Member builds emergency kits for the north, with a little help from the union

After over 10 years as a Primary Care Paramedic in the Peace Regional Area, HSAA member Tjeerdina Hoekstra became quite acquainted with people experiencing homelessness, knowing some on a first-name basis.
 

“I always try to make good memories with them,” Tjeerdina wrote, noting some of her favourites involve blasting their favourite music in the back during transport. “I asked a middle-aged man in need what his favourite song was. There was no hesitation: he raised his voice confidently and said, ‘Toxic by Britney Spears!’ We giggled and sang together.”
 

While making these memories with people experiencing homelessness, Tjeerdina noticed people often simply needed to get out of the cold, have a social connection, help with cleanliness and have a good meal. Seeing people roam in the northern Alberta winter without proper gear, Tjeerdina felt the need to help gather some winter gear and a few necessities.
 

After talking about her idea around the station, someone pointed Tjeerdina in the direction of HSAA’s Social Justice Committee. As part of their annual work, the committee accepts and reviews applications for members’ personal participation in a recognized humanitarian effort, request for charitable donation, and/or sponsorship donation.
 

“I reached out to the union and explained the plan I had to make emergency winter kits for the homeless around the Peace River area,” Tjeerdina continued. “I am very grateful HSAA accepted and awarded funds to help with this project.”
 

HSAA’s sponsorship of one thousand dollars, combined with donations for gloves from GP Fire & Safety located in Peace River and other donated funds, helped Tjeerdina create 70 emergency winter kits which have been distributed throughout the Peace River area (Peace River, Grimshaw, Fairview and Manning) both in person as well as to some local shelters. The kits included items such as emergency blankets, toothbrush/paste, socks, toque, deodorant, warm gloves and water bottles.
 

“It was a wonderful experience to help give a little holiday gift to these people and will be a fond memory as well,” Tjeerdina wrote reflecting on the project. “I give thanks to our union for helping with the majority of the funds. It’s wonderful knowing we have unions like them to help
with little but significant projects like this.”
 

Interested HSAA members can access the Sponsorship Humanitarian Donation application form to view the full criteria and requirements for application.