Living on the edge - Program gives glimpse at low income living
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- Published on Tuesday, May 1, 2018
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Neepawa Banner & Press
Have you heard the saying, “Walk a mile in my shoes”? Well, you may not literally walk a mile but there is a great opportunity for you to experience life from a different perspective. May 11, 2018 Southern Health-Sante Sud and William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone invite you toLiving on the Edge.
Living on the Edge-Taking a Look at Poverty is a unique experience designed to provide a glimpse into what it might be like to live in a low-income family trying to survive from month to month. Participants are placed in family units, each with a story that describes their financial situation. The simulation is divided into four short “weeks”, simulating a month in total. Each week the family needs to perform day-to-day tasks, including sending their children to school (or childcare), getting to or finding work, paying bills, visiting social services or other community agencies, buying groceries, cashing their cheque at the bank and more. This simulation also gives participants the opportunity to identify areas of change that can improve and impact the effects of poverty in their community.
In describing the simulation, participants have used words such as “eye-opening”, “meaningful”, and “informative”. They speak about gaining a greater understanding of the obstacles faced by those living in poverty and the difficulties many faces when trying to change their circumstances.
Being able to walk in someone else’s shoes brings understanding and empathy that is helpful when working towards creating a caring supportive community. During the lunch, there is time to discuss what you learned from the simulation and how you can apply the learnings to your community. How can you be a better neighbour. What makes a strong community. As a community, you can plan on how to make your community vibrant and the best place to be.
Bring a friend or family member and be a part of making positive improvements in your community.
Brandon United Way will facilitate this free event that runs from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the William Morton Collegiate Institute in Gladstone. Lunch will be provided. Register by calling (204) 385-2845.
