Community Partner (LCP), who will serve as their dedicated point of contact. The LCP will:

• Confirm delivery details each week.
• Communicate any additional needs for food, necessities, or clothing.
• Post requests on behalf of the participant to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

All interactions between participants and their LCP remain private, ensuring a secure and respectful environment.

Building a Safer, More Compassionate Community
We have implemented policies and procedures to ensure that our programs are safe and free from abuse. Our efforts are 100% volunteer-driven and rely on donations from the community. While we recognize the significant need for programs like this, our growth depends on the support we receive.

Looking Ahead
We are starting donation drives for clothing and essential items to enhance the program as we approach the new year. Together, we can create a community built on love, compassion, and mutual support.

To learn more or sign up, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to make Oshawa a place where no one is left behind.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone!

Expanding Support: A New Chapter for the LIFE Community Project

We are thrilled to announce that a generous donor has gifted us a bike trailer, allowing us to expand our efforts to support those most in need. This addition marks a significant step forward in addressing some of the critical challenges faced by individuals in our community, particularly those with mobility issues or other barriers preventing them from accessing essential services.

A Focus on Accessibility and Compassion

Our primary focus is to assist individuals who cannot access services due to mobility challenges, anxiety, or personal safety concerns. Many struggle to navigate areas where support services are located, facing issues such as long distances, long lines, violence, or the presence of drug activity. These barriers can be overwhelming for those in recovery, who may fear that returning to such environments could trigger a relapse.

Policies often fail to address these challenges, leaving many without access to the help they need. At the LIFE Community Project, we work independently to fill these gaps, bringing support directly to those who need it most. Our approach is rooted in love, compassion, and respect for every individual, offering encouragement and assistance without judgment.

Building Trust Through Action

Since our inception, we have prioritized being present in the community, starting with walking and carrying a backpack to deliver essentials. Over the years, this approach has evolved to include cycling, allowing us to cover greater distances and reach more people.

The new bike trailer enables us to carry up to 35 kg of supplies, including food, clothing, and necessities. This will allow us to plan efficient delivery routes and even pick up donations. While using a car might be easier, being on a bike fosters trust and shows those we help that we are genuinely part of the community.

Addressing the Root Causes of Barriers

Transportation remains a significant challenge for many. Rising costs for bus tickets and the difficulty of obtaining bus passes make it harder for those with limited resources to access support. By bringing essentials directly to individuals, we help alleviate this burden while continuing to advocate for systemic changes.

Compassion in Action

Supporting individuals struggling with addiction is an important part of our mission. While we are not actively involved in providing harm reduction services, we encourage those in need to seek out and connect with organizations that specialize in this critical area of support.

Our focus remains on assisting individuals with mobility issues and other barriers to accessing services. We provide encouragement, a listening ear, and wellness checks to ensure they know someone cares. A simple act of kindness—a smile, a kind word—can make a profound difference, especially for those facing the most challenging circumstances.

We also advocate for carrying naloxone as a life-saving measure and encourage everyone to receive proper training to use it effectively. Ensuring that support is available when it's needed most is an essential part of building a compassionate community.

A New Era for the LIFE Community Project

The LIFE Community Project has faced its share of challenges, including a temporary reduction in activities due to health issues. However, recovery has brought renewed energy and an expanding vision. Regular exercise, such as walking and biking, has become an integral part of both personal wellness and community support efforts.

In December, we will launch the "Not Just a Food Program," delivering lunches one day a week to those in need. This is the starting point for a larger initiative to provide consistent meals and expanded support in the new year.

A Grassroots Commitment

As we grow, we remain committed to being a volunteer-led initiative. Our grassroots approach allows us to respond quickly to community needs without the constraints of formal organizational structures. This independence was crucial during the early days of the pandemic when government policies left many homeless and marginalized individuals without access to essential services.

Together with other compassionate members of the community, we provided up to 250 meals a day during the peak of the crisis. This experience reinforced the importance of community-led efforts and the value of working collaboratively to address urgent needs.

Looking Ahead

The LIFE Community Project is entering a new chapter, fueled by gratitude for our supporters and determination to create lasting change. While we celebrate our progress, we remain focused on the work ahead: expanding our reach, improving our services, and continuing to bring love and compassion to those who need it most.

