40 Years of Caring

A Brief History of the Victoria Cool Aid Society

by Helen Edwards, Edwards Heritage Consulting

Copyright © 2009, Victoria Cool Aid Society 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The 1960s

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Cool Aid formally began at a and/or North American religious meeting on June 10, 1968 but its culture, and were at odds with roots go farther back – to the Fall of traditional middle class Western 1965 when a group of students at values. Young people of the time felt Victoria High School, members of strongly about Civil Rights and the Philosopher’s Club, later known opposed the Vietnam War. Many as the Monday Club, wanted to Americans came to Canada to operate a peace club. Denied escape the military draft. All over the permission to run the club through world, young people were travelling, the school, they organized the Peace usually with very little money. In Action League as an outside group. Canada, Pierre Trudeau, favourite of In September 1966 the group was the young, became Prime Minister at reorganized as the Victoria Youth a groovy, swinging Liberal Project of the Company of Young convention in 1968. The focus Canadians. One of the prominent everywhere was on the young members of the Philosophy Club because they were so loud, so was Charles Barber, later to become insolent, so numerous. Newspaper one of the co-founders of Cool Aid. 1 columnists laboured to explain “what the kids are saying.” Students manipulated television news whenever they seized public buildings or campuses. 2These people were visionaries that pushed for things that we now take for granted, things like women’s rights. 3 The time was ripe for an organization Cool Aid's early days. Charles Barber on like Cool Aid to be founded and to try right. Lynn Curtis collection to help.

In order to understand how The Victoria Youth Council the young people felt, it is important (VYC) was organized with a list of to consider the times in which they things that needed to be done. The were growing up. The hippie young people felt adults did not subculture began in the United understand the problems of youth. States in the early 1960s and spread They were a group with a sense that around the world. Hippies renounced they were misunderstood by society corporate nationalism and embraced and were planning to do something aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism, about it. Their goal was to get

3 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid somebody elected to City Council. were many another groups that They did better than that: Charles sponsored concerts on Sundays as Barber eventually became an MLA. well. The first Love-in in Beacon Hill They also believed that everybody Park was held on May 1, 1967 and has the right to have their dreams was called “one of the strangest met. VYC members helped the gatherings Victoria had seen since seniors at the Silver Threads centre, quiet Sunday afternoons in the park showing compassion for others. for the masses were done away with They also helped draft dodgers and by the advent of the automobile.” 5 deserters. Actually, they helped By August, another Love-in was people do whatever it was they cancelled by acting Mayor Robert wanted to do. They even helped a Baird. When a group of “sixty hippies young man enlist in the military, as invaded City Hall” to get him to that is what he wanted to do. change his mind, he said he had “no love to offer” because he thought their conduct was not socially acceptable. The “hippies” had used Centennial Square during the summer and Baird admitted they had broken no laws, so “it was impossible to have police whip them Victoria Youth Council meeting. out of the square or firemen flush Lynn Curtis collection 6 them out with hoses.” The group worked at organizing educational events of The first meetings were held which music was a large part. on Wark Street, then 1527 Amelia Musicians have been involved with Street. In early August, the VYC politics since the 1960s social began to meet every Sunday at UVic movements, says music historian at 2 o’clock. Whoever showed up Alan Cross. “Back in the ‘60s, with constituted the current membership the hippie movement and the whole of the VYC. All decisions were made peace and love thing, the Vietnam by consensus with agenda items War was turned into a tremendous written on a blackboard. The galvanizing experience for youth meetings lasted until all the agenda culture,” he says. 4 In Victoria, music items had been discussed and voted was always a part of the VYC scene on. Items on which no action had according to Lynn Curtis. Beacon Hill been taken by the following week Park was the site of “big happenings” were discarded unless they were on Sundays in the afternoon. There added to the current agenda.. This

4 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid had the effect of focussing the efforts to a social pattern established by of the group and ensuring that their and in our present education system ideas and projects remained current. and an attempt to revise the present concepts of ‘teaching’ and to put these into practice.” 7

Also in the mid-1960s, the federal government was responding to the needs of youth with the establishment of the Company of Young Canadians with a mandate to encourage social, economic and community development in Canada. Promised in the Speech from the Throne on April 5,1965 and formally established on June 10, 1966, 8 the Company of Young Canadians (CYC), recruited young Canadians, trained them in “social animation” techniques and sent them out to work for a moderate salary on community programs across the country.

Martlet Magazine, October 20, 1966 Cool Aid archives In March 1966, Stewart Goodings spoke to students at the Their first action was the University of Victoria and said The renting of a thirteen-room house at Company of Young Canadians 1054 McGregor Street where the would attempt to use new tactics for Social Education Centre was solving the old problems within founded. Based on the idea of the Canada. He noted, “A pilot program Free Universities of New York and with 250 volunteers will start this Seattle, Rochdale College in Toronto summer. This initial program would and San Francisco, it offered focus its attention on the Canadian courses such as politics, religion, Indian, downtown slums, adult and education. According to the education, school dropouts, and Centre’s first calendar, “The centre delinquency. In the field volunteers was founded as an experiment in would receive living expense only. social communication, an alternative After serving two years, they would

5 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid receive an honorarium. Orientation conventional way this periods before service in the field unconventional kind of and evaluation periods during honesty.” 11 The publication was service would provide the volunteers under constant threat from adults with ideas and suggestions on the who felt its material went beyond the techniques of community borders of decency, but the editors development.” 9 were able to refute all charges. One radio broadcaster said: “Youth One of the volunteers was doesn’t have the experience or the Lynn Curtis, the son of a Vancouver understanding to take responsibility.” elementary school principal, who had WinePress was a representation of its been a UVic student that year. After times in which youth felt alienated the initial training session in Nova from mainstream society and felt Scotia at which he was elected the powerless to make any meaningful chairman of the group, 10 he returned changes. The Social Education to Victoria to continue working on the Centre eventually self-destructed development of a youth project in because it attempted to serve too Victoria. According to the October many interests and too many 29, 1966 newsletter of the Victoria different groups of youth, including Project, the Social Education Centre some very destructive ones, using was not yet an accepted project of an approach that was too the CYC although Lynn Curtis is unstructured. By the end of listed as a CYC volunteer on its November, it was gone. Cool Aid administration directory. He was also had a small office in James Bay on the author of the “Basic Plan for Niagara Street, just east of Menzies. Organizing a Free School System for That is where the WinePress had Victoria, B. C.” that outlined the been started and was the concept of alternative schools that headquarters of the Victoria Youth would help high school-aged Council, conveniently close to students and adults develop classes Beacon Hill Park. 12 outside the mainstream education system. The Social Education Centre All work done by the Victoria also published an alternative Youth Council was under the banner magazine, The Winepress that was a of The Victoria Project. The group “free and honest forum for young produced regular newsletters to people who want to express their update people on their activities, idea of what the real is all about. including benefit dances, [They provided] an alternative to a “happenings” at Bastion Square, society that does not permit in the regular meetings of the Youth

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Council, and plans for a Youth have some positive impact on Centre. Meetings were also attended Victoria City Council as they were by supportive adults who gave the made aware of the struggles of group credibility in dealing with young people in uncertain times and government bodies. In early 1967 set the tone for later activities by the the group tried to establish a space group. The first drop-in centre was for youth to meet in a downtown on Quadra Street. setting, but were frustrated by the public misconception that all their organizers were “involved in the use of marijuana and LSD.” 13 The group eventually secured space at 1408 Broad Street for a drop-in centre for youth in 1968. Organized by Alan Elford (19), son of the Mayor of Oak Bay, Frances Elford, and Jack and Pat Menard, it opened on May 2, 1968. 14 There was a $2.00 membership fee, but it was not often paid, the centre had financial troubles and closed on November 30, 1968. At the time Charles Barber noted, “People had no pride in it.” 15 First drop-in centre on Quadra Street, 1968. Cool Aid archives In October 1967, the Victoria Youth Council developed a At the end of 1966, Lynn “December Plan” to “give youth an Curtis took a group of students to the effective and potent voice in their Student Union for Peace Action public affairs, to give them power to conference in Waterloo, Ontario. shape the quality and direction of They stayed at the University of their own lives, and to give them the Waterloo. On the train to the resources they need to develop their conference, they developed an idea 16 full potential as free individuals.” It of a youth power base, revolutionary was a very ambitious idea, with the yet positive. The work on the Victoria end goal of gaining public facilities Project included protesting the War for youth in Victoria and active in Vietnam. They organized an participation of youth in all decision- international seminar on Vietnam, making. Based on the concept of held on March 18-19, 1968 with “youth helping youth,” the plan did speakers as diverse as university

7 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid professors, ministers, American folk- phone number – 383-1951 (still the singer Joan Baez. US Senator Henry number for Cool Aid today). Jackson and US SDS organizer Tom Hayden. According to the SUPA John Warren, a welder, and newsletter, “It was huge, it worked, it Lynn Curtis went to Vancouver with was successful, it was solvent, we adult supporter Hugh Wade where sold 1000 pieces of literature and there already was a Cool Aid made many converts.” 17 association and asked for permission to use the name. Lawyer Mike During April and May 1968, Harcourt gave permission for the members of the VYC had Victoria group to use the name. 19 researched, analyzed and discussed Charles Barber and Greg Welsh the extent and quality of helping went to test out the Vancouver facilities available to youth in the hostel. Ironically, the Victoria group Greater Victoria area. For housing, is the only one to succeed; the the picture was “dismal” with the Vancouver Cool Aid disbanded many Salvation Army housing only men, years ago. Mike Harcourt recently and the YMCA housing women but said that the group in Victoria had a charging $2.50 - $3.50 per night. For sense of humour that he credits with counseling, the outlook was even its long term survival. 2 worse. Thus was born the idea of a hostel and an emergency-oriented, crisis intervention service, run by youth. 18 Starting these services under the name of Cool Aid in Victoria was one of the agenda items to be discussed at a weekly Victoria Youth Council meeting. Charles Barber was originally opposed as he felt it would not create social change Adult supporter Hugh Wade with Victoria but would divert the political Youth Council members in Vancouver. grassroots youth organizing work Cool Aid archives and consume all the energy of the group. Eventually he agreed and a The group issued a flyer plan was made where adults would asking for help from the public (see 21 be asked to take transients into their to the right). homes on a case-by-case basis. The It should be remembered that group contacted homeowners, the temporary accommodation for rented a phone and obtained a transients was only one initiative of

8 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid the Victoria Project. In a July 24, people (mainly transients) who need 1968 assessment, they listed nine help, makes arrangements for organizations created to carry out billeting with private homes. certain responsibilities: 4. Youth Week Committee: Plans for Youth Week August 18-25 from an 1. Victoria Youth Council: This was office at 1164 Kings Road. One of the prime decision-making body of the events was the Robert Baird the Project and was then meeting Whip Memorial Festival, a reference every Sunday at 2:00 pm at 1817 to Alderman Baird’s comments in Quadra Street 1967. 2. Broad Street Centre: This was 5. Friends of the Youth Council: This begun in January 1968 and opened is a supportive group of adults its doors at 1408 Broad Street on deeply committed to the goals of the May 2. This was considered one of Project and who meet together when the most important functions of the asked to do so and who provide Project, as it was a most effective ideas information, money and means of exchanging information, contacts. They were also able to give ideas, criticism, and life styles. the youth credibility in their quest for funding for projects. Some members of the group were deemed “outsiders” or “rebels” by the establishment, but the majority was considered to be upstanding citizens. The 1968 President was Architect Peter Cotton. 6. Social Education Centre: This was the Project’s publishing house. 7. Thirty Pieces Productions: Makes films, harnessing the creative expression of youth. 8. Group Therapy: This group meets every Wednesday night and brings together nine people from different components who try to work out their Cool Aid request for help in summer 1968. difficulties with each other. [It is Cool Aid archives noted that this group was led by

social worker Gerry Webb and the 3. Cool Aid: Described as an number of participants varied a great operation designed to aid young deal from week to week. The actual

9 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid text of the report is left intact.] dances to raise funds for their 9. Norman Bethune Club: This group operations and charities like Oxfam. organizes confrontation for changes Cool Aid was still run as a billeting around issues like Vietnam, civil service with constant calls for adults rights. to open their homes. The phone was temporarily disconnected in October, but service was restored after adult supporters paid the bill. In addition to housing transients, the group also helped locate runaways and provided legal aid where it was needed. 22 Another of the early members was Charles Ball who is remembered by Charles Barber as “an important and deeply helpful volunteer.”

