“Do you mean I will get more to eat than once a day?” he said incredulously.
Welcome to the world of Janine Fraser, executive director of Kids Kottage, the 24-hour, 12-bed shelter for families facing a crisis.
“The situation for many families in Edmonton was previously dire,” she says. “Now it’s double-dire. And children are the hidden victims.
“With ever-increasing COVID-19 numbers, we are seeing more families overwhelmed with worry, grief, job loss, extreme poverty, homelessness and mental and physical health issues.
“Sadly, the fear of spousal abuse and contacting COVID are keeping some mothers away.”
While the children make friends, playing games and eating nutritious meals, parents develop a support network of counsellors who will help break the cycle causing their problems.