Each day is an opportunity to make a difference, to share kindness, and to inspire hope. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community where LIFE—Love Is For Everyone truly thrives.

Oshawa's 'Not Just A Meal Program' Gears Up to Deliver Hope

In Oshawa, a dedicated group is gearing up to launch the "Not Just A Meal Program," aimed at delivering free meals to individuals facing mobility challenges and other difficulties accessing essential support services. This initiative comes as a response to the pressing need for accessible assistance within the community.

Recently, the group encountered setbacks when their current delivery bike, ill-suited for heavy loads, suffered wheel damage. Undeterred, they are now seeking a sturdy mountain bike capable of accommodating a rider who is 6 feet tall. Emphasizing sustainability, their volunteer team is committed to delivering meals throughout the upcoming winter months, drawing on their experience navigating Oshawa's winter weather.

Another critical component of their operation is a modified bike trailer, originally designed for children, which will be transformed into a mobile unit capable of insulating meals and preventing water from freezing during delivery. This adaptation underscores their practical approach to ensuring that meals reach those in need effectively, regardless of weather conditions.

To bolster their efforts, the group plans to launch a fundraising campaign focused on securing financial support for meal supplies and essential resources directly benefiting recipients. Their aim is to maximize community engagement through social media outreach, rallying Oshawa residents to share and amplify their mission.

"With your support, we aim to commence meal deliveries by the third week of November," expresses the program's spokesperson. "However, without a suitable bike for delivery, we may need to scale back our initial efforts. Our goal is clear: to bridge the gaps in our community and provide crucial support to individuals facing mobility challenges who are currently underserved."

The program's founder, who himself has firsthand experience of navigating disability challenges after a stroke, emphasizes the urgency of their mission. "We are determined to alleviate the burdens faced by those left behind due to inaccessible support systems. Oshawa has a compassionate community, and together, we can make a tangible difference."

As they prepare for their inaugural deliveries, the group remains steadfast in their commitment to bringing hope and sustenance to those who need it most. Their initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also strives to empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring they receive the vital support they deserve.

For more information on how to support Oshawa's "Not Just A Meal Program," visit their social media channels and join their efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive community.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

Oshawa LIFE Community Project: Supporting Those in Need

The Oshawa LIFE Community Project is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at providing meals to those in need. This effort focuses on recruiting volunteers who are interested in helping prepare and deliver meals to individuals facing food insecurity in our community.

Our Mission

At the heart of the LIFE Community Project is a commitment to serve those who are most vulnerable. We understand the critical role that consistent and reliable volunteer support plays in food preparation. Initially, we will be making sandwiches once a week, with plans to expand our offerings as the program develops.

Meals prepared by our volunteers will be picked up and delivered by a dedicated group, often using bicycles, ensuring that our efforts reach those who need them the most on the same day they are prepared.

Collaboration with Community Partners

We work closely with LIFE Community Partners (LCP), who serve as the vital link between our program and individuals seeking assistance. These partners maintain regular communication with those they support, enabling us to provide food, clothing, and other necessities directly to individuals in their homes. This approach ensures that we address the unique needs of each person while maintaining their privacy and dignity.

By collaborating with other organizations, we create access points for individuals facing housing insecurities, delivering essential resources where they can be picked up by community members. This model helps reduce waste and allows for consistent support, alleviating anxiety for those who might otherwise spend hours waiting in long lines for assistance.

Prioritizing Health and Safety

We take health and safety seriously, preparing our meals in a health board-approved facility and adhering to all relevant policies and regulations. Our commitment to these standards ensures that we provide safe, nutritious meals to those we serve.

When it comes to clothing donations, we have a simple rule: if we wouldn’t wear it ourselves, we don’t ask others to. Our goal is to uplift individuals in need with compassion and respect.

Understanding and Compassion in Action

Volunteering in this capacity is not for everyone. Those who engage with individuals facing addiction or mental health challenges need to possess strong conflict-resolution skills and a deep understanding of the complexities involved. The rise in violence and anxiety within our community underscores the importance of a compassionate, well-trained approach. Many individuals seeking assistance have experienced trauma, and we aim to provide support that prioritizes their safety and well-being.