Youth Week 1968 program. Cool Aid archives

Work planned for the future included: 1. Youth Council Day planned for August 21, 1968 2. A “Happening” at Carberry Gardens Victoria Youth Council raising money 3. A Marathon Group Therapy through a car wash. Cool Aid archives session lasting 20-24 hours 4. A Project Development Weekend The Friends of the Youth with the topic “Where Do We Go Council held a special meeting to set from Here?” up a charitable body that would be able to apply for the needed funding Throughout the remainder of and would be legally able to control 1968, the VYC continued its efforts the finances of the youth’s to help youth. As already noted, the enterprises. Without formal adult Broad Street Centre was closed on support, the provincial government November 30. They raised funds would be unlikely to provide any through events such as car washes money to the youth group. The and musical events that continued to Pacific Community Self- play a large part in the operations. Development Society with its Board The group sponsored concerts and of Directors drawn from the Friends

10 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid of the Victoria Youth Council, Cool worthwhile, and any tax dollars given Aid, and the Company of Young to Cool Aid couldn’t serve a better Canadians was duly incorporated on purpose. There is no red tape like December 5, 1968. On February 23, you find it in official welfare 1969, Cool Aid held a special agencies; Cool Aid knows what the meeting to deal with the “inevitable kids want and I think they are very rush in Cool Aid business this idealistic to have taken abuse in the spring.” 23 They noted that they were past two years.” 24 very short of housing and were thinking of applying for provincial On May 1, 1969, Cool Aid funding to help meet their goals. opened their first hostel at 953 Balmoral Road. This meant they In early 1969, the new could continue the work started in PCSDS made application for funding their first year with the billeting in at the inter-municipal level. A grant of $3,060 was approved at the inter- municipal level but City of Victoria Alderman Robert Baird voted against the City of Victoria share, and the request was referred back to the Finance Committee. On April 17, 1969, he was the sole member of the committee to vote against the City paying its share of the grant. He claimed “we shall be the laughing- stock of the nation, if we associate with them.” Other committee Sketch of hostel at 953 Balmoral Road. Cool Aid archives members did not agree. Support also came from Garth Homer, executive which they had provided 854 units of secretary of the Greater Victoria housing, counselling for 121 kids, Community Welfare Council who and 29 found jobs (of part-time and noted the proposed program was limited duration). By the end of 1969, “worth a try.” Alderman Ove Witt, the new hostel had housed 2,107, chair of the City’s Youth Committee, served 3,196 meals, and counselled added: “I don’t give a damn what 444 kids – a remarkable increase in anyone says – these kids are doing only one year. 25 When Cool Aid a great job, and they do it in a way started on Balmoral Road, they felt no other agency could hope to do it. the police would raid the place. It They have proven themselves was Hugh Wade’s idea to have a

11 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid front door key made and delivered to and I do mean any, problem the Police Chief. They said the police presented.” Mayor Hugh Stephen could visit at any time but shouldn’t added: “If there was not an kick down the door, as Cool Aid organization such as Cool Aid... couldn’t afford to pay for the repairs. there would be no refuge at all for They always sent flower to the Police certain types of young people. 28 Chief on Monday. 26

In November 1969, federal senators toured the Vancouver Cool Aid operations. In contrast to Victoria’s one property at that time, Vancouver owned two buildings and served about 1,600 teen-agers every month. Vancouver Cool Aid had also been given municipal funding in 27 Freeze the Cool Aid group that sought to 1969. have funding overturned. BC Archives

At the end of 1969, the However, not everyone was Greater Victoria Inter-municipal supportive of the young people’s Committee received a report on the efforts. Once Victoria City Council activities of Cool Aid. Dr. R. J. began to support their projects, a Flanagan said that the probe was group of adults started a “Freeze the “one of the most interesting and Cool Aid” campaign. Their enjoyable pieces of work in which I information sheet was full of half- have ever been involved.” truths and inflammatory statements Committee members Miss Helen that actually reinforced young Ruckle and Mrs. Genevieve Ali people’s belief that they had no spoke highly of the work of the power in the decision-making fledgling association. They urged the protest. Charles Barber was 1970 committee to continue to classified as “an admitted Marxist financially support the work of Cool whose main ambition is to destroy Aid. Speaking of traditional service the society in which he lives and one delivery agents, Dr. Flanagan said, can find him at any demonstration “These institutions are handicapped concerning peace, war, or brotherly by their high degree of organization love.” 29 Citizens were urged to write and red tape. Cool Aid’s strength lies to their mayors and aldermen in area in being unstructured and its municipalities in order to ensure that willingness to try to cope with any, this “group of hippies” did not get

12 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid further funding. Obviously the cases – drunks, youth out of control campaign was unsuccessful as the –with grace and humour. Over the inter-municipal committee continued next years, every time Cool Aid to provide grants, and the provincial needed something done, Laurie was government provided matching funds there. He secured sleeping materials in subsequent years. for free and sourced food from wholesalers. Together with Greg In mid-1969 Laurie Smith Welsh and Dale Brand (with some arrived at Cool Aid as a client. 30 He assistance from adult Board started working as a volunteer doing members), he organized the donated whatever needed to be done. When medical services and set the stage funding increased, he was offered a for Cool Aid’s medical services job at $100 per month. No task was today. The Free Medical clinic too grand for him; he worked opened at First United Church on cheerfully and competently and was August 18, 1970, co-sponsored by known to deal with the most difficult the YMCA.

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The 1970s

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By early 1970, Cool Aid and Aid hostel at 953 Balmoral Road was its work was becoming part of the just down the street from the St. local new scene. In a full-page article John’s Church Memorial Hall and written at the time the organization Jenner knew they needed additional was requesting a grant of $7,980 space. 32 The basement of the church from the Inter-municipal committee, was ideal for a temporary extra Victoria Daily Times reporter Don hostel as there was no rent or Vipond penned a very supportive utilities to pay (the church paid the piece. Drawing his material from the utility bill), there was a good kitchen, 1979 annual report, he wrote “this and it was close to the main shelter. project works toward young people Cool Aid budgeted for 3 staff at $150 having a voice in the decisions that and agreed to occupy the space affect them.” He noted the support of from April 1 – September 30. The the adult members of the Pacific cost was not to exceed $5,280. The Community Self-Development second location meant that sexes Society including Hugh Wade, Peter could be separated: girls slept at the Cotton, Dr. Harvey Richardson, and church hall while the boys were at Frances Mahon, and advised of the 953 Balmoral. Cool Aid was given support of the Victoria Medical autonomous control of the basement Society where twelve doctors were hostel with only one of three Cool available for services, and the three Aid staff chosen from St. John’s psychiatrists, four lawyers and three Church Group. At this time there ministers that Cool Aid could call on were six permanent staff at the two when necessary. He noted that the centres: Charles Barber, Dale Brand, rule of the hostel - No Drugs, No Don Bridgman, Janice Garay, David Sex, No Booze - ensured that there Landles and Laurie Smith. In was no trouble with the authorities. 31 addition, there were 28 families who were prepared to billet the overflow St. John’s the Divine Anglican from the two locations. Among the Church’s involvement with Cool Aid several supporter of the Summer of began in March 1970. The assistant Service were volunteers, plus Marnie priest of St. John’s, the Rev. Leonard Davis, CYC volunteers Barrie Taylor Jenner, had a particular talent for and Ted Whittaker and Ruth Davis, dealing with young people and had driver of a Ford Falcon / Pake Zane / built an active youth group. He lived Kate Barlow / Colin Constant / Peter close by the church, and his door Murdoch / Leslie Marrion / Terry was open at all hours to youngsters Humby / Harry Creech / Jim who needed his company. The Cool McBurney from Cabbagetown /

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Steve Lee / Graham Dickinson aka Development Society Board of Christopher Robin / Liz Kenney / Directors “passed the hat” at a numerous bands / Earl Dean / Ray meeting, and came up with a $1,000 and Carol Rayfuse / the Cox family / deposit on the purchase of the Dr Marian Sherman. former Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1900 Fernwood Road. The church National recognition came to was willing to accept the deposit, Victoria’s Cool Aid in April 1970. At a and understood that Cool Aid conference of the Canadian Welfare needed time to raise sufficient funds Council in Sainte Adele, Quebec, to complete the purchase. word of the Victoria operation’s In November, Cool Aid hosted success spread. According to an “Open House” at the Balmoral Bernard Kenney who helped hostel so neighbours could see organize the Victoria youth Council exactly what the organization did. “ours was held up as being quite This was meant to allay fears that sophisticated…. Our Cool Aid is the operation was less than legal being held up as a model in that it and to gain support for the move to a tackles problems from a total larger facility. This was followed by approach at a community level.” 33 an Open House at the Fernwood Road site at which 300 friends and However, it became apparent that neighbours attended. the current facilities would be stretched past capacity during the

The former Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1900 Public Open House as reported in Daily Fernwood Road, as found by Cool Aid. Colonist, November 22, 1970. Cool Aid archives Cool Aid archives summer of 1970 and it was time to Some of those in attendance had look for a larger home. In May 1970, signed a petition against the hostel the Pacific Community Self- before they really understand what

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Cool Aid did. They had visions of the youth hostel “all the way through. hooligans invading their These people call themselves kids - neighbourhood, devaluing their these kids are 21, 22, 23. “They are properties. making a job for themselves ... and the time has come for them to go At a three-hour public hearing home and grow up.” He said the “city on December 17, 1970, citizens owes them nothing - and they owe against the proposal said they were the city everything.” 36 Once again concerned about the proximity of the Alderman Ove Witt spoke in support proposed hostel to Victoria High of Cool Aid when he noted, School, although, ironically, Principal ”kindness solves more problems Duncan Lorimer and his teaching than bitterness and hate.” He then staff of 64 were supportive. moved that Council table the bylaw Reverend Leonard Jenner from St. while awaiting approval from John the Divine Anglican Church, a Rehabilitation Minister Phil Gaglardi long time supporter of Cool Aid, was for Cool Aid’s purchase of the accused of wearing a symbol of the building for $60,000. The province devil. When some members of the would provide the money. public argued that Cool Aid clients used drugs, John Shields, representing the Family and Children’s Service said “there are probably more drugs being used inside of the [Victoria] high school than there are being used on Cool Aid premises.” 34 It was the first Colonist, June 6, 1971 coverage on Cool Aid meeting of the new council that once farm on Markham Road. again included Alderman Robert Greater Victoria Public Library clipping file Baird who had lost his seat in the previous election when he had failed In early 1971, Cool Aid in his attempt to win the Mayor’s received federal funds through the chair. Baird, who topped the Opportunity for Youth program to aldermanic poll, says he was re- operate a farm on Markham Street in elected because voters “looked what Saanich. The Job and Food Farm I was attempting to run for.” 35 Baird Project was initiated to aid in said his “very determined viewpoint” combating two problems: short term on long-haired youth and Cool Aid jobs for travelling youth and a lack of still stands. He will continue his sufficient food in the youth hostel opposition to the very existence of during the summer. Organizers

17 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid noted that many of the travellers fruition. Lest the public worry about were penniless, and that it cost the quality of the work, it was noted money to leave. Using a combination that long-time supporter Architect of local volunteers, young people Peter Cotton was supervising the paid $8.00 per day and a paid staff project and had volunteered his of three; the farm produced an time. 39 impressive list of crops. There had also been a shortage of good food at The project was financed by a the hostel the previous summer. In $64,000 mortgage through CMHC August 1970 with a budget of $200, ($59,000 for the cost of the property the hostel fed 2,033 meals of and the balance for rehabilitation questionable quality. In 1971, with costs), repayable over a 50-year the opening of a new facility, they period at 7 ¼%. Cool Aid also expected to feed twice as many received $7,500 in donations from meals on a budget of $300 per the public. Each month Cool Aid month, using fresh produce from the received a grant of $1,600 from the farm operation. Cool Aid practiced Youth Hostels program of the organic farming long before the term Department of the Secretary of State gained public awareness. 37 to cover both operating and purchasing costs. On March 25, 1971, the Pacific Community Self- Development Society and Cool Aid again made a presentation to Victoria City Council who voted to hold a public hearing on April 8, 1971. A second “Open House” at 1900 Fernwood Road gave visitors more concrete plans of how the hostel and other services would be located in the building. The group also put out a call for volunteers who might be willing to donate their services to help with the conversion of the space from a church to a hostel. 38 By June, the work was Meal preparation in the new Cool Aid shelter almost complete, needing only at 1900 Fernwood Road. skilled carpenters, plumbers and Lynn Curtis collection electricians to bring the project to

