519Pursuit

519Pursuit is a local grassroots charity. They meet and support community members facing homelessness and extreme poverty where they are. They focus on a friendship-based approach. “Through community outreach, collaborative meal programs and our care packages, we are supporting up to 150 individuals a day (weekdays/holidays). Our mission is to create friendships with a lasting connection and positive impact. Our vision is to have an inclusive community where those facing extreme poverty can hit the reset button in order to re-energize, overcome their unique challenges and reach their full potential.”, says Executive Director and Co-Founder Allison DeBlaire.

 

519Pursuit started as a small group of friends gathering to do outreach in the community. Over the years, they have gained a group of 80 active and committed volunteers. 519Pursuit operates with three employees. The heartbeat of their mission is the willingness of volunteers to show up each and every day. As an outreach team, they support individuals facing homelessness, operating three different routes in the community. “Our walking route heads downtown pulling a wagon filled with meals, snacks and some basic needs. Our two driving routes head in opposite directions and cover the outskirts of downtown, along the Thames River, bike paths as well as stops to see friends along the way.”

 

Each fall, 519Pursuit launches a community initiative called The 519Pledge For Socks. The 519Pledge happens from October 1st – November 15th each year. The initiative was brought to light to change the conversation around homelessness leading into the colder months of the year. 519Pursuit encourages folks in the community to take the pledge to obtain 519 new pairs of socks to donate. Each individual or team begins a conversation with their friends, families and networks for six weeks to raise awareness of items and solutions that could support those facing homelessness with an immediate ask of a donation of new socks. Through the past six years, successful campaigns have led to raising over 440 000 pairs of socks. These socks are stored by 519Pursuit and used to stock up the shelves of local shelters, services and outreach teams supporting individuals facing homelessness. 

 

Register to participate today at www.519pursuit.ca/pledge!