By working with smaller groups and focusing on individual needs, we hope to eliminate the necessity of visiting overcrowded support hubs, which can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.

Join Us on This Journey

With over 15 years of experience on the streets of Oshawa, I have learned that change happens one person at a time. As we grow this network of support, we invite others to join us. There are various ways to contribute—whether through meal preparation, clothing drives, or delivery. We celebrate our differences and encourage everyone to find their unique way to make a difference.

This project is driven by the belief that “Love Is For Everyone.” We welcome all to walk alongside us on this journey of compassion and joy. Together, we can create a more supportive and loving community for those who need it the most.

If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about our future goals, please connect with us. Let’s make a difference together!

Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Through Verified Listings

Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and how we treat those most in need reflects who we are as a whole. At Just Oshawa, we believe that love is for everyone, and this guiding principle shapes everything we do. Our network is designed to uplift local small businesses, support individuals, and foster a compassionate community.

We actively gather and share content that our community will find valuable. By building a hyper-local network, dedicated entirely to Oshawa, we ensure that the content you see is verified and directly tied to Oshawa-based small businesses, groups, or organizations providing tangible support to the community.

Why Just Oshawa?

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the community, we offer verified content so that when you see posts within our network, you know they originate from Oshawa. Whether it’s about a small business or an organization, you can trust it’s real, relevant, and focused on benefitting our local community.

While the network is hyper-local, its impact can go beyond Oshawa as others will naturally want to follow and engage with our content. This attention helps us raise awareness of various fundraising efforts, such as those under our LIFE Community Project. Our mission is rooted in universal values of love and compassion, transcending ideological boundaries and building an inclusive and supportive community.

Our Key Focus Areas

To offer continuous, no-cost support for local small businesses, we’re building regular features, including:

• Food and Drink Specials
• Weekly Events
• Verified Listings of local restaurants, small businesses, artists, groups, and organizations

Our verified listings ensure that the businesses and organizations are genuinely based in Oshawa, with active participation in the community. Whether it’s a local restaurant offering a special deal or an organization providing essential services, our network shines a light on these valuable resources.

Escaping the Pay-to-Play Social Media Model

A key reason we built this network was to move away from the costly "pay-to-play" model seen on mainstream social media platforms. This model benefits large, well-funded groups while grassroots organizations and small businesses struggle to keep up. Instead of wasting resources on boosting posts, our funds and energy are focused directly on supporting those who need it most.

On our platform, there are no algorithms deciding what content you see. Unlike traditional social media, where mostly paid content makes it to your feed, Just Oshawa shows you everything in real-time, as it is posted. You have control over the content you see, whether it’s updates from friends, groups you’ve joined, or special deals from local businesses.

Additionally, our platform features ad space that directly supports fundraising efforts, ensuring that the money generated stays in the community and goes towards making a positive impact.

Supporting Small Businesses and the LIFE Community Project

We promote local small businesses and organizations across nine social networks to raise awareness for our Just Oshawa content. This approach not only increases visibility for Oshawa’s small businesses but also supports the LIFE Community Project’s mission of delivering aid without being burdened by expensive advertising costs.

By simply posting content from our fundraising activities, we are building reach and engagement that doesn’t rely on paying for every post. Over time, this will help us generate additional funds through ad space on our website while ensuring that no one’s content is pushed down in favor of paid posts.

How You Can Help

If you are a small business owner or community member in Oshawa, you can support our efforts by sharing content, becoming a member (membership is and will always be free), and actively engaging with the network. Members receive exclusive benefits like access to free draws, products, and other exciting offers.

Together, we can continue to grow this network and increase the benefits for everyone in our community. Just Oshawa exists to support local businesses, community members, and those most in need. Join us in making Oshawa a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone

Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Through Weekly Events

Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and how we treat those most in need reflects who we are as a whole. At Just Oshawa, we believe that love is for everyone, and this guiding principle shapes everything we do. Our network is designed to uplift local small businesses, support individuals, and foster a compassionate community.

We actively gather and share content that our community will find valuable. By building a hyper-local network, dedicated entirely to Oshawa, we ensure that the content you see is verified and directly tied to Oshawa-based small businesses, groups, or organizations providing tangible support to the community.

Why Just Oshawa?