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The first meal was served in convicted of running a health clinic the new Fernwood Road hostel – with a public nurse, in violation of a The Youth Resources Centre - on city zoning bylaw whereas in July 24, although the lack of fire Victoria, 18 physicians, 5 alarms and a fire exit sign meant that psychiatrists, 5 lawyers, 13 dentists, overnight accommodation had to be one dental mechanic and two delayed until July 29. 40 The optometrists provide their services counselling and crisis intervention for free in addition to free emergency work continued at 953 Balmoral treatment at a local hospital and free rather than at Fernwood Road as it prescriptions from a pharmacy. The was felt that hostels were by their relationship with the police was also nature hectic places and that these quite different in Vancouver where specialized services required a the Cool Aid premises had been relaxed atmosphere. 41 raided 200 times looking for drugs; in The success of the Victoria Victoria the only time the police visit Cool Aid was featured in a television the hostel is to drop off a homeless documentary on the CBC program transient rather than charge him with Hourglass in August. Cool Aid was vagrancy. The article concluded with offered as “a successful example of a quote from Laurie Smith “People what happens when a whole here are proud that we have a clean community supports the efforts of hostel. …They hustle their butts to young people to solve their own keep the place attractive. If they treat problems.” 42 43 The operations their environment with that much received further positive publicity respect, maybe it’s only natural that when columnist Denny Boyd wrote a they treat people with respect, too.” comparison of the Victoria and Vancouver Cool Aid programs in the Vancouver Sun in November 1971. His opening sentences tell the tale: “In Vancouver, the with-it, hip frontier town, Cool Aid clings to a precarious life, succeeding marginally in spite of The Establishment. In Victoria, the tweedy, ultra-square retirement city, Cool Aid flourishes, backed solidly and enthusiastically by The Fernwood Dental Clinic inside Cool Aid Establishment.” 44 He went on to shelter at 1900 Fernwood Road. Cool Aid archives contrast other areas between the two

cities: In Vancouver, Cool Aid was

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Dr. Joe Haegert, long-time doctor at Cool Aid Medical Clinic. Times, unknown date

In May 1971, the focus of the Cool Aid House was changed from Fernwood Dental Clinic entrance. Cool Aid archives one of the crisis/referral centre to a group home facility for youth referred In 1972, the first dental clinic by the Children’s Service. In its new was established at the Fernwood location at 1133 Fort Street, it Road hostel. Funded by the offered relatively unstructured Department of the Secretary of atmosphere combined with State’s Youth Resources branch, it counselling by adults, many who had offered free dental work to low been through the system income patients and was used as a themselves. Crisis and counselling “demonstration model” for other services were moved to the hostel communities across Canada. 45 In its building and additional staff was first year, it handled 4,000 visits. The hired to handle the workload. But the weekly medical clinic continued to main focus of Cool Aid remained the operate with Dr. Joe Haegert as its hostel. In 1973, 21,236 meals were supervisor and dealt with a myriad of served while 13,117 overnight stays clients, offering “sympathetic advice, were provided. The numbers were no moralizing or sermons, just up from the previous year and the medical treatment.” 46 The medical staff expected the demand to staff saw 900 patients. Legal Aid increase even more in the upcoming services continued to be offered by summer. the Bar Society with a client load of about 20 per week. In order to better serve the

20 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid young working mothers in its they have undertaken.” The media immediate neighbourhood, Cool Aid coverage included details on the began operation of a Day Care. It services offered at that time: a men’s was originally intended to be housed hostel, women’s hostel, dental clinic in the main hostel building, but there and medical clinic at 1900 Fernwood were concerns about the suitability of Road, a group home for problem young children being exposed to teenagers, and a day care centre. hostel clients. In June 1973, the Day The former church sanctuary was Care opened at 1340 Balmoral renamed the Springridge Theatre Road. Students from Victoria High and was available for community School and the Boy’s Club made groups that wanted to hold a meeting toys, and local people donated many or put on a play. 47 needed items. It was the only Day Care operation in Fernwood. Cool Aid was officially registered as a charity with the federal government in May 1973, opening the way to tax- deductible donations.

In January 1975 Cool Aid received a surprise. They had won the first Commonwealth youth award granted by the Commonwealth secretariat. A Malaysian group running a farming operation was also selected. According to worker Laurie Smith, “The federal secretary of state’s department contacted Cool Aid about 10 months seeking information so they could apply for the award on behalf of the group. Then we heard nothing for a long period of time, until three weeks ago.” Cool Aid won a plaque and Cool Aid wins Commonwealth Youth Award. City of Victoria Archives clipping file medals to mark the award and were granted up to five travel fellowships Although the summer of 1975 to “study similar projects in other was not as busy as the previous Commonwealth countries, and to year, Cool Aid was quite happy. At demonstrate and discuss the work

21 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid one time in 1974 they had 200 elected MLA for Victoria the previous visitors in one night – far too many December and was, therefore, for a hostel with 100 beds. The unable to travel. 50 overflow would sleep on the floor in sleeping bags as no one was turned Financial statements for Cool away. For the modest cost of $1.50 Aid’s operations in early 1976 per night, visitors received supper showed just how far the operation and a breakfast of fruit, granola, and had come since its beginning. For tea. 48 The Board of Directors of the the three-month period ended March Pacific Community Self- 31, 1976 hostel grants included Development Society continued to $21,276.00 from the Province of BC, monitor Cool Aid’s activities, noting $855.36 from the Association of BC in the minutes of a regular meeting Hostels, $8,800 for the Dental Clinic “Laurie Smith gave a fine verbal and $13,930.00 for the Medical report on the progress of Cool Aid. Clinic. Rents received this month total $300, and are expected to increase April 25, 1976 was a very to $500. The monthly mortgage important day for Cool Aid. At its payments are now $550 a month, Annual General Meeting, the Pacific and the rents will, it is expected, Community Self-Development nearly cover this.” 49 Society passed the following motions: In February 1976, five Cool 1. That the Pacific Self- Aid workers departed on a month- Development society long all-expenses paid trip to the Far hereby agrees to East – the fellowships won as part of transfer the properties the Commonwealth Youth Award the at 1900 Fernwood year before. The five taking the trip Road (Lot A, Section were Dale Brand, Cathie Sharkey, SR, Plan 25139) in the Terry Humby, Harvey Kelly and City of Victoria, Director Laurie Smith. Province of British Columbia and the Day The group visited Australia, Care Center at 1340 Hong Kong and Tokyo, Japan to see Balmoral Road (Lot 2, what other youth groups were doing, Section 75, Plan 317A) and to explain what Cool Aid had in the City of Victoria, done here in Canada. Absent from Province of British the tour was Cool Aid founder Columbia, to the Charles Barber who had been Victoria Cool Aid

22 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Society which is in the the following projects, process of being i.e. Youth Resources incorporated within the Center, Day Care Province of British Center and Group Columbia; Home, to the Victoria Cool Aid Society upon 2. That the Pacific Self- its incorporation within Development Society the Province of British hereby agrees to Columbia; transfer all the chattels, equipments and 4. And that the said supplies found at the transfers shall be Building at 1900 effected immediately Fernwood Road in the upon the incorporation City of Victoria, of the Victoria Cool Aid Province of British Society.” 51 Columbia, and at Day Care Center at 1340 Cool Aid had come of age and Balmoral Road in the was no longer a group of youth with City of Victoria. no credentials and financial savvy. It Province of British was to become a full-fledged society Columbia, and at the under the law of British Columbia. Group Home at 1133 On October 28, 1976, the new Fort Street in the City society was officially created as of Victoria. Province of Society 12,684 with its first board of British Columbia, to the directors: Victoria Cool Aid Patrick Downey – President Society upon its Joyce Heynsbroek - Vice incorporation within the President Province of British (President July 1977-May Columbia; 1978) Clare Yarwood - Treasurer 3. That the Pacific Joseph Haegert, Sr. - Community Self- Secretary Development Society Sibylla Artz hereby agrees to Denys Beames transfer all Cash and Beverley Timmons Bank Accounts in the Michael O’Connor custody and name of Ronald Spence

23 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Peter Cotton He was very much involved as a “do Ella Davis what you need to get it running and Phyllis Chapman offer support to the people” type of Roy Watson guy. He notes that it wasn’t until the Frances Chapman 52 new Streetlink Shelter was set up that there was a more organized As passed by the PCSDS, all approach. 54 assets were transferred to the new society and it began its adult life, For the next three years, Cool owning its own property and Aid continued its work with the assuming its own liabilities. It was at hostel, day care, and group home. this time that the name of the society By November 1979, there were an began to be spelled “Cool Aid” increasing number of clients who without the hyphen. Also in 1976, the were more or less homeless or ill, main stage space was rented to the and had nowhere else to go. While newly formed Belfry Theatre the summer clientele continued for Company who would continue to the large part to be travelling youth, share the space with the hostel until in the fall and winter, the picture was Cool Aid moved downtown and the quite different. Hostel Director Laurie Belfry Theatre purchased the old Smith noted “In many cases there is church. Former board member no other resource in BC able or Frances Mahon Chapman fondly willing to give a bed and help to the recalls the early days of Cool Aid. “I people who eventually dossdown at think the spirit of Cool Aid, this spirit the hostel. We are dealing with of creativity and giving, has been people who just aren’t able to fit into maintained over the time. … The other resources in the province. We young people often generated the try to act as a go-between while ideas, and then the board vetted other workers in the system try to these ideas. The young people were find an appropriate place for them.” 55 very creative and were always trying In late 1979, the group applied to to convince us that what they wanted extend the hostel services as the to do was realistic.” 53 facilities were overcrowded. Slowly the focus of Cool Aid was shifting. Phil Ward moved to Victoria in The sale of a property at 1325 1976 and was looking for a part-time Pembroke Street, which the City job while going to school. His sister acquired for $75,000, was endorsed was a nurse at the Cool Aid Clinic by the Land Management Committee and told him about a position of the City of Victoria. Unfortunately, available as a worker/maintenance. Cool Aid did not have sufficient funds

24 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid for the purchase and their request for rent-free tenancy was turned down by City Council. Cool Aid President Joe Haegert Sr. expressed his anger and disgust with the decision noting Council had an “opportunity to do a very fine and good thing.”

