On January 28, the Ontario Knights of Columbus contributed a box of coats to the winter clothing drive held by the Catholic Women’s League Council at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Winona. The winter coats were donated presented to Abby White of Good Shepherd Bakhita House which provides support to refugees and newcomers.

Good Shepherd Bakhita House offers short-term housing to women, with the focus of helping them secure permanent housing. The program provides communal style housing, with meals and support services. The referral process for the program is reviewed by Refugee Newcomer Health and only individuals living in the emergency shelter system in the City of Hamilton, are eligible. As well, a total of 136 pairs of socks were donated.

In attendance for the presentation were: Lucia Marchionda, President, Theresa Bennett, Service Chair, Carol McIntosh, Social Justice Chair, Charlene Brule-Lemmen, Past President of the CWL at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Winona, ON. Father Greg Merkley, prayed over the coats and Marcel Lemmen, Past State Deputy of the Ontario Knights of Columbus, were on hand to make this a true partnership of doing good for the community.