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the community, we offer verified content so that when you see posts within our network, you know they originate from Oshawa. Whether it’s about a small business or an organization, you can trust it’s real, relevant, and focused on benefitting our local community.

While the network is hyper-local, its impact can go beyond Oshawa as others will naturally want to follow and engage with our content. This attention helps us raise awareness of various fundraising efforts, such as those under our LIFE Community Project. Our mission is rooted in universal values of love and compassion, transcending ideological boundaries and building an inclusive and supportive community.

Our Key Focus Areas

To offer continuous, no-cost support for local small businesses, we’re building regular features, including:

• Food and Drink Specials
• Weekly Events
• Verified Listings of local restaurants, small businesses, artists, groups, and organizations

Our verified listings ensure that the businesses and organizations are genuinely based in Oshawa, with active participation in the community. Whether it’s a local restaurant offering a special deal or an organization providing essential services, our network shines a light on these valuable resources.

Escaping the Pay-to-Play Social Media Model

A key reason we built this network was to move away from the costly "pay-to-play" model seen on mainstream social media platforms. This model benefits large, well-funded groups while grassroots organizations and small businesses struggle to keep up. Instead of wasting resources on boosting posts, our funds and energy are focused directly on supporting those who need it most.

On our platform, there are no algorithms deciding what content you see. Unlike traditional social media, where mostly paid content makes it to your feed, Just Oshawa shows you everything in real-time, as it is posted. You have control over the content you see, whether it’s updates from friends, groups you’ve joined, or special deals from local businesses.

Additionally, our platform features ad space that directly supports fundraising efforts, ensuring that the money generated stays in the community and goes towards making a positive impact.

Supporting Small Businesses and the LIFE Community Project

We promote local small businesses and organizations across nine social networks to raise awareness for our Just Oshawa content. This approach not only increases visibility for Oshawa’s small businesses but also supports the LIFE Community Project’s mission of delivering aid without being burdened by expensive advertising costs.

By simply posting content from our fundraising activities, we are building reach and engagement that doesn’t rely on paying for every post. Over time, this will help us generate additional funds through ad space on our website while ensuring that no one’s content is pushed down in favor of paid posts.

How You Can Help

If you are a small business owner or community member in Oshawa, you can support our efforts by sharing content, becoming a member (membership is and will always be free), and actively engaging with the network. Members receive exclusive benefits like access to free draws, products, and other exciting offers.

Together, we can continue to grow this network and increase the benefits for everyone in our community. Just Oshawa exists to support local businesses, community members, and those most in need. Join us in making Oshawa a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone

Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Through Food and Drink Specials

Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and how we treat those most in need reflects who we are as a whole. At Just Oshawa, we believe that love is for everyone, and this guiding principle shapes everything we do. Our network is designed to uplift local small businesses, support individuals, and foster a compassionate community.

We actively gather and share content that our community will find valuable. By building a hyper-local network, dedicated entirely to Oshawa, we ensure that the content you see is verified and directly tied to Oshawa-based small businesses, groups, or organizations providing tangible support to the community.

Why Just Oshawa?

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the community, we offer verified content so that when you see posts within our network, you know they originate from Oshawa. Whether it’s about a small business or an organization, you can trust it’s real, relevant, and focused on benefitting our local community.

While the network is hyper-local, its impact can go beyond Oshawa as others will naturally want to follow and engage with our content. This attention helps us raise awareness of various fundraising efforts, such as those under our LIFE Community Project. Our mission is rooted in universal values of love and compassion, transcending ideological boundaries and building an inclusive and supportive community.

Our Key Focus Areas

To offer continuous, no-cost support for local small businesses, we’re building regular features, including:

• Food and Drink Specials
• Weekly Events
• Verified Listings of local restaurants, small businesses, artists, groups, and organizations

Our verified listings ensure that the businesses and organizations are genuinely based in Oshawa, with active participation in the community. Whether it’s a local restaurant offering a special deal or an organization providing essential services, our network shines a light on these valuable resources.

Escaping the Pay-to-Play Social Media Model

A key reason we built this network was to move away from the costly "pay-to-play" model seen on mainstream social media platforms. This model benefits large, well-funded groups while grassroots organizations and small businesses struggle to keep up. Instead of wasting resources on boosting posts, our funds and energy are focused directly on supporting those who need it most.