Eventually Cool Aid secured funding from the Health Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry and was able to acquire a house across the street from the hostel – at 1921 Fernwood Road. Operated as the Cool Aid Psychiatric Boarding Home, the facility had a capacity of eight boarders who lived together in a family setting. They also learned how 1921 Fernwood Road, site of the Cool Aid to take care of themselves – how to Psychiatric Boarding House. cook good meals, how to clean up, Cool Aid archives how to do laundry and how to get along with other residents. Dr. Ron 70% had drug or alcohol-related Anderson, administrator of the Eric problems. Cool Aid was in the Martin Institute said it was far less process of searching for a downtown expensive to pay for a person to live location that could also include low- in a boarding home than in a cost housing to complement its psychiatric hospital. “Psychiatric downtown outreach program. In July boarding home programs are ideal, 1981, the Capital Regional Hospital but unfortunately they are in short District approved a request for supply… The programs need $428,000 to be cost-shared with the expansion.” 56 Health Ministry on a 60-40 basis with the province paying the larger share. At the same time, Cool Aid These funds would allow the realized that the clientele of the provision of a medical clinic and hostel had changed drastically. Most administration services in its of the people being served were proposed new 42-bed facility. The homeless or destitute, and about Society was also negotiating with the Ministry of Social Services and housing for the shelter portion of the

25 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid new facility. 57

Times Colonist, August 11, 1988

Cool Aid logo, 1980s

26 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Outside Cool Aid shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Lynn Curtis collection

Biker outside Cool Aid shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Lynn Curtis collection

27 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Registration at Cool Aid shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Laurie Smith on right. Lynn Curtis collection

The lounge area, Cool Aid Shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Lynn Curtis collection

28 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The dormitory, Cool Aid Shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Lynn Curtis collection

The breakfast place, Cool Aid Shelter, 1900 Fernwood Road. Lynn Curtis collection

29 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The 1980s

30 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

In 1982, Cool Aid hired Jane Dewing as Executive Director. In her With the increasing number of first few years, she spent time doing clients with mental health problems, anything that needed to be done Cool Aid had to start discussions including cleaning the hostel, with local mental health groups. The ordering supplies, etc. She was problem was that Cool Aid had no always involved at some level with accreditation as a service provider. the clients, and she enjoyed that They had received one grant, but did interaction. She recognized that Cool not fit the funding formulas. Jane Aid had a solid foundation for Dewing explored partnerships with service, providing hostel service and other agencies on the basis of “what food, but as an organization it part could you help and who could needed to be able to grow and react pick up the other part?” She talked to to societal change. They housed 70 officials about Day Care and the people per night. She preferred to Group Home. She used her use words that represent the solution knowledge of people to get funds. (to find a home, not “homeless”). It The RISE project funded the was part of her job to ensure that Employment Services. City Council and key organizations were aware of the need to house The diversity of services people. Pacifica Housing housed meant Cool Aid could tap into many families, and the Salvation Army was funding needs and funders. Jane seen as a downtown agency, but Dewing shared information with Cool Aid was seen as the most others in the community and got onto comprehensive in town. At this time provincial boards. She felt it was they had no brochures or written very important to retain the material. Cool Aid used the services “grassroots” connection between the of the Community Council who did board and the operations so that the reports on various aspects of the history was not lost. Jane found that social problems. For example, the the most instrumental board Community Council interviewed members came to Cool Aid because everyone who came in for meals for of the Day Care Centre. It had been 30 days, to determine where they the first Day Care in Fernwood, and came from, what their needs were, later added a special needs etc. The hostel at that time was still component. As a result, Cool Aid funded by the Human Resources was able to influence policy on Day department who offered a per diem Cares in the city and province. for each bed occupied at night.

31 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

used a new program called Reconnect for funding. The purpose of the shelter was to collect youth and then help them reconnect with home. Mike Ellis was on the board of Cool Aid for a long time. Kiwanis made alterations to the building behind the Crystal Pool. It was Day Care Home, 1340 Balmoral. difficult to get rezoning but later Cool Aid archives surveys of neighbours were

Between 1983 and 1987, the favourable. The Victoria Youth hostel clientele changed from the Empowerment Society eventually travelling youth to the “hard to took over the shelter. house” and “homeless.” When the provincial government closed the Cool Aid used federal large psychiatric facilities as they felt programs to hire three people to do a large institutions were not the way to brochure. Trudy Norman was hired handle the problems, this had the in 1986 as a researcher/outreach result of an influx of mentally ill worker and did the first homeless persons living on the streets. Many count. She prepared a report about of these ended up at the Cool Aid the 350 people on the street hostel. This, coupled with decreases including information on what in the welfare system, produced a addiction problems there were. Her large street population in need of report outlined the continuing needs help. The effects are still being felt in of the street population including 2008.In 1985, the name of the continued outreach, a shelter open shelter was changed to Streetlink 24 hours, a mental health worker, Emergency Shelter to better reflect and consistent ongoing funding for the type of users. additions and mental health problems. The Kiwanis Youth Shelter was set up in Spring 1986 because Her report served as the the staff felt they were unable to proposal for the Streetlink Shelter. guarantee the safety of youth in the She continued to work as an hostel situation. Mike Ellis from outreach worker and support figure 58 Kiwanis was instrumental in the for the housing project until 2005. process. Three people started Streetlink got its first manager looking for a downtown site. They through application of United Way outreach money in fall 1986 and by

32 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid fall 1987 a downtown outreach annual grant to Cool Aid that helped position was established. Streetlink to employ at least two extra people - was also opened for daytime use. an additional life skills person to The motto was then – and still is – work during the day and an extra “Put the path where the people person at night at Streetlink. walk”. This is why the Cool Aid Executive Director Jane Dewing buildings and facilities are located noted, “It recognizes the support where they are now. care we give with severe drug and alcohol problems.” 60 Further support Programs underwent a was announced on November 24, change with the offering of outreach 1988. The Capital Regional District’s and mental health issues at hospital and health planning Fernwood. It was difficult to get commission unanimously supported funding for health issues as most of Cool Aid’s proposal for a new the money went to publicly owned building. The estimated cost of the facilities. The Board then made new facility was $2.8 million, and it health care a case for better shelter, was intended to house the Streetlink and met with BC Housing. It was shelter, lifeskills programs, a medical determined that conversion of the clinic and the downtown outreach hostel on Fernwood to meet the new program for adults. A new innovation needs was not practical. By August would be 20 units of low-cost 1988, it was obvious that the housing. 61 Fernwood Road facility was too small, and was unsuitable for the In January 1989, the additional service that were required. expenditure of $520,000 for site The open dormitories were not acquisition and planning for a new popular with clients and could lead to Cool Aid building was approved by one person with nightmares or the Capital Regional Hospital District hallucinations keeping the whole Board, subject to cost-sharing by the dormitory awake at night. 59 As well, provincial government. Board Chair there was a desire to provide low Murray Coell said “the expenditure cost housing on a permanent basis, roughly breaks down to $413,000 for not possible at the small site. land acquisition, $80,000 for Funding was expected to come from architect’s fees, and $17,000 for a variety of sources. other administrative costs.” He said the Cool Aid Society helps people On September 21, 1988, who fall through the cracks in Labour and Consumer Minister Lyall existing health and social care Hanson announced a $78,000 system. 62

33 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

would make the organization unique In April 1989 the Province of in Canada. He added, “the centre will BC approved in principle its 60% have 55 emergency shelter beds in share of the cost of the new facility. 63 two- and three-bed rooms, instead of Cool Aid was now able to look for an the current warehouse-style appropriate site in the downtown dormitories in the current shelter”. area as they had been reluctant to The medical on the main floor and do so before confirmation of funding. large “interior street” prevented the In June Gwyn Simmons was hired as indignity of clients having to line up project manager to find a suitable on the street for food and beds. On site for the new shelter. Cool Aid the top two floors were 25 one- acquired a six-months option on land bedroom apartments and one on Swift Street and profiled 50 bachelor apartment, available for clients in a bid for funding for people ready for independent living. completion of the project. Funding The units were to rent for 30% of a came from BC Housing and other tenant’s income. The CRD was agencies. On December 15, 1989 initially going to pay for part of the Social Services Minister Peter Dueck building, but it was discovered that announced that a former meat- funding could come through BC packing plant on Store Street would Housing Management Commission be the new home of Streetlink and from the provincial and federal other Cool Aid services. He said, governments, so the CRD paid for “Cool Aid provides food and shelter – furniture and fixtures instead. the most basic of human needs – but it also offers opportunities to grow in The three-level Gainer’s other areas of their lives once the building, designed in Chicago and basic needs are satisfied. It helps built in 1925, was seen by project people make positive changes in manager Gwyn Simmons as “a good their lives.” 64 example of recycling an existing building. It’s a good model for other In addition to the contribution buildings like this in the city.” 65 On for the new structure, the province February 15, 1991, the new agreed to provide $1 million in Streetlink building opened its doors, annual operating funds through the followed by a night-long community Social Services, Housing, Health and celebration and a celebrity “sleep- Labour and Consumer Services over” to help raise funds. Invitations ministries. Cool Aid Society chair were sent to people in all levels of David Poje noted that the expanded government and those who had services offered in the new building been involved with the new building.

34 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

It cost $60 to attend the celebration with these guys for almost five years or $100 if the invitee wanted to stay and now I have a sense of giving the night. The new facility also had a them something wonderful.” Of kitchen facility capable of serving course, these apartments would not three meals a days to 100 people, bring an end to homelessness, as and a professional chef was hired to the numbers continued to rise, but it manage this new kitchen. The new was a positive start. According to residents of the apartments renamed former Executive Director Jane their home “Swift House”. For some Dewing, “The Streetlink Building was clients, it would be the first real a benchmark in Cool Aid’s evolution homes they had known in years. The as it was a purpose-built shelter. apartments all had new kitchens and From there Cool Aid moved from one bathrooms, brand-new carpets and a housing project to another. They variety of designs. Outreach worker were able to tap into an increase in Trudy Norman noted, “I have worked alternative funding.” 66

35 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The 1990s

36 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

John Crean, current Manager first brush with homelessness of Housing, had joined Cool Aid in in North America. On his return to 1990. He had had an on again, off Victoria, he reconnected with a friend again relationship with Cool Aid from who was doing a practicum with Cool the Vancouver days. He was then, Aid. The friend told John that Cool like many youth of the time, travelling Aid was making a transition to the to broaden his horizons. Unlike downtown core and wondered if he many, he had a vehicle and perhaps would be interested in coming to a bit more funds, so would pick up Cool Aid to contribute in any way he hitchhikers and drop them off at the could. He was hired at that point and Vancouver Cool Aid. His travels led helped during the transition to him to San Francisco during the downtown and has been with Cool earthquake where he experienced Aid ever since. John’s major task in first hand the homelessness in the the early days was to develop the Bay Area. He had seen housing model that is still being homelessness all over the world in used. All tenants are involved in the third-world countries, but this was his operation of their buildings in a system where the hierarchical structure is broken down as much as possible. There are several benefits to this system: tenants take pride in their surroundings because they are involved in the decision-making process, security in the building is as tenants watch out for each other, and you need fewer staff resources

as the tenants are your eyes and ears. According to John Crean, “not to involve tenants would be a very expensive way to run a housing program.” 67

Also in 1991, Cool Aid began its housing research project and developed a critical incident stress John Crean, Manager of Housing, outside team. By September, they took on Cool Aid's first supportive housing project. the Blenkinsop residential program. Cool Aid archives In early 1992, merchants in the

37 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid vicinity of the Streetlink facility 1,500 people, and 670 people have complained about the effect of unruly been turned away because of lack of people on their businesses. Manager space. About one-third of each Phil Ward advised that many of month we are full and having to turn those congregating in that location people away. And that’s fairly had nothing to do with Cool Aid serious because we are supposed to where there are strict rules. A series be an emergency shelter, and when of meetings with merchants and Cool we are full we don’t function as an Aid staff diffused the difficult emergency shelter.” 69 He noted that situation. A May 1992 article in Focus the lack of affordable housing in the on Women told the stories of city is contributing to the problem homeless women and the unique and that more housing like Swift problems they face. At Streetlink, House was desperately needed. there were 4 men to every woman who used the shelter. Of the women, 40% were mentally ill or disabled, 40% were battered and 20% were drug or alcohol dependent or prostitutes.” 68 There was nothing for the women with children. Outreach worker Trudy Norman commented, “Many of the women have a hard time dealing with men, never mind Employment services, Times Colonist, subjecting their children. They’ve February 25, 1993 been harassed or battered.” Greater Victoria Public Library clipping file Streetlink had a separate 10-bed In early 1993, Cool Aid began facility for women but it was not administration of a six-month pilot enough. Increased Health funding project funded by the Social Services meant that the lifeskills position at Ministry. The Cool Aid Employment Swift House doubled to 20 hours per Services provided the only casual week. However, the shelters were labour pool in Victoria. The services filled to overflowing by September. which aimed to help people who Streetlink Manager Phil Ward were finding it difficult to re-enter the reported a sudden 21% increase workforce – the homeless, single early in the month; 39 people were parents, ex-offenders and turned away to seek other immigrants – also helped find clothes accommodation. He added, and provided support to new workers “Streetlink provided 24,063 bed as they adjusted to the workplace. A nights in the last year to more than

38 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Society Services spokesman said he services offered by the Society along was encouraged by the apparent with a starting date for each that success of the project. “It was a bit of illustrated the diversity of the an experiment and we had no programs and the continuous years certainty at all how successful it of service. 71 would be,” he said. 70 By July it was established as a full time program. In February 1994, Cool Aid was the subject of a Cover Story in Cool Aid celebrated its 25 th the local Pennysaver publication. This Anniversary on June 25, 1993 with a 4-page spread with many Gala Evening at the Belfry Theatre, photographs offered the public a its former home. Following a short change to “Get to know us!” Cool Aid was noted as the “bottom line in the social safety net.” There was a brief history of the organization and an outline of the eight programs that made up Cool Aid: • Streetlink: For many, the last refuge • Outreach: A human bridge for the homeless • Cool Aid Employment Services: Putting workers and employers together • Daycare: A safe and nurturing place for children to go • Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter: A safe place for young people to go • Swift House: Safe, Program from Victoria Cool Aid's 25th supported and affordable Anniversary. Cool Aid archives housing • Fernwood Group Home: history of the society and short Helping mentally ill people speeches by politicians, guests make a home for enjoyed a comedy act and dancing themselves 72 to Doc and the Doo-Wops. The printed program outlined the many

39 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Victoria’s emergency shelters, and many women felt neither comfortable nor safe there.

