Homeless shelter in Kenora, Ont., hopes benefit concert will help pay for toilet paper, water

The emergency shelter in Kenora is holding a fundraising concert Saturday night to help cover the cost of its temporary stay at Knox United Church in the northwestern Ontario city.

The money collected on the weekend will pay for things such asbottled water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and laundry services, said Patti Fairfield, the executive director of theNe-CheeFriendship Centre, which operatesthe shelter.

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"There was just some things we didn't realize initially when we had this agreement, about the water and the cleaning supplies, and we have to send the blankets out to be washed every second day, which is a huge expense as well," she said. "So just things that we needed some help financially to carry through."

AKenoracouple,Vickyand Joe Barnes, approached Fairfield with the idea of bringing Manitoba-based band, Prairie Joe,to the city for a benefit event.

"I thought it was an awesome gesture on their part. I was very appreciative that they came forwardand offered to do this," said Fairfield.

Meanwhile, the search for a new location for the emergency shelter continuesbecause the agreement with the church expires on October 1.

"We're working on it all the time," she said, adding that she was actively investigating at least one possibility, which would include showers and laundry facilities.

"I have my fingers crossed that this is going to work out. It's not going to be the long-term plan. It will be something that will be in place for a couple of years," said Fairfield.

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Currently, about 18 people stay at the shelter each night, she said.

The concert, featuring Christian countryband, Prairie Joe, runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kenora harbourfront on Saturday August 27.