High tea and Christmas cheer served up for Surrey homeless

Many local charities are serving up Christmas dinners for those in need this year, but a group of volunteersin Surrey decided to break with tradition and serve high tea to people living on the city's notorious 135Astreet.

Miracle on 135Ais an event that began three years ago with a single pot of chili. OnSaturday, finger sandwiches and tarts were handed out along the two-block stretch of street where approximately 200 homeless people are living.

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"It's not so much about food, it's about loving people," said anti-poverty advocate Erin Schulte, who added she wanted to provide treats that recipients rarely have.

"It's about reminding them that they are cared about at this time of year."

Attitude adjustment

Kimberly Knight is living on the street and was touched by the generosity she has seen over the holiday season.

'There has been a lot of support," said Knight. "It's amazing."

But she said there are some neighbours who are less than kind.

"People have to change their attitudes," said Knight."Some people have pretty harsh attitudes toward street people."

Something has to happen

One volunteer also hopes to change theperceptions about homelessness.

"There is a lot of judgmentthat we need to get rid of because anybody could end up in this situation," said Shirley Raz, who volunteered at the event with Nightshift Street Ministries.

Razhad a niece with a drug addictionwholived on the streets for many years before she passed away. This inspired Razto help others like her niece.

"Something has to happen here and the first thing is that people need to become aware of the issue," said Raz.

"I think we need to have a social conscience."

Cold challenges

Cold weather adds to the challenges already facing those living on the streets.

Care packages handed out at Miracle 135Aincluded hand warmers and thick socks, but Schulte said there is still a need for gloves and blankets and warm clothes.

"And ifanyone invents a heating device that won't burn down a tent, come find me," said Schulte.

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Despite the low temperature, many recipients were in high spirits.

"It's a happy time of year, or supposed to be, so it makes us feel good," said Michelle Wilson, who was leaving the tea party with a smile and a new pair of mittens.

With files from Jon Hernandez