In 1997, through a community development process, it was decided that the facility should be managed by Cool Aid, which now contracts Brochure for Cool Aid Daycare services. Cool Aid archives with the Ministry of Human Resources to operate the shelter and This media coverage meant drop-in. The site is owned by the that the work of Cool Aid was Provincial Rental Housing presented to a much wider audience Corporation and was built and is and illustrated just how far the maintained by BC Housing. The organization had come in their first program provides fifteen shelter quarter century. Members of the beds for women, meals, basic public were offered opportunities to needs, crisis intervention, volunteer or donate much-needed counseling, referrals, medication and money. general support. It is open throughout the day for drop-in Sandy Merriman House services and for shelter stays of up started as an emergency shelter to seven days. program of the Women’s Shelter Society in 1995. Sandy Merriman was a young woman in her 20s, fighting addictions and living on welfare, when she took up a hammer along with 14 other ex-street women in 1995 to help reconstruct the home that now bears her name. During the construction process, she accidentally died of an overdose just when it appeared she was turning Sandy Merriman House, operated by Cool her life around. Until the project was Aid. Cool Aid archives launched through a government- funded program, training women in In September 1995 Victoria construction work, there was no safe City Council gave approval for social place for homeless women to go. housing on Pandora Avenue. The Men had typically dominated Salvation Army who was in the

40 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid process of building a new Citadel at Christmas Hill owned the land. Once an agreement in principle was reached, the Salvation Army was willing to wait while funding was youth units and as a result, the secured. The cornerstone was YM/YWCA assumed responsibility removed in a public ceremony and for them. Also in 1995, the Cool Aid saved for reinstallation in the Group Home moved to Garden Salvation Army’s new facility. Street and changed its name to Garden Gate Residence. Salvation Army Citadel, Pandora Avenue, before sale to Cool Aid. Hallmark Society Archives By March 1996, Cool Aid needed more funds to complete the Pandora Project and issued a public appeal for help. $3.8 million in funding had come from the BC Housing Management Commission, with the City of Victoria providing $50,000 toward the gymnasium, and $75,000 from the Vancouver

Mayor Bob Cross andMLA Gretchen Brewin Foundation. Money was still needed assist in the removal of the original for furnish the apartments and to cornerstone. Cool Aid archives equip the community centre which was expected to be used by more The building was to contain than 200 people a day. Construction 32 affordable housing units for was due to begin in August with adults, eight short-term units for completion by April 1997. The youth and an activity centre. The project was modeled on Swift House youth project was originally to be a where there was a waiting list of collaboration between the Victoria more than 60 people. 73 Swift House Youth Empowerment Society and Manager John Crean noted that Cool Aid to purchase and co-locate many Swift House residents had their services. In the end, it was not gone on to “stabilize their lives.” 74 a fit with VYES but Cool Aid built the The BC Real Estate Foundation youth units anyway. They worked donated $300,000 and provided a with the City of Victoria to fund a one-year $136,000 interest-free loan, paid position for Nina Cox to pending approval of an application coordinate downtown community for a BC 21 grant. Further good activities. Cool Aid tendered the news was received in April 1996

41 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

the facility expected to open before winter 1997. In March 1997, it was reported that the City of Victoria had asked Cool Aid to consider putting in some computer terminals in the new centre to provide internet access for its users. The Oak Bay/Greater Victoria 1988 Summer Games legacy donated $3,988 to go toward buying team sports equipment. The facility opened in late 1997.

On November 17, 1998 the Pandora Project won an award from the Victoria Real Estate Board under the Investment Category, multi- family.

One of the projects of 1997 was the Victoria Cool Aid Community Tapestry. Completed in the fall, it was the vision of a group of Vancouver Island weavers called

TAPIS. The design was influenced

The components of the Pandora Project - top: the housing units, middle: the Downtown Community Activity Centre, bottom: the interior of the Activity Centre. Cool Aid archives when Cool Aid did receive a grant of $134,000 from the BC 21 The Cool Aid Community Tapestry. Community Projects to help cover Cool Aid archives the costs of the activity centre. 75 The ground-breaking ceremony took by the contributions of residents and place on November 12, 1996 with staff of Swift House. The weaving itself was a community effort with a

42 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid total of 93 individuals actually quick reduction of debt and working on the tapestry during the subsequently to increase over 1,300 hours of its creation. The revenues available to finance finished tapestry now hangs in the public services Administration Office. • with this significant scale of financing, the federal Social issues were receiving government would negotiate more coverage in the mainstream with the provinces for the media. In January 1999, Tom Kent operation of child centres released a federal report entitled providing early childhood care “Social Policy 2000, An Agenda” that and development, accessible called for an overhaul in social for all children irrespective of programs. Kent, who played a key parental income 76 role in shaping the policies of the Liberal party during its 1957-63 This was followed by a call by opposition years and, as Policy Cool Aid Executive Director Jane Secretary to the Prime Minister and Dewing for the need to address the a Deputy Minister, was equally active major cause of poor health – in the implementation of those poverty. For every dollar spent on policies - including Medicare - by the feeding the poor, there was a Pearson government, presented his significant reduction in medical suggestions for improvement. costs. Canada’s first in-depth study Among the ideas were: correlating income status and • A new funding formula for medical treatment undertaken by the Medicare that would increase Manitoba Centre for Health Policy Ottawa’s cost to 25% showed that for every 100 deaths in • Broad-based income tax the highest socio-economic layer, cuts by increasing the there were 140 deaths in the lowest personal exemption and layer and 160 in the second lower raising tax brackets to help layer. In other words, poorer the poor Canadians were dying at a much • replacement of the present higher rate than wealthy Canadians. child care expense deduction She went on to add that social by a refundable tax credit, on agencies like Cool Aid need a sliding scale related to adequate funding to prevent the income, to a maximum of most vulnerable people from early $7,000 a year per child; same death. In particular, she stressed the rates as earnings, initially need to adequately feed children so using the proceeds chiefly for they could be expected to live a full

43 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid life. 77 Slowly, social programs were justice. Cool Aid established the focusing on younger people and the Mike Gidora Vision Fund in his needs for earlier intervention in memory to help finance leading-edge problem cases. social projects. 78 One Cool Aid Board member wrote a touching The Resource Education, tribute that read, in part: Evaluation and Support Network was established in 1999. Started by “Every now and then people living with mental illness, and someone comes into your life who based near the Eric Martin Pavilion changes you. Sometimes you don’t on Lee Avenue, REES’s approach even know that it is happening.… He was based on the idea that people worked for the poorest of the poor. with mental illness and addictions He leaves all who knew him richer can make important contributions to for the experience. I haven’t begun the system that supports them. Cool to miss him yet as I am sure that I Aid used a co-operative, recovery- can still pick up the phone and “just based approach to help reduce the call Mike” From so many people, 79 isolation from community, friends such a big THANK YOU.” and family that is often a result of mental illness and addictions. They On October 12, 1999, it was work in partnership with families and announced the Cool Aid’s new 45- professionals to enhance the lives of unit affordable housing project at 749 people with mental illnesses or Pandora Avenue would be named addictions. Services and programs Mike Gidora Place to honour his include: the Resource Centre, memory. At an official ground- Conferences and Workshops, breaking ceremony, Cool Aid Outreach, Peer Linking, and Mentor Director Tom Moore welcomed guest Programs, and the Community speakers including major funders Casual Labour Pool. and representatives from the Cool Aid was saddened by provincial and municipal the death of their Manager of government. Mike’s widow, Irene Finances and Administration Mike Haigh-Gidora spoke of her husband Gidora on June 6, 1999. In four short and his passion for social causes, years with Cool Aid, Mike had noting “This particular project become a valuable cog in the wheel. encompasses many of the things 80 Described as “warm, very that Mike believed in.” It was also compassionate, and very announced that a Time Capsule passionate,” he felt very strongly would be placed in the new building. about peace, poverty and social This project involved fifteen

44 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid subsidized units with the remainder Economic Security said the province at market for low-income clients. decided to cover the housing project mortgage payment after looking at how much of a need there is for affordable housing in the downtown. 82 The project was officially opened in August 2000. Cool Aid’s Administration Services moved from Swift Street to Mike Gidora Place when it opened, freeing space for the medical clinic. In addition, subsequent funding from VIHA and BC Housing has since allowed for 24-hour staffing and rent subsidies for each of the tenants.

In a December 20, 1999 Times Colonist, October 13, 1999 article, the programs of Cool Aid were detailed. The article begins with Several partners worked “Every day hundreds of needy together to finance the project: Victorians from toddlers to Canada Mortgage and Housing gave octogenarians, rely on the Cool Aid an $18,000 grant, Pacific Coast Society to help them with services Credit Union provided a $2-million ranging from the essentials of life to first mortgage and a $3000,000 line recreation.” Executive Director Jane of credit while the Real Estate Dewing noted “The Cool Aid vision is Foundation provided a second a just, healthy quality of life for all – a mortgage of $3000,000 and a grant. tall order for an organization doping The City of Victoria transferred with some of those to whom life has adjacent land to permit project size dealt a lousy hand.” The article then and BC Housing gave 15-year listed the various services available operating grant totaling $375,000. and acknowledged the difficulty of Though the suites are small, fund-raising, while acknowledging available space and light are the contribution of the United Way to maximized very effectively and the the Downtown Activity Centre which building contains several provided much needed recreation amenities. 81 MLA Moe Sihota, programs for those who could not Minister of Social Development and afford to pay. 83

45 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The New Century

46 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

A new project providing low- Real Estate Foundation of BC cost accommodation with supports provided a $40,000 grant. MLA for those with persistent mental Gretchen Mann Brewin said the illnesses and addictions was province was committed to providing announced in October 2000. Sod money for social housing even when was turned at 1149 Johnson Street most other provinces had stopped. for a three-storey apartment building John Crean, Cool Aid Manager of in the form of a large manor house. Housing, committed to working with Forensic Psychiatric Services the neighbours and ensuring that the Commission (funded through the surrounding neighbourhood would Attorney General’s Department) had not be negatively impacted by any of exposure to Cool Aid’s services the tenants’ behaviour. In addition, through the outreach project. Cool the building would be staffed 24 Aid formed a working group to look hours a day with professional for a property close to downtown. Resident Support Workers. 84 They found a site with three Johnson Manor opened on dilapidated buildings with needles December 1, 2001. strewn around. Their idea was to build a structure that fit into the New funding from the neighbourhood to help those with provincial government’s health action mental health and addiction issues to plan expanded the Swift Street get healthy and move on. Medical Clinic into a multi-services Community Health Centre in December 2000. Premier Ujjal Dosanijh made the announcement of the additional $900,000 to allow the clinic to expand its staff, services, and hours of operation. The funding allowed the clinic to add to the health care team with new medical, nursing, dental, nutrition, acupuncture, and Groundbreaking for Johnson Manor, MLA Jeff Bray on right. Cool Aid archives pharmacy services. The hours of service were expanded to include BC Housing committed $2.58 three evenings a week and 85 million in construction money, the Saturdays.” Irene Haigh-Gidora Ministry of Health provided $109,000 was hired on contract to do the for amenities and committed to project managing of the transition of annual funding of $409,000 and the the medical services at the clinic into

