Deputy chief returning with Stand With Tim
The city’s deputy police chief will return to a downtown street later this week to raise money to fight and raise awareness of homelessness.
Once again accompanied by live entertainment, Tim Farquharson will take to King and George streets for 12 hours, from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday, in support of YES Youth and Family Shelter, Brock Mission and The Warming Room.
He thought the inaugural Stand with Tim event in January, which raised more than $10,000 for the shelters, would be a one-time event.
Homelessness remains a critical local issue, Farquharson said, pointing out how the city shelters remain overcapacity.
“It’s all about making sure people are fed and have shelter,” he said. “The problem isn’t going away any time soon.”
With a vacancy rate of less than one per cent, there is a clear lack of rental housing and much of what is available is not affordable, organizers stated in a press release. Openings in supportive housing arrangements funded by partnerships between various levels of government and not-for-profits are at a premium.
“All these issues put a greater strain on shelters, making it difficult for people to move out. And given that shelters are perpetually at — or close to — capacity, we’re really in a crisis,” Warming Room director Christian Harvey stated.
Farquharson praised those who have contributed to the effort. “It’s people recognizing that we have these challenges.”
The event will include Nicholas Campbell, Kim Doolittle, Aaron McMillan, Carla Bonnell, Bobby Watson, Washboard Hank, Bailien, Rye Street and Bree Taylor. Musicians will rotate in for short sets on a temporary stage beginning at 4 p.m.
There will also be bins set up for used clothing, organizers stated. Donations can be made at the event or on GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/stand-with-tim.
The public generosity shown 10 months ago was “amazing,” Farquharson said, pointing out how even a man who was homeless himself collected donations a few blocks away and returning to drop them off. “That’s pretty selfless. He didn’t have to do that.”
The event, a joint effort with Camille Parent of Peterborough Cares, was moved up for three reasons — including two related to the weather.
“Last year, the musicians’ hands were almost frozen in three to five minutes. It was hard for them to play in that cold,” he said.
Supporters also indicated they would have come out if it wasn’t so cold, Farqharson said, pointing out how warmer temperatures should make the event more accessible for those who want to drop by.
The other reason the date was moved ahead was so that the money raised could be given to the shelters further ahead in the cold season, he added.
Farquharson said his career in policing, including his relationship with the local shelters over the years, have helped make him more compassionate.
“It comes down to how we are going to treat our most vulnerable,” he said. “All I can do is my best to help out with funds and awareness.”
NOTE: The Stand with Tim Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ events/104725723793378/ .