On our platform, there are no algorithms deciding what content you see. Unlike traditional social media, where mostly paid content makes it to your feed, Just Oshawa shows you everything in real-time, as it is posted. You have control over the content you see, whether it’s updates from friends, groups you’ve joined, or special deals from local businesses.

Additionally, our platform features ad space that directly supports fundraising efforts, ensuring that the money generated stays in the community and goes towards making a positive impact.

Supporting Small Businesses and the LIFE Community Project

We promote local small businesses and organizations across nine social networks to raise awareness for our Just Oshawa content. This approach not only increases visibility for Oshawa’s small businesses but also supports the LIFE Community Project’s mission of delivering aid without being burdened by expensive advertising costs.

By simply posting content from our fundraising activities, we are building reach and engagement that doesn’t rely on paying for every post. Over time, this will help us generate additional funds through ad space on our website while ensuring that no one’s content is pushed down in favor of paid posts.

How You Can Help

If you are a small business owner or community member in Oshawa, you can support our efforts by sharing content, becoming a member (membership is and will always be free), and actively engaging with the network. Members receive exclusive benefits like access to free draws, products, and other exciting offers.

Together, we can continue to grow this network and increase the benefits for everyone in our community. Just Oshawa exists to support local businesses, community members, and those most in need. Join us in making Oshawa a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone

5 Reasons to Join ILFJL and Support the Just Oshawa Group

Joining ILFJL and becoming involved with the Just Oshawa group offers unique opportunities to make a significant impact within your local community. Here are five compelling reasons to become a member and engage with Just Oshawa:

1. Boost Local Business Visibility

Just Oshawa focuses on supporting small businesses by offering free marketing and promotion opportunities. As a member, you contribute to raising the profile of local enterprises, helping them reach a broader audience and increase their customer base. This support is crucial for the success and sustainability of small businesses, which are vital to a vibrant local economy.

2. Participate in Community-Driven Fundraising

By joining ILFJL and supporting Just Oshawa, you become part of a community-driven fundraising effort. The initiative provides small businesses with banner space and social media promotions to raise funds for local causes and community needs. Your involvement helps facilitate these campaigns, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful projects and organizations in your area.

3. Foster Local Economic Growth

Supporting Just Oshawa means contributing to the economic health of your community. As a member, you help drive local commerce and create opportunities for job growth and economic development. By promoting and supporting small businesses, you play a role in strengthening the local economy and fostering a thriving, interconnected community.

4. Enhance Community Engagement and Collaboration

The Just Oshawa group encourages collaboration between businesses, residents, and local organizations. As a member, you’ll have opportunities to engage in community events, network with local leaders, and participate in collaborative projects that address community needs. This engagement fosters a sense of unity and collective purpose, enhancing the overall quality of life in Oshawa.

5. Support Ethical and Transparent Initiatives

ILFJL and Just Oshawa are committed to ethical practices and transparency in all their initiatives. By joining, you align yourself with a network that prioritizes integrity and genuine support for local causes. Your involvement ensures that efforts are directed towards meaningful, impactful projects and that the support provided to small businesses and community organizations is both effective and sincere.

Becoming a member of ILFJL and supporting the Just Oshawa group offers you the chance to make a tangible difference in your community. You’ll help boost local businesses, contribute to economic growth, and engage in collaborative efforts that drive positive change, all while supporting a network committed to ethical and impactful initiatives.

Supporting Oshawa’s Small Businesses and Organizations with Just Oshawa

At Just Oshawa, we’re dedicated to providing valuable benefits to local small businesses, groups, and organizations—completely free of charge. Our goal is to help you grow your brand and reach new audiences within the community.

We actively post content across more than 9 different social networks, giving you the advantage of having your business, group, or organization name appear in search results on these platforms. Even if you don’t have profiles on these networks, you’ll still benefit. We’ll post content using your name, a few key details, relevant hashtags, and a direct link to your listing on our website. Your profile will feature all your important contact information, including verified social media links, websites, and contact details like phone numbers and email addresses.