47 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid the Downtown Community Health which offers support services to Centre. She has overseen the those aged 55 and up was development of the health services established as an interim service ever since, as Manager of Cool Aid while a seniors housing project was Health Services. She notes that Cool being built, but Outreach staff Aid has kept in touch with the planned to continue the program as changing needs and the changing it focused on older clients who focus of the downtown population generally “fall through the cracks.” 88 and, as such, has been able to meet those needs in their programming. 86 Cool Aid Employment Services had a very busy year in Of interest to Cool Aid in 2000 2000-01. With an average of 74 was the presentation of the Denise clients a month and hundreds of jobs LeBlond Memorial Award to filed annually, they were full of Executive Director Jane Dewing. The success stories. The Downtown award was given because “Jane has Community Activity Centre was made a major contribution to the being fully used with a dramatic provision of affordable housing in increase in use from the prior year. Victoria. She demonstrates Open seven days a week, it was outstanding leadership, which has used by close to 3,000 people a translated into both new buildings month. Among the programs offered and services, making a difference in were dance, drop-in sports, households in housing needs in the kindergym, kid’s birthday parties, community.” 87 The award honoured music lessons and jam sessions, Denise LeBlond who was a strong drop-in socialization, theater groups, supporter of the BC Non-profit language classes, and the Pandora Housing Association and worked Patio Café. The Centre worked with tirelessly to keep non-profit housing the community to develop, provide, on the national agenda, to develop and support the programs the new housing programs for BC, and community wants, not what they to advocate for affordable housing think they want. The Cool Aid issues on a community level. Daycare was now seeing the second generation of children. Low Additions to the Outreach enrolment was a problem, caused by programs in 2000 included Alcohol the cost of daycare, a lower birth and Drug Services, Forensic rate, and too many daycares in the Outreach, Supportive Recovery, area. Housing Outreach, and Seniors Outreach. The Seniors Outreach Recognizing the phenomenal

48 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid growth of Cool Aid and the process, Executive Director Jane challenges that growth presents, the Dewing and John Crean, Manager of Cool Aid Board of Directors formed Housing Services went to coffee in the Cool Aid Foundation to respond Langford and met on a casual basis to the increasing need to raise with Mayor Stew Young. Due to this money from sources other than personal contact, they received governments. The Foundation’s approval for a parking variance, primary purpose is so assist the which was the final hurdle in the Victoria Cool Aid Society through the approval process. There was a long development of long term, list of supporters that made this sustainable, alternative revenue. project possible - the Vancouver Among the events being considered Island Health Authority provided were: an annual campaign, funding for staffing, BC Housing fundraising events, a planned giving funded the construction and on- program and a golf tournament. 89 going maintenance, the Federal Government assisted with capital Further provincial cuts to the funding, and the CRD was welfare program were felt by all instrumental in pulling all the players street agencies, including Cool Aid. together. The facility opened August Demand was up at Streetlink Shelter 1, 2003. 90 with 20 to 25 people being turned away every night. An increase in the use of dangerous drugs like crystal methamphetamine exacerbated the problems. Social agencies also had some of their funding cut so, at a time when their services were needed more than ever, they did not have adequate resources. FairWay Woods, the first project outside

downtown Victoria and Fernwood. On the positive side, Cool Aid archives construction began on the first Cool Aid housing program outside Victoria CMHC commissioned a brief - in Langford - on land owned by the case study on the Fairway Woods Health Authority. Fairway Woods project, followed in 2007 with an in- was designed to provide housing for depth study authored by Nancy adults 55 plus who face the added Gnaedinger, which identified the burden of aging and the problems program as a best practice model for that brings. During the approval housing seniors. 91

49 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

impossible, the structure was 2002 was a year of reflection changed to three managers, each and reassessment of priorities for with responsibility for one of Cool Cool Aid. Faced with funding cuts Aid’s core functions – shelters, and an increased demand for housing and health care. Before the service, the organization had to changes, staff had to do everything. make very tough decisions . The With the growing size of projects – Board reaffirmed its mandate of there were three large construction providing shelter, housing, and projects underway – it was community health services and impossible to manage them “off the realized that some of their existing side of your desk.” 93 According to programs did not fit the new Andrew Benson, current board definition. As a result, the Cool Aid member, “the last 6 or 7 years have Daycare was closed and the Kiwanis really been about Cool Aid adjusting Emergency Youth Centre was to the problems and the size of the transitioned to the Victoria Youth problems in the Capital Region and Empowerment Society. 92 Cool Aid working very closely with a large Employment Services lost its funding number of stakeholders to ensure and was closed at the end of that we are always meeting the November 2002. In January 2003 needs of the community of the supportive recovery services was people that we serve that are most transferred from Victoria Cool Aid disadvantaged, but also Society to Drug Alcohol Recovery understanding our place as well. Services that became part of VIHA Things that the current leadership on March 31, 2003. As Coordinator team has put in place and is still in of Community Support Trudy the whole organization is that there Norman noted in her annual report, is a clear role for Cool Aid and there “our funder said it was because we is a clear role for the partners with did such a good job in highlighting which we work and we cannot be all and developing supportive recovery things to all people.” The services that VIHA felt the service reorganization was another step in should sit within the Health the way to the maturity of the Authority.” organization. Cool Aid continues to grow – at about four times what it The entire management was at the start of the transition – structure was changed at this time and needs a very sophisticated as well. Rather than eleven or twelve management strategy. Carol Finney managers reporting to the Executive was hired as CEO – and a change Director – making her job almost agent – during this very tumultuous

50 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid time. Once the changes had been developing, as a community, made, she would leave to pursue business, special agencies and other interests. consumers, strategies to improve safety, livability, and service delivery In 2003, Cool Aid played a in the downtown. 94 major role in the report “Social Agencies in the Red Zone” In February 2004, Cool Aid presented by the Downtown Service was one of the authors of a Providers Group. Representatives of comprehensive report on health care several agencies serving the entitled “Integrated Health Services homeless formed the Downtown for a High-Risk Population,” Irene Service Providers in April 2003. In Haigh-Gidora, Cool Aid’s Manager of May 2003 two representatives of the Community Health Services worked Greater Victoria Chamber of with Michael Gotto, Project Manager, Commerce, Street Issues Liaison Community Health Program, Committee joined the group. The Vancouver Island Health Authority, purpose was to identify the services and Alice Taft, Area Director, South provided by the social agencies, Island, Primary & Community agency mandates, gaps, solutions Hospital Care and Acting Director, and resources required to address Mental Health and Addictions the emerging social issues in the Services, Vancouver Island Health downtown core. Nineteen agencies Authority. As noted in the executive in the Red Zone were surveyed in summary, “This article describes an May and June. The report identified innovative model of primary health the following as issues in the care delivery, developed to meet the downtown core for the homeless and unique needs of those least likely to gaps that need to be addressed: access the health care system The • lack of safe, affordable Cool Aid Community Health Centre housing, offers comprehensive, integrated • lack of mental health and health services for an inner-city addictions treatment and population struggling with mental support services, illnesses, addictions and dire • unemployment, and poverty. The authors describe the • lack of coordination and multidisciplinary services that collaboration among social comprise a continuum of care and service providers the challenges in establishing performance measurements to The paper ended with a call to demonstrate accountability.” 95 Among action and taking the next steps by the topics discussed are the

51 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid background to, and the development to create housing affordability for of, the Cool Aid Community Health seniors and other groups in our Centre noting the specific goals and region.” 97 the multi-disciplinary team that provided the services. The report Planning began for a seniors also noted “the CHC provides an housing program adjacent to the unique opportunity for research of Aberdeen Private Hospital. Hillside critical population health issues Terrace, an Assisted Living project among marginalized, hard-to-access developed in partnership with BC groups.” 96 Housing and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, was intended to 2004 was also a year of house seniors who have difficulty recognition for excellence for a Cool fitting into regular housing situations Aid project. Fairway Woods, the and need a higher level of care. seniors housing complex located in VIHA would provide the personal Langford, captured three Gold CARE medical care, while Cool Aid would Awards for Cottage Grove provide the housing component and Contracting Ltd. at the 2004 CARE would also facilitate community Awards held at the Fairmont development within the building. This Empress Hotel. Fairway Woods, a project became a somewhat divisive 32-unit, special needs project, won issue for the board who began to Project of the Year, Best Multi- wonder “are we overextended?” Family Development, and Excellence Groundbreaking was held in by Public/Private Partnerships September 2004 with completion Creating Housing Affordability. The scheduled for February 2006. project was a joint venture involving the Canada-BC Affordable Housing In November 2004, the REES Program, BC Housing, Vancouver network program moved from its Island Health Authority, Victoria Cool location adjacent to the Eric Martin Aid Society, and Cottage Grove Pavilion on Lee Street to Pandora Contracting Ltd. “The judges were Avenue, locating its office closer to very impressed by this innovative other Cool Aid services. In the new seniors project undertaken by location, from where it could better Cottage Grove Contracting Ltd. and serve its clients, REES noted a their partners,” said Casey Edge, significant increase in the number of Executive Officer of the Canadian people accessing its services on a Home Builders’ Association-Victoria. monthly basis. “The Fairway Woods project demonstrates the solutions required During the winter of 2004,

52 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Cool Aid participated in the Cold Wet the community and on the Weather strategy with other health of individuals. agencies, and increase shelter • there remains a civic capacity by 25 beds from September commitment to increase the to April. Don McTavish tells how this quality of life for all citizens by came about. “It was cold, we had promoting and advocating for done everything here that we could supported housing for the and when I got home that afternoon homeless. Mayor Lowe phoned and said: “Hey we’ve got a lot of people out there on Cool Aid carried a preliminary the street and we know the shelters survey in 2004 that showed that Cool are full. I managed to open this old Aid served 3,400 clients in the first 6 building that we have that is slated months of 2004, compared to just for demolition – The Silver Threads 1,700 in all of 2003. Staff at the Building – if I provide a medical clinic treated about 1,200 commissionaire can you provide people every two weeks, about two- some staff and we’ll get some mats thirds of which are either HIV- and some blankets and we’ll sleep positive or have Hepatitis C. The people inside.” We said all right we’ll problem was exacerbated by cuts to do what we can. So we came down the welfare system by the new and the City, the Police, Emergency Liberal government; those who could Services and ourselves got together no longer afford housing turned to and opened that up for a few weeks Cool Aid for help, overextending and then moved those mats here to facilities. Cool Aid provided Streetlink. That started the ball information on the homeless problem rolling with having those additional to a task force created by Premier spaces here in winter and then Campbell to study the situation. On eventually those spaces became January 15, 2005, more than 150 year round. “ 98 Also, in 2004 the City community volunteers walked the of Victoria, along with 9 other city’s streets to count Victoria’s municipalities in the Greater Victoria homeless. Forty-three routes area, proclaimed January 15 encompassing three municipalities ‘Homeless Day’. Together, the were surveyed, and geographical municipalities agreed to the maps of homeless districts were following: created to assist volunteers. On • It is recognized that the anight when temperatures dropped number of homeless is to -10C, 168 people were found increasing and having a sleeping outside in the freezing negative effect on the heath of temperatures, and another 500,

53 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid including more than 100 children and managers and is their only link to the parents, were found in emergency Board of Directors. Together with the shelters and roadside motels Board and the management team, throughout the city. 99 The results of she develops the strategic plan for this survey presented a chilling the organization. She is involved in picture of just how serious the all aspects of the organization, problem of homeless was – with at human resources, finances, liaising least 700 absolute homeless people with the communities and is the face in Victoria on that day; this no doubt of the organization with the media. shocked many citizens. She works with funders for all of the major programs. She also sits on the The Community Casual Committee to End Homelessness Labour Pool, a free service that and thinks that Cool Aid, because it matches employers with workers has so many fundamental services, looking for short term, casual is in a unique position to be a leader positions, was established in the in this area. downtown core in 2005. It was located in the REES Network centre, In July 2005, the Cool Aid which provides access to computers, family was saddened by the untimely fax, copier, local phone and death of Laurie Smith. As Dr. newspapers. In the first few months Charles Barber wrote in a tribute, in operation after the move, the “When he died at 64 in early July, number of clients increased the name Laurie Smith was largely significantly. 100 forgotten. But those who today benefit from Cool Aid, and in Current Executive Director particular its extraordinary medical Kathy Stinson was hired in April services, could do worse than pause 2005 as Manager of Operations – a a moment in his honour.” 102 Editions new position. Not long after she was of Cool News , the Victoria Cool Aid hired, CEO Carol Finney resigned Society Employee Newspaper, and Kathy was hired as Interim continued to remind employees of Executive Director, then confirmed in the history of the organization with the position in the fall. She notes, different articles and clippings from “We did not replace the position I the archival collection. had been brought in as. We did not feel it was necessary for the In 2005, the focus of Cool Aid requirements of the organization.” 101 turned to leveraging its capabilities She works with the three program and experience to forge strategic managers and administration partnerships that responded to the

