Death of man in clothing bin prompts reflection

YMCA boss says community must do more to help

CAMBRIDGE — The death of a man near the YMCA in Cambridge has the organization’s leader wondering what more can be done to reach those who are struggling.

“It’s not lost on me that somebody in our community died alone steps away from a YMCA,” said Peter Sweeney, chief executive officer of the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo.

A man was found dead in the chute of a clothing donation bin on Thursday morning, on property adjacent to the Hespeler Road YMCA. Waterloo Regional Police did not identify the man but said he was 32. The cause of death has not yet been released, although an autopsy has been performed.

Sweeney said he wanted to be careful about making presumptions about the victim. However, if the man was looking for clothing or needed food or warmth, all three could have been found at the Y.

“We talk at the Y about being a place where everyone belongs,” Sweeney said. “Is there more that we can do?”

Sweeney acknowledged that the organization doesn’t provide all the services that someone who is having a difficult time might need, but it does pride itself on being there to serve and do good in the community.

While Waterloo Region is prospering, people are still slipping through the cracks, he said.

“More work needs to be done,” Sweeney said. “And that’s not just for the Y. It’s a community response.”

Diabetes Canada said it was very saddened to learn of the death of a person in one of its clothing donation bins.

“Our deepest condolences go out to those affected by this tragic incident,” said spokesperson Kathleen Powderley in an email. jweidner@therecord.com Twitter: @WeidnerRecord With files from Laura Booth, lbooth@therecord.com