Janine Lepine (left) and Mary Ermine (right) helped organize the "Share the Warmth" event that happened on Thursday morning. (Janine Lepine/submitted photo)

By Logan Lehmann

Giving back

LDAS students host ‘Share the Warmth’ breakfast and clothing drive for those in need

Dec 1, 2022 | 2:13 PM

Over 100 people made their way to the Learning Disabilities Association of Sask. building in PA Thursday morning where students at the school had put on a clothing drive and pancake breakfast to help those in need.

Janine Lepine and Mary Ermine helped organize the event, where Ermine said they wanted to give back to their community because they too were once living on the street.

“We both lived that lifestyle,” Ermine said. “We had this idea about two months ago. It’s so cold this time of year and we just wanted to bring some warmth.”

The pair of students at the school were both inspired to give back from their past experiences with addiction and homelessness. Now sober, the two are furthering their education and goals and are passionate about giving back to those who need a hand-up in the community.

The breakfast was made up of pancakes and sausage, and an elder came to the school and blessed the food before it was served to those waiting.

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“I was once hungry out there and went to the lowest (points) to make ends meet,” said Lepine. “It’s nice to know that there’s a free breakfast out there for people.”

“They are humans,” said Ermine. “When I was out there, nobody really gave me the chance to talk to them or even feed me. Now I want to bring someone up.”

As for the clothing drive, both agreed that the number of donations they received greatly exceeded their expectations where they had two full garbage back of mitts and toques along with a whole clothing rack of winter coats.

“Giving back to our community is something we always wanted to do,” Lepine said. “Especially when we were out there and didn’t have (support). Now to give back and now that we’re clean like to be able to do this is really amazing.”

The Share the Warmth pancake breakfast and clothing drive got started at 9:30 a.m. and wrapped up at 11 a.m.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann