The executive director of The Gathering Place is grateful for the public support they receive to help with the services they provide.

Paul Davis says while The Gathering Place receives funding from the provincial government, they also rely heavily on the generosity of the public.

Davis says they employ some 120 people and provide a range of services to an ever-increasing number of guests.

He says their laundry facility, made up of six commercial washers and six commercial dryers, are in almost constant use.

“There are probably about 10 or 11,000 loads of laundry done by guests every year,” says Davis, and guests have to book time “because there’s such a demand. But it’s costly to run those types of programs.” He says they also run music, art and therapy programs, a recovery group, a dental clinic and medical services and “all that comes with a price tag.”

That’s why public support is always welcome and appreciated, says Davis.