54 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid need for change in how social space to operate the Hillside Seniors services are delivered. Cool Aid and Health Centre on the main floor. The AIDS Vancouver Island pooled their housing portion of the building limited resources to acquire the includes terraces on the second and former Bingo Hall property at 713 third floors, a common dining area Johnson Street for the future home where 2 daily meals are served, a of the ACCESS Health Services library and a TV room. Tenants Centre. This venture was made benefit from weekly housekeeping possible by a significant donation by services as well as 24/7 access to the former owner and the support of Home Support and Resident Support VanCity Credit Union. The new staff. The building is located on centre will centralize health care and major bus routes and within a short support services under one roof. It walk of a large shopping centre. will benefit the community through Apartments are all one-bedroom reduced demands on emergency suites with full kitchens and good and acute care services and a accessibility and safety features. reduction in transmitted Four suites are purpose built for diseases. 103 In a spirit of cooperation, wheelchair use. Scooter storage is Cool Aid provided a temporary home available in the basement, or they for the Our Place drop in centre may be stored inside suites. Limited while construction was being short-term visitor parking is available completed on their new facility. They on site. 104 moved in January 2006 and operated their services from 713 An affiliation between the Pandora until fall 2007. Without the Cool Aid Dental Clinic and the UBC support of Cool Aid, Our Place would Faculty of Dentistry made possible a most likely not have had a home and resident dentist joining the Cool Aid their services could have been lost. team from October 2005 to February Cool Aid continues to work together 2006. He worked with Cool Aid staff with all groups who help the and also traveled to Beecher Bay disadvantaged. and Port Renfrew with the Mobile Medical Clinic. 105 This relationship In January 2006, Hillside will bring new dentists each year, Terrace was completed after five gaining them valuable experience years of planning and a year of under difficult conditions. construction. In a unique partnership arrangement, Cool Aid operates the In January 2006, Cool Aid 45 Assisted Living housing units on became managers of Cedar Grove, the upper floors, with VIHA leasing 21 units of safe, affordable housing

55 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid for people who are managing chronic addiction and mental health issues. The addition of a functional meeting space has enhanced the sense of community; tenants also help with gardening and maintenance, giving them a sense of accomplishment. By implementing the Cool Aid Housing model, the frontline staff quickly established trust and mutual respect "Homeless in the Garden City calendar, with the tenants and diffused issues 2006. Cool Aid archives that were previously the subject of numerous complaints from lead role with the communication neighbours and calls to emergency and decision making. In August services. 2006, Victoria Police approached the shelter program to consider a special A major community based partnership. The result was the project for 2005-2006 was the opening of St. John the Divine “Homeless in the Garden City temporary shelter for the six weeks Calendar” project, produced by leading into the Cold/Wet Weather Leadership Victoria. The Shelter program. Dubbed the “Divine Program encouraged their clients to Intervention,” the emergency shelter take photographs that had personal provided a meaningful link to Cool meaning to them. Once all Aid’s history as St. John’s had photographs were taken, a panel provided a similar service in the early chose the ones that would be in the years and had been supportive in the 16-month calendar. A launch event intervening time. was held at the Canoe Club Brew Pub and Restaurant with federal Cool Aid sponsored the NDP leader Jack Layton, long an Victoria Homeless Needs Survey, advocate for the homeless, giving an February 5-9, 2007. Among the impassioned keynote address. This objectives of this project were project put a human face to the determining what it will take to give homeless problem and the media those who are homeless the services coverage brought the issue to the and housing that they need; public consciousness. providing supportive research for Cool Aid shelters were again effective research for effective policy an integral participant in the Extreme development, service planning and Weather Protocol. Cool Aid took the fund development for all participating

56 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid agencies; raising public and people who are often referred to as community awareness of the “hard to house” but it was also homelessness; building upon helping many of those people to communication and partnerships return to the greater community.“… between service providers, business People who have bounced from and government regarding institution to institution all their lives homelessness’ and producing a have been able to live with us for a current estimate of how many people long time. These are people who are homeless in our region.” 106 would otherwise be sleeping under a bridge or in emergency shelters. The survey found that more Others have stabilized to the point of than 1,242 people in the Capital being able to move on.” 109 Region are homeless or nearly homeless. Homeless was defined as The latest addition to the Cool “being without a predictable, clean, Aid shelter system is the Next Steps safe residence to return to whenever Transitional Shelter. Located at 2317 one chooses.” 107 Dowler Place in North Park, it provides an opportunity for Desmond House was added emergency shelter clients to access to the Cool Aid housing program in the resources and services they March 2007. Purchased by BC need to get their lives back on track. Housing in an effort to preserve Such services include housing, existing rental housing stock, it employment, financial, life skills, and provides 27 single room units with mentorship, as well as physical and shared kitchens, bathrooms, laundry mental health services. The intent is and showers. There are also living for the clients to make a successful room-style meeting areas on each transition from homelessness to floor. One Cool Aid staff member stable housing. Cool Aid staff work works full-time to support the tenants closely with individual participants to to live independently. A strong develop personal action plans community spirit is exuded by the designed to help them move to a tenants, many of whom contribute by better place to live their lives. There performing daily janitorial duties or is a maximum of fifteen individuals preparing coffee or food for their (mixed gender) staying in the house neighbours. 108 at any time, with the length of stay from 30 to 90 days. Participants As noted in the 2006-2007 must be involved daily in the annual report, the housing program operation and upkeep of the house was not just providing shelter to the and grounds as well as in the

57 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid progression of their individual action between the ages of 15 and 20. He plans. The Next Steps program is was inspired by the Streetlink Shelter funded by BC Housing and the that took care of him in 1991. He United Way of Greater Victoria. 110 stayed at Streetlink until he was back on his feet, eventually going to The new co-ordinator of the University for a degree in geography extreme weather protocol for the City and psychology. He has worked with of Victoria was a Cool Aid success Streetlink and volunteered during the story. He grew up in a family that Homeless Needs survey. 111 struggled a lot; he lived on the street

58 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

The Current Situation

59 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

In 2008, Cool Aid is engaged Youth Council met at 1527 Amelia in fundraising for the ACCESS Street for a private celebration of the Health Centre. Plans are being success of their “little” project. This is drawn up to convert the former one of the few CYC projects that has William James Mable Carriage survived. Lynn Curtis, who was Works to a comprehensive health instrumental in the original group, care facility. Victoria City Council has has always believed that “being given permission for the construction persistent and working hard makes of a new shelter on the former Ellice thing happen.” Street Park site. This new facility will replace the overcrowded Streetlink A very public celebration of facility as an emergency shelter and the anniversary was held at will provide 80-beds along with 24 Centennial Square on August 16, self-contained supported housing 2008. The poster advertising the arts units. Once the Ellice Street facility is festival and reunion was designed by complete, Streetlink will be another Cool Aid success. Tony Van converted to much-needed Deven was helped at Streetlink and supportive housing. through programs there discovered he had a talent for art. He was also one of the artists featured at the Arts Pavilion. On the main stage, an eclectic mix of musical styles entertained visitors. Cool Aid provided brown bag lunches intended to nourish as well as provide education on nutrition and homelessness. In the kid’s area, ACCESS site, centre left of photograph. young people could have their faces Helen Edwards photograph painted or do their own art. A historical display guaranteed to bring back memories was set up beside the volunteers ready to answer

questions. The most unusual activity was the “Doggy Idol” hosted by Citizen Canine. Dogs of all sizes and On the 40 th anniversary of the shapes appeared with their owners formation of Cool Aid, some of the and were entered in fun original members of the Victoria categories.Cool Aid staff member

60 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Mike Raymer and his toy poodle Aid has formed partnerships with Little Buddha were the winners of the funders, the community, the police, “Owner most like dog” category. 112 governments, corporations, and A short documentary detailing the private citizens to carry out its history of Cool Aid will be screened mandate “To provide holistic, shelter, in 2009. housing and community health services to marginalized adults in the Victoria area.” 113

There are three distinct program areas of Cool Aid, each run by one manager. Cool Aid continues to grow – by about 60% over the last four years. The budget has risen from $7 million to $12 million. Homelessness is now the number one social issue and more attention is being paid because the issue is now out in the open. At the local and provincial level, the issue has been raised; on the federal level, it’s not on the radar Kathy Stinson brings "Owner most like dog" category at Cool Aid's nurturing leadership to the 40th Anniversary celebration. organization; she has a strategic Times Colonist, August 17, 2008 focus but can also keep in tune with

the day-to-day operations. Cool Aid As Cool Aid turns 40, it is has become more responsive to important to look back to see how what its partners need and what is much progress has been made. Cool needed to be part of a community Aid has grown from a single program solution. As Kathy Stinson says, “It’s for housing transient youth with a not about just getting bigger; it’s modest operating budget, to become about doing thing better and making the major service provider for those sure that it is always for the who are at the lowest socio- betterment of our clients and the economic level. With an operating community as a whole.” 114 budget of over $13,000,000, supported housing units, emergency John Crean, Housing shelters, an extensive health care Manager notes that when he started service, and support services, Cool at Cool Aid in 1990, there was one

61 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid building with limited capacity; he now building self-esteem, building trust, manages eight building sites all over and working relationships.” 115 Victoria with more to come. The number of clients placed in BC Housing subsidizes the affordable housing has risen from 26 rents above the basic shelter at Swift House to 256 in the 8 allowance, leaving clients money left facilities. Throughout this time, John for food, personal items, and a few has avoided the term “transitional extras. A return of federal housing” for a reason. It is critical government funding for housing that our tenants believe they have a projects would go a long way to help home and that they belong to a alleviate both the need for housing community. The staff go to great and the need for employment. Cool lengths to help them understand is Aid staff freely share their that when they move into an experience in the provision of apartment under Cool Aid’s housing housing and encourage other groups umbrella, that it is indeed a place to develop a clear vision at the they can call home. It’s not a facility, beginning of the process, find a it’s not a temporary placement, it is small group that can agree on that their home. Cool Aid does everything vision, and despite the obstacles that possible to respect that with a non- will arise during the process, hold out invasive, non-intrusive policy. As that vision and walk toward it. With a John Crean explains: “The people clear goal in sight, anything is that Cool Aid serves, by the very possible. The Cool Aid Housing nature of the issues, are in transition program is proof of that. all the time. If you tell them you have come to housing and you’re still Don McTavish, Manager of going to be in transition, but as soon Shelters, has seen many changes in as you start doing really well, we’re both management of temporary going to have to ask you to move on, accommodation and the increasing there will be no incentive to really do need for it. A busy day in the early well because they will be afraid to do days at Sandy Merriman House was well. The way we do it is sort of 12 women; a moderately busy day around the back door and they just today is 60 – 65, just for drop-in get on with their own ideas, and it services. Just to come in for a meal works a lot better. We actually have and to say “hello”. Also at that time more people transitioning through Streetlink was running about 50 than we would if we called it beds, give or take a couple; today, transitional housing. We are giving it’s 95, sometimes closer to 100. So them confidence in themselves, during the time of the numbers

62 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid increasing at the shelters, there were two trends over the last decade. One Cool Aid’s shelter services are was that housing has become harder unique in BC as they offer multi- to find so it’s become less available, services. There is a network of and it’s become more expensive and shelter providers – 11 large city all the things that go with that – shelters – that share ideas and work utilities, food, damage deposits, etc. together to help their clientele. have gone up as well. The needs on the street have changed as well in Irene Haigh-Gidora, Manager the decade. of Cool Aid Health Services notes that social issues for the population When Don first started, you that Cool Aid serves has definitely would encounter people who were worsened. The situation on the alcoholic or were doing cocaine or street, particularly with drug issues they would be doing a lot of pot brings different needs to the health smoking. These days crystal meth centre. Among the programs under has come on board; a lot of the more her supervision are the Community intense effects of that drug have Health Centre, the Dental Clinic, and really affected the way we go about the REES program. All staff are very providing services. He wishes the dedicated and have an level of public awareness and understanding of the medical issues government interest in affordable and the health situations that the housing and supports 10 years ago patients face. They are very skilled was at least what it is now. He noted, at the complexity and diversity of “If we had started building buildings varied health issues of clients in the ten years ago, if we had changed the downtown area. She notes that Cool rules to allow developers to build Aid is very respected in the Health rental housing instead of condos ten Care field as it has changed in years ago – if all this could have response to different needs and feels been predicted and seen back then it that it is important to recognize the would have been unimaginably contributions that have been made in cheaper to have actually solved the the past. Without those early issue ten years ago. Just building volunteers, this system would not costs alone have gone through the exist today. Irene particularly roof. Hopefully that will be a good mentions Dr. Joe Haegert who has lesson from history, to do it now been there since the beginning and instead of waiting another five or ten continues to be a very important part years because it will be even more of the clinic. difficult then.”