Free Listings for Oshawa’s Small Businesses and Organizations

We offer free listings for all Oshawa small businesses, groups, and organizations. We recognize the challenges posed by spam, fake profiles, and scams, so rest assured that all our listings are verified. We ensure that every listing represents a real business, group, or organization in Oshawa and that the content remains active, updating our database at least every six months. Listings that are no longer active will be removed.

Supporting Your Brand Without Financial Costs

We understand that many small businesses struggle to keep up with the rising costs of sponsored content and boosting posts. Often, these activities are reserved for special occasions due to the financial burden, while corporate entities continue to dominate regular advertising opportunities. Just Oshawa offers you an alternative—a way to regularly share your business logo and name with the Oshawa community without the financial strain. As our network grows, more people will benefit from the verified content we share, turning to our platform for trusted information about Oshawa.

Verified Content and Community Support

Just Oshawa’s content is not only verified but also designed to support our local community. We have a fundraising platform that keeps all efforts within Oshawa, benefiting local groups, organizations, and those most in need in our city.

We’re just getting started, with many long-term projects and programs in the works that will further benefit our Oshawa community. While most of our content is public for everyone’s benefit, becoming a member unlocks additional advantages. As a member, you’re required to act with love and compassion toward everyone. We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior, and we will not hesitate to remove anyone who fails to meet this standard. By joining, you acknowledge and agree to our guiding principle: "I understand that I will act with love and compassion for all within my use of this network."

Remember, our belief is simple: LIFE—Love Is For Everyone!

This program is designed to support those struggling with various challenges, ensuring they receive the help they need without stigma or judgment. Given the increasing issues seen on social networks, where people are often criticized or attacked for seeking help, this program offers a safe and supportive environment.

Detailed Breakdown of the Program's Purposes and Activities:

Supporting Those in Need:

• Non-Judgmental Assistance: Everyone deserves support without facing criticism. This program ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all individuals seeking help.

Collaboration with Agencies and Groups:

• Partnerships: The program can reach a wider audience and provide more comprehensive support by working with various agencies and groups.

Posting Needed Items:

• Transparency: Regularly posting a list of needed items ensures transparency and allows the community to understand and contribute to the needs effectively.

Arranging Pickup and Delivery:

• Convenience: Coordinating the pickup and delivery of needed items ensures that assistance is accessible and convenient for those who need it most.

By addressing these needs and working collaboratively, the program aims to create a network of support that can effectively and compassionately assist those in need, fostering a community of care and mutual aid.

Additional Benefits of the Program:

Providing Properly Fitting Clothing:

• Waste Reduction: Providing clothing that fits reduces waste by ensuring items are used and not discarded.
• Self-Esteem and Appearance: Properly fitting clothing can significantly boost an individual's appearance and self-esteem.

Delivery of Items:

• To Individuals or Agencies: Items are delivered directly to individuals or the requesting agency/group.
• Privacy: All requested items are posted without any public names/groups/agencies, maintaining confidentiality and privacy.

Clean and Repaired Items:

• Quality Assurance: Ensuring all items are clean and in good repair before delivery.

How to Access the Program:

For Individuals Needing Clothing:

• Contact a LIFE Community Partner: Members of this site can communicate their needs to any LIFE Community Partner. While we do our best to fulfill requests, we rely on donations and cannot guarantee item availability.

For Groups/Organizations:

• Accessing the Program: Groups or organizations in Oshawa assisting those most in need can learn more about accessing the program by sending an email to clothing@JustOshawa.com or contacting John E. Walker on any social network.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

This Section Will Be Updated Regularly As Supporting Efforts Are Added!

This section will provide more details for each small business assisting our efforts here in Oshawa. The support can range from helping with building resources to helping with fundraising efforts. We are so grateful for the support of the amazing businesses with the beauty of the vision we are creating. This is our community, this is our city!

We encourage you to message us through any one of Just Oshawa's social media profiles or here on this network or e-mail us with any questions. We are more than happy to arrange a time/place in Oshawa to meet to learn more about any one of our efforts/programs/projects.

Itty Bitty Candles

We look forward to additional Itty Bitty Candles products for our ongoing fundraising efforts. 

Dyno Crystals

We are looking forward to adding more products from Dyno Crystals for our ongoing fundraising efforts.

LaundryHaven

We are grateful that LaundryHaven has made laundry services available for the LIFE Community Project in exchange for promotions through the Just Oshawa network.

