The Next Step for the LIFE Community Project

I’m about to embark on the most ambitious project I’ve ever undertaken, one that feels like a culmination of all the challenges I’ve faced and overcome. Over the last few years, my life has been shaped by serious health struggles that nearly ended the LIFE Community Project. It all began with a devastating stroke, which left me requiring the use of a walker, carrying oxygen, and needing to relearn how to walk and talk. Just over a year later, I underwent open-heart surgery to repair a birth defect I never knew I had—Ebstein anomaly, which had caused the stroke in the first place.

As I slowly recovered, I had to learn an essential lesson: my own health needed to come before anything else. The LIFE Community Project, and everything else I was involved in, had to take a back seat. It was a hard truth to face, but it taught me valuable lessons about resilience and prioritization. I never gave up hope of returning to my passion—being out on the streets, doing what I love most: helping people.

Step by step, I regained my strength, relearning how to walk and gradually building up to walking 5-10 kilometres a day. This walking not only became a part of my physical recovery, but it also reconnected me with the people of Oshawa. I began engaging with individuals living rough on the streets, having meaningful conversations, and learning how much the situation had changed for those struggling with homelessness and other hardships. The more I walked and interacted, the more I understood the widening gaps in the support systems available for those in need.

With time, I was able to start assisting others in small, meaningful ways—offering food, clothing, and essential items. I carried supplies in my backpack during my walks, something I continue to do to this day. Unfortunately, the city of Oshawa implemented a by-law that makes it illegal to provide any item to someone on public property, such as sidewalks or parks. This has resulted in fines for many individuals, some accumulating thousands of dollars in penalties. However, I’ve adapted by working within the rules—establishing a network of safe locations where I can meet and support people.

My goal has always been to provide consistent, dependable support, but there’s more to it than just handing out items. Genuine, ongoing communication is just as crucial as material support. I believe we are all part of each other's journeys, and by sharing our time and compassion, we can make a lasting impact.

Now, as I continue to recover and rebuild the LIFE Community Project, I am laying the groundwork for something bigger. My plan is to further expand our efforts with a focus on reaching those who are unable to access traditional support services, especially individuals with mobility or mental health challenges. Too often, people are told to figure out how to get to support hubs on their own or go without, but this mindset creates more problems than it solves. We can, and must, do better.

With that in mind, I’ve started using a pedal bike to increase my capacity for pick-ups and deliveries. This has been a game-changer, but it’s only the beginning. I’ve launched a fundraising campaign to secure a cargo bike and trailer, which will allow me to carry more supplies in fewer trips, ultimately increasing the reach and effectiveness of the support we provide.

Our current model is based on grassroots, on-the-ground efforts, and the bike-and-trailer setup is a natural extension of this. It’s a practical, sustainable solution that will enable us to meet people where they are, regardless of weather conditions. We also have plans to raise funds for proper all-weather gear for our volunteers so that our operations don’t come to a halt when the weather turns harsh.

The journey ahead is ambitious, but I’m confident that with the support of our community, we can make it happen. Whether it takes three months or three years, I’m committed to this project. As we expand, I’m excited to see the LIFE Community Project grow in its ability to provide more meaningful, compassionate support to those who need it most.

This is only the first step. There are other goals on the horizon, and while I may talk about them in passing, my focus is on the here and now. Together, we can build a stronger, more loving community in Oshawa, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone!