Joy Webster, of the Great South Lake Pajama Project, made a delegation to a recent County of Haliburton meeting.
She told councillors it was a communitybased initiative that began in 2023.
“My family has been part of this community for over 30 years. After our cottage burned down, we had to rebuild, working with local contractors and learning more about the challenges faced by residents in the area, especially after the Minden ER closed,” she said.
“What struck us most was the number of people in need – both elderly and young – and the challenges faced by those on ODSP (the Ontario Disability Support Program). That experience inspired us to start something meaningful to give back.”
Webster noted they are not a registered charity and do not provide funding, programming, or direct services. Their sole focus is the collection and distribution of new pajamas, in all sizes, for the most vulnerable residents in the County.
“We work quietly and respectfully with front-line organizations that already support individuals and families experiencing instability, crisis, or transition. We do not work directly with individuals, and we do not duplicate existing services.”
Webster said new pajamas have been provided through organizations connected with: child protection and foster-care placements; emergency and transitional housing; women’s and family-violence support services; community food banks and family support centres; emergency services, youth and families in need; and people with accessibility challenges.
“The need in our community is real. According to local health data, about 13 per cent of households in Haliburton County are considered low income, and nearly 40 per cent of renters spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing, a key indicator of housing stress. There are also over 3,300 households waiting for community housing in the region.”
Webster said hundreds of pairs of pajamas had been collected and distributed reflecting the generosity of the community and the need.
“Pajamas may seem like a small thing, but for someone facing upheaval, they represent comfort, dignity, and care—often at moments of transition or crisis.”