Starting Point Massage And Esthetics

Many thanks to Starting Point Massage And Esthetics for having many of the fundraising products on display & sale within the spa in support of our efforts.

Are you an Oshawa small business that would like to suggest possible options or how your business can assist our efforts please connect with Just Oshawa or John.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

We have been making progress with a lot of the work we have been doing. As part of our programs/projects, fundraising is not the only way we have amazing Oshawa small businesses participating in our efforts. One of our goals is to help build resources to assist those most in need. 

With a growing reach and engagement for Just Oshawa, we have options to work with local small businesses. With an exchange of promotions across our extensive and growing social networks and banners within our website participants can assist with our efforts to build resources. 

LIFE Community Project has been creating assistance for those most in need here in Oshawa for many years. The creator John E Walker has been on the streets of Oshawa assisting those most in need for over 15 years now. The many years of experience have created a deep understanding of the needs and issues faced by the homeless, and marginalized and the struggles individuals face with food insecurities. The entire site has been built to create more options to support those most in need while raising awareness of small businesses.

Today are moving forward with more beautiful activities supporting our community of Oshawa! We want to welcome LaundryHaven who has joined the efforts to support the LIFE Community Project efforts in Oshawa. In exchange for providing promotions for his business, we will be able to add a new resource, laundry services! With the arranged agreement we have access to washing/drying without having to worry about taking funds from our fundraising efforts. 

With laundry services, we can provide an option for an individual within our Not Just A Food Program if it is needed to get the clothing washed/dried. As part of our Free Clothing program, all donated clothing is first washed and dried before being handed over to the person receiving the items. Having clean clothing helps with personal hygiene and maintaining a positive mental attitude. Part of our program is helping to eliminate issues faced with ongoing struggles, worrying about how to afford the money to pay for washing/drying when you do not even have money for food, we now have options. All-access to this service is managed and maintained by the LIFE Community Project and the LIFE Community Partners.

We are creative with our ability to offer promotions in exchange for helping build various resources. We will be seeking Oshawa small businesses that can provide haircut and style options, massage & esthetics options, and health or holistic options, message Just Oshawa or John to arrange a meeting to discover more about various options.

You will start to see more and more Oshawa small businesses starting to participate in our various activities. We have been making arrangements to make local small business products available for our ongoing fundraising efforts. We are looking for other amazing products that are made or provided in Oshawa, we are not looking for free products, we are looking for wholesale pricing for our fundraising efforts. The goal is to make sure that the business still makes money so that the effort is sustainable and available long term. If you are a local small business that makes or produces/has products and think you would be interested in learning more about our fundraising effort to support those most in need here in Oshawa message Just Oshawa or John.

We will be working on promotions in the coming days and you will see more additions to the various sections. With more than 24 venues with their Food/Drink Specials now listed it will be months for us to populate the more than 60+ venues. We have started work on the weekly events, and only 11 venues are listed currently, and will have many more in the coming weeks. We continue to add new images and images from previous years to our Pics In Oshawa, soon we will be opening up the option for Oshawa Photographers to add images and assist with awareness of their business/passion for sharing the beauty found in Oshawa. You can message John to learn more.

Watch for our posts about the start of our free draws for members of Just Oshawa, we have some great products planned for the draws including a large Himalayan salt lamp to mark the first 200 members of Just Oshawa group. All these draws have to be picked up or delivered in Oshawa, more details will be found when we start the promotions for the draws in the coming weeks.

In the coming weeks, we will be able to announce details about FIFE - Food Is For Everyone and the free plants being made available to members of our Just Oshawa group. The only way we can make the plants available for all is to freely give them for free. You can discover more about our efforts for options to improve an individual's overall health and well-being with the FIFE - Food Is For Everyone group. 

We have a busy month ahead with starting and implementing some of our projects/programs, so we have not decided to do an extra newsletter for this month yet. Best to keep an eye on the main website page and the Latest New Feeds. 

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

You may have seen some posts about the start of a new food program and fundraising efforts, we still have more to share.

First, we have a new program starting here in Oshawa, Not Just A Food Program that will start in May.