63 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Cool Aid has certainly grown work shines through each one – and up over the past forty years. It now was evident in all interviews - and has a stable management system makes the world a better place for all and can handle growth at high of us. The future looks bright for Cool levels. The staff are incredibly Aid with even more projects coming dedicated and do not feel what they online to help those who need it do is a “job.” The passion for the most.

64 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

Endnotes

1. Much of the material in this section was obtained in a personal interview with Lynn Curtis on July 3, 2008.

2. “Robert Fulford on1968: The year of the posturing rebel, ” http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/03/28/robert- fulford-on-1968-the-year-of-the-posturing-rebel.aspx.

3. Personal interview with Frances Mahon Chapman by Michelle Brady, June 10, 2008.

4. http://www.carleton.ca/jmc/cnews/19032004/n2.shtml

5. Colonist , May 2, 1967, page 21.

6. Colonist , August 23, 1967, page 1 as found on Janis Ringuette’s “Beacon Hill Park History 1842- 2004”.

7. Social Education Centre calendar, 1966.

8. House of Commons debates, Volume 111, Number 95, Friday, June 10, 1966.

9. Charles Haynes, “Goodings Skeptical”, Martlet , Victoria: University of Victoria, March 10, 9. 1966, page 6.

10. Michael Valpey, “Stress and Strength at Crystal Cliffs: How a group of young Canadians tore each other emotionally apart in the interests of helping others,” The Globe Magazine, Toronto: The Globe and Mail, August 6, 1966, pages 5-12.

65 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

11. The WinePress , Victoria: Social Education Centre, July 22, 1967.

12. Information in this section came from an email from Charles Barber, forwarded by Lynn Curtis on April 5, 2009.

13. Andrew Zane, “Note re renting on building space for coffee house,” March 3, 1967, approximately 2:30 p.m.

14. Times , May 2, 1968.

15. “No One Seems to Care,” Times , Victoria, November 19, 1968.

16. Victoria Youth Council, Press Release, October 15, 1967.

17. Charles Barber, “Vietnam: an International Seminar” SUPA Newsletter, April 67.

18. Victoria Cool Aid Annual Report 1971.

19. Telephone interview by Alan Rycroft with Charles Barber.

20. Comment made by Lynn Curtis while editing the rough draft of this manuscript.

21. 1968 flyer for Cool Aid services.

22. Victoria Project Newsletter, November 4, 1968, page 2.

23. Victoria Project Newsletter, February 17, 1969, page 1.

24. Jim Hume, “Cool Aid Grant Survives Attack, Times , April 17, 1969, page 23.

25. 1969 Annual Report – Cool Aid.

26. Personal interview with Lynn Curtis on July 3, 2008.

27. “Millionaire Joins Cool Aid Feed-In and Praises the ‘Good Samaritans’,” Victoria Daily Times , November 21, 1969.

28. “Probers Praise Cool Aid, Advocate Financial Help”, Colonist , December 13, 1969, page 21.

66 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

29. “Freeze the Cool Aid” publication by the Citizens to Freeze the Cool Aid.

30. Charles Barber, “In Memoriam Of Laurie Smith 1941 – 2005,” Cool News , Volume 3, No. 6 July 2005, page 1.

31. Don Vipond, “Kids Helping Kids and Adults, Too – That’s Cool Aid,” Victoria Daily Times, February 3, 1970, page 13.

32. Stuart Underhill, The Iron Church 1860-1985 .Victoria: Braemar Books Ltd. 1984, pages 77 and 78.

33. “Victoria Cool Aid Praised as Model,” Colonist , April 5, 1970, page 21.

34. Clement Chapple, “Cool Aid Fight at Standstill,” Victoria Daily Times , December 18, 1970.

35. “Baird back and Ready to destroy Cool Aid”, Victoria Daily Times , December 14, 1970.

36. Ibid.

37. Bill Barringer, “Cool Aid Farmers Watch Idea Grow,” Colonist , June 6, 1971, page 43.

38. Victoria Project Newsletter, March 28, 1971.

39. “Skilled Work Merits Pay,” Colonist , June 3, 1971.

40. “Peace, Brother, It’s Chow Time,” Victoria Daily Times , July 26, 1971.

41. Victoria Cool Aid Annual Report 1971.”

42. “Cool Aid Featured,” Colonist , August 21, 1971.

43. “Cool Aid on Hourglass,” Victoria Daily Times , August 22, 1971.

44. Denny Boyd, “Victoria’s Cool Aid Miracle: Establishment with longhairs,” The Vancouver Sun , November 17, 1971, pages 48 and 49.

67 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

45. Letter from Roy E. L Watson, Associate Professor, University of Victoria, to Mr. Hugh Wade, December 1, 1972.

46. Victoria Cool Aid What’s Up, January 23, 1973.

47. “Surprise for Cool Aid in C’wealth Youth Award,” Victoria Daily Times , January 2, 1975.

48. Susan Ruttan, “Youth Hostels are Here to Stay,” Victoria Daily Times , August 11, 1975, page 19.

49. Minutes of meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Community Self- Development Society, October 9, 1975.

50. “Cool Aid Team to Far East,” Victoria Daily Times , February 11, 1976, page 13.

51. Motions Passed at the Annual General Meeting of the Pacific Community Self- Development Society held at 1900 Fernwood Road April 25, 1976.

52. Documents in Cool Aid archives.

53. Personal interview with Frances Mahon Chapman by Michelle Brady, June 10, 2008.

54. Personal interview with Phil Ward by Laurissa Chapple, July 10, 2008.

55. Ray Dykes, “Season of Crisis,” The Colonist, November 15, 1979.

56. Stephen Hume, “Cool Aid still helping out – but for different crowd,” Times Colonist , September 4, 1981.

57. Holly Nathan, “Cool Aid funding wins green light,” Times Colonist , July 13, 1981.

58. Personal interview with Trudy Norman by Laurissa Chapple, July 10, 2008.

59. Judith Lavoie, “Cool Aid looking to move downtown,” Times Colonist , August 11, 1988.

68 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

60. Judith Lavoie, “Cool Aid shares in $23-million rehab fund,” Times Colonist , September 21, 1988.

61. Judith Lavoie, “CRD panel supports Cool Aid move downtown,” Times Colonist , November 24, 1988.

62. Stephen Hume, “CRD seeks B.C. aid for Cool Aid building site,” Times Colonist , January 18, 1989.

63. Judith Lavoie, “Building for Cool Aid step closer to reality,” Times Colonist , April 19. 1989.

64. Judith Lavoie, “Former meat-packing plant to be new home to Cool Aid,” Times Colonist , December 15, 1989, page B19.

65. Ibid.

66. Personal interview with Jane Dewing July 4 2008.

67. Personal interview with John Crean by Helen Edwards, March 5, 2009.

68. Focus On Women , May 1992, pages 29-36.

69. Judith Lavoie, “Homeless have nowhere to go as shelters overflow,” Times Colonist , September 19, 1992.

70. Judith Lavoie, “Cool Aid helps in finding esteem, jobs,” Times Colonist, February 25, 1993, page B1.

71. Victoria Cool Aid Society’s 25th Anniversary Gala Evening program.

72. CoverStory , February 15, 1994.

73. Susan Danard, “Group seeks funds for shelter share,” Times Colonist , March 1, 1996.

74. “Pandora project a humane alternative,” Victoria News , March 6, 1996, page 1.

75. Susan Danard, “Province kicks in for homeless shelter,” Times Colonist , April 20,

69 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

1996.

76. Tom Kent, “Social Policy 2000, an Agenda,” Caledon Institute of Social Policy, Jan 1999.

77. Jane Dewing, “Poverty the missing piece of health puzzle,” Times Colonist , March 5, 1999.

78. King Lee, “Warm, compassionate Cool Aid official ‘will be such a loss,’” Times Colonist , June 12, 1999.

79. Complete text of the tribute can be found as an Appendix to this report.

80. FYI , October 15, 1999.

81. Carla Wilson, “Affordable housing project will pay tribute to activist,” Times Colonist , page C4.

82. Mark Browne, “Affordable housing project gets local and provincial backing,” Victoria News, October 15, 1999.

83. Judith Lavoie, “Cool Aid makes a difference,” Times Colonist , December 20, 1999.

84. Richard Watts, “New housing gives shelter to mentally ill,” Times Colonist , October 25, 2000.

85. “Clinic gets funding boost,” Times Colonist , December 14, 2000, page C3.

86. Personal interview with Irene Haigh-Gidora, January 22, 2009.

87. “And The Winner is … The Denise LeBlond Memorial Award,” InfoLink, November/December 2000, page 10.

88. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report 2000/2001.

89. “Celebrating Community Service,” Victoria Cool Aid Society, Cool News Special Edition , AGM June 2001.

90. Victoria Cool Aid Society, Annual Report, 2003-2004, page 9.

70 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

91. Nancy Gnaedinger, “Supportive Housing for Homeless and Hard-to-House Seniors: An In-Depth Case Study of Fairway Woods.” Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation July, 2007.

92. Victoria Cool Aid Society, Annual Report 2002/2003.

93. Personal interview with Andrew Benson, Board member and former President, November 28, 2008.

94. “Serving the Homeless: Social Agencies in ‘The Red Zone’ A Report from the Downtown Service Providers Group”, September 2003.

95. Irene Haigh-Gidora, Michael Gotto, Alice Taft, “Integrated Health Services for a High-Risk Population,” February 2004.

96. Ibid, page 9.

97. Media Release, Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Victoria Branch, September 27, 2004.

98. Personal interview with Don McTavish, January 5, 2009.

99. Victoria Cool Aid Society, Homeless Count- 2005.

100. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report to the Community, 2004-2005.

101. Personal interview with Kathy Stinson, January 5, 2009.

102. Dr. Charles Barber, “In Memoriam of Laurie Smith 1941-2005,” Cool News , July 2005.

103. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report to the Community 2005-2006, page 2.

104. http://www.viha.ca/housing/assisted_living/si_als/hillside_terrace.htm.

105. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report to the Community 2005-2006, page 7.

106. “Homeless Needs Survey,”

71 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

www.coolaid.org/index.php?option=com_content&task&id=55&Itemid=200

107. Press release, April 19, 2007.

108. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report to the Community 2006-2007.

109. Ibid, page 14.

110. http://www.coolaid.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Item id=237

111. Louise Dickson, “Experience on streets spawned a career helping the homeless,” Times Colonist , December 28, 2007, page D2.

112. “Separated at birth? Not quite,” Times Colonist , August 17, 2008, page A5.

113. Victoria Cool Aid Society Annual Report to the Community 2006-2007, page 2.

114. Stinson interview, January 5, 2009.

115. Crean interview, March 5, 2009.

72 40 Years of Caring: Brief History of Cool Aid

People interviewed or contacted for information

Charles Barber Andrew Benson Gretchen Brewin Frances Mahon Chapman John Crean Lynn Curtis Jane Dewing Irene Haigh-Gidora Mike Lewis Don McTavish Trudy Norman Jody Patterson Diana Salen Kathy Stinson Phil Ward

Special thanks

Ken Neal, Victoria Cool Aid Society reception desk and archivist Alan Rycroft, Community Relations, Victoria Cool Aid Society

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