Tattoos4Trauma Organizers Donate Over $25,000 to Northumberland Warming Hub

Pete Fisher
1 year ago
• Categories: Community, Local

As the Northumberland Warming Hub opens its doors for the winter season this week, it is doing so with an infusion of funds from the recent Tattos4Trauma annual event. On Tuesday, event co-organizer Sue Glover presented a cheque for $25,352.08 in event proceedings to support Warming Hub services.

“With the increasing impacts of homelessness being felt across our community, we wanted to put money raised towards an initiative that would have an immediate effect this winter. That is why we selected the Northumberland Warming Hub as the 2023 Tattos4Trauma fundraising recipient,” stated Sue and event co-organizer Theresa Rickerby. “The Warming Hub is a vital community service that offers stability and support for people in need. We are pleased to support this important work.”

The Northumberland Warming Hub is a drop-in service for unsheltered residents in need of respite from the cold during the overnight hours of the winter months. It provides an additional safe space in our community where people can take shelter from the elements, rest, and access washrooms and light refreshments. Partners are also exploring opportunities to coordinate centralized delivery of daytime services by local agencies, such as wellness checks, housing search supports, and social services.

The Warming Hub is rooted in community partnership, with service providers, the faith community, County Community & Social Services, and community volunteers working together to deliver this important service. This model aligns with a fundamental principle of the Tattoos4Trauma initiative—which is that the ability to connect with one’s community is vital to anyone dealing with trauma.

Launched in 2022, Tattoos4Trauma is a tribute to Sue’s son and Theresa’s nephew David, who died by suicide in August of 2020. Its mission is to raise awareness, build community, and provide support for initiatives dedicated to mental health awareness as well as street level supports that provide respite for those most in need in Northumberland.

“On behalf of all Northumberland Warming Hub partners, we sincerely thank Sue and Theresa for selecting the Hub as the recipient of this year’s Tattoos4Trauma event proceeds. We are honoured to direct this donation towards enhancing our operations and further ensuring a warm and welcoming space for our neighbours in need,” states Transition House Board Chair and Acting Executive Director Neil Ellis.

“We would also like to thank the impressive tattoo artists and the supporting organizations and individuals who generously donated their products, time, and energy to making this year’s event such a success. Finally, our sincere thanks to the community members who came out to support this event. This donation will make a difference, and it is very much appreciated.”

Operated by Transition House Shelter, with municipal and provincial funding through Northumberland County, the Northumberland Warming Hub opened for the season on October 16, 2023. Located at St. Peter’s Church at 240 College Street, Cobourg, it is available from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. seven nights a week until the end of April 2024.

Individuals can access emergency shelter services through Transition House by visiting the shelter at 10 Chapel Street, Cobourg or by calling 905-372-9562. For more information about how to volunteer with the Northumberland Warming Hub, email info@thshelter.ca.

Photo 1 attached (left to right): Lori Sturzenegger, Supervisor, Northumberland Warming Hub; Rev. Neil Ellis, Board Chair and Acting ED, Transition House Shelter; Sue Glover, co-organizer, Tattoos4Trauma; Lisa Horne, Director of Community & Social Services, Northumberland County; Jamie Corkery, Supervisor, Northumberland Warming Hub; Rev. Matthew McMillan, Rector, St. Peter’s Church.