Letter dated August 24, 2019 from N. Ottosen, Back Pack Project, Re: Back Pack Project Victoria, BC

Re: The Back Pack Project Christmas Campaign

Dear Mayor, and Council Members,

I am writing to you in hopes you will consider supporting my organisation this winter. We are asking all 13 Municipal City Halls within the greater Victoria Region, if you would consider having a donation bin at City Hall, to collect donations from members of your community, for our Back pack project.

The Backpack Project is an annual local initiative, which provides backpacks full of necessities and comfort items on Christmas Day, to community members who are experiencing homelessness. This will be our 11th year of operation.

The Holidays are a time when families and friends come together and celebrate. Sadly, not everyone in our community is that fortunate….. We want to make the Holidays as inclusive as possible by providing Backpacks full of necessities such as toiletry items, towels and warm clothing, and comfort items such as food, and warm blankets to marginalised people. The back packs are delivered to local women’s and community shelters, and are also handed out personally to people who we see in each of our communities throughout the CRD who call the streets their home.

By providing us with a drop off location in the front lobby of the Municipal Hall, we hope to collect enough donations to fill hundreds of back packs with necessities and comfort items which will help a huge population of people who are currently experiencing homelessness throughout The Greater Victoria Region.

We would need the space for 7 weeks. Starting November 1st to December 20th We would have volunteers collect donations from the boxes once a week, or as needed.

If you could please consider this request by October 15th or as soon as possible, it would be appreciated. Your support helps bring hope and dignity to vulnerable people in our community, on Christmas day and throughout the year.

If you need any more information, or have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime. Thank you for your consideration in supporting this community cause.

Sincerely, *Niki Ottosen

Back Pack Project Victoria B.C. 250-217-9614 3340 Metchosin Rd. Victoria BC V9C-2A6