The great news is that we have our fundraising platform now complete and ready to start with ongoing fundraising efforts. We have some great plans to help with fundraising efforts for other small Oshawa-based groups/organizations. You can find a list of all the Fundraising Products available for fundraising efforts here in Oshawa. 

Visit our The Basics Fundraising With Us to learn more. Just Oshawa is a hyperlocal network and part of our plan shortly is to have local artists who would like to participate in fundraising efforts in Oshawa to be able to list some of their products for fundraising efforts. We will be posting more about this in a future Newsletter Update, we wanted to share a little of our plans with the fundraising products. 

In the coming days, you will start to notice we will be seeking local small businesses that would like to help raise awareness of the various fundraising efforts we will have. Through a combination of print/social media posts, we will expand our reach and engagement for all of our efforts with full promotions for our signature listings. This will be an ongoing expansion, adding more Food/Drink Specials, Events, adding more small businesses with our listings in Bars/Restaurants/Venues,
Small Businesses, Artist Marketplace, and Groups/Organizations. It will be free for Oshawa small businesses to have their business listed with us in the appropriate sections, this will always be the case.

We also wanted to you know that we will be starting our first draws, these draws will be free, just for being a member of our Just Oshawa group. We love to give back, we are very thankful for your support and the support of the efforts to assist those most in need. All draws will need to be picked up/delivered in Oshawa, depending on the prizes, you may find some are in digital formats and are for our Oshawa members.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone

We have a lot of great news to share, our new group for Just Oshawa, your hyperlocal network for Oshawa. We have started to migrate all the content from our old website to this network. This will allow us to not only allow members to join with basic profiles but also help us reduce spam and unwanted content. We have additional abilities to allow the admin to control specific groups bringing greater privacy to the work with those most in need we do.  We require all members to act with love and compassion for all, we take this seriously and will ban anyone not participating with love for all. Love is about acceptance, and celebrating our differences, this is a simple truth that guides us with all our activities. Want to learn more about this, visit our LIFE - Love Is For Everyone group. 

Most content is public and anyone can visit the website but only members can access the My Page content or Members Pages, and only members can join the conversations and add content. 

All listings are free for Oshawa small businesses, to learn more about the benefits of the free listings, visit our Social Media Collective Marketing, and for more detailed info visit our SMCM page. We will be adding more content to this section as we go that will include upcoming events.

With Just Oshawa, we maintain our signature Food/Drink Specials and Weekly Events listings, and with this new group for Just Oshawa, we have a greater set of options to help you discover the content that interests you most. We added a Daily Option and a section for Categories that we hope will help you easily find the content you seek. In the coming days, we will be adding the 30+ venues already listed and updated then adding more as we reach out to more Oshawa venues. We are also starting to update and add the Oshawa events that are weekly first then will start adding other 1 off events found in Oshawa. Once this work is complete we will add and start to promote along with methods to send us details to add your Oshawa events to our listings.  

Our Free Meals option was the first section we completed, for more than 5 years we have maintained these free meals in Oshawa list. By adding the Daily search option and the by-meal type we know this will be a valuable tool to assist those most in need, more and more find themselves with food insecurities and we hope this will be helpful.

You will start to see more and more of our Oshawa Connections being added to the following listings: Bar/Restaurant/Venue, Oshawa Artist Marketplace, Group/Organization, and Small Businesses. One of the improvements we made was that we have a Downtown option with each category. You will find that as we add more content you will start to see more and more categories added. All content is verified to be in Oshawa, we do not post or share content that is not in or from Oshawa. We know how frustrating it can be to find Oshawa content, many of the groups say Oshawa but you find content across the Durham Region or other communities, just know that when we add content to Just Oshawa we verify the content to be Oshawa content, it that simple we are hyperlocal for Oshawa and maintain that objective at all times. 

We will leave this update with the knowledge that we have started adding to the Pics In Oshawa and will find a variety of images and you can select from not just type of pics like Butterflies, and Landscapes but also the option by date taken. Again we verify that all images have been taken in Oshawa and the photographer's name is included with each pic. This will give you an idea that shortly we will be adding different photographers to the pics taken in Oshawa. 

In the coming weeks, you will see posts about the LIFE Community Project, LIFE, Fundraising, and FIFE sections when we have these sections completed. Watch for more news as we complete the work and start the various projects/programs.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone