Ray Of Hope’s Community Centre supports many people through difficult life circumstances. In this month’s article, one special guest shares words of wisdom learned through her journey.

Becky’s Advice

Becky’s life began in Clinton, Ontario, outside of Goderich. Her family struggled with poverty, complicated further with supporting her younger brother with special needs. In her twenties, she moved out of Ontario and her life took a turn for the worse. In and out of shelters, she began doing street work to pay the bills. And as often happens, to manage the pain of living rough, she tried crack cocaine and began a battle with addiction that she still faces today in her 50s. “I didn’t know anything about drugs or nothing then. When I went to Calgary, this guy introduced me to crack, and I started smoking it in Calgary, and then I came to Kitchener and I’m still smoking it”.

Becky (on right) with Sara McKnight, the Program Supervisor, at the Ray of Hope Community Centre

Upon returning to Kitchener, Becky was grateful to be able to reconnect with her mother before she passed away suddenly in 2021. Filled with grief, Becky struggled to get back on her feet. Back in the shelter system, she spent her days at Ray of Hope, having meals and connecting with other guests.

Despite the trials in Becky’s past and that she continues to experience, she is often the one looking out for and caring for people in similar situations.

She is always willing to share her story and is trusted by younger guests because of her lived experience. Many of the young adult guests who live rough or live in shelters have affectionately nicknamed Becky “mom” and she happily takes on that role. “Those are my street kids – not my actual kids. I look out for them like a mom”. She encourages people, gives direct advice, and makes sure they have what they need.

Several times, when asked what advice she would give to young people, she responded, “Don’t ever try drugs. If you can not do it the first time, you won’t have to fight the battle the rest of your life”.

Becky’s story is not over. Earlier this year, a few months after finding an apartment her landlord raised the rent to an unsustainable amount. She is looking for a place with cheaper rent and has taken in a roommate to help with the increased costs.

Becky says that Ray of Hope has “brought me back to reality. They’ve helped me out tremendously.” When she needs someone to sit down and talk to she can ask the staff and volunteers, and someone is always ready to sit down and listen to her.

Excited to share her story and what she has learned through her experience, Becky’s plea for the young adult guests at Ray of Hope remains steadfast. “Since this [addiction] has happened to me, I don’t want it to happen to you. It’s not worth it. Stay away from fentanyl. It’s dangerous and it can kill you”.

Despite the challenges that she continues to endure, at Ray of Hope she has found a safe place to be herself, get support and connect with others.

Through it all, she finds ways every day to help ensure that the needs of those around her are met.

When we finished writing this story, we sat down with Becky and read it line by line. Afterwards, she burst into tears and said “No one has ever shared my story before.” She was touched that we’d be willing to share her story with you. Becky is 30 years into active addiction and comes to the community centre daily for meals and support.

Calling all Coldest Night Team Captains

The official launch of Coldest Night of the Year 2025 is December 1st, but team captains can sign up now on the website. The Coldest Night of the Year Kitchener is a winterrific family-friendly walk on February 22, 2025, to raise money for the Ray of Hope Community Centre.

Would you consider being a team captain for Coldest Night of the Year 2025? It’s a fantastic opportunity to rally a team of 8 or more friends and family, cheer them on, and come together on event day to celebrate your great fundraising for Ray of Hope.

Register to become a Team Captain

Calling all Sponsors

Are you looking for a way for your company or business to give back to your community and boost your brand visibility?
Become a sponsor of the Kitchener Coldest Night of the Year and support Ray of Hope.

As a sponsor, you’ll:
Reach a targeted audience: Connect with a community of people who care about making a difference.
Enhance your reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to the community.
Gain valuable exposure: Promote your company / brand at the event and online.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact. Sponsorships range from $500 for an online-only community sponsorship to $10,000 for an exclusive lead sponsorship.

Click the button below to see our CNOY 2025 Sponsorship Package. Contact donations@rayofhope.net or contact Mitch at 519-578-8018 x217 for more information about CNOY sponsorship.

CNOY 2025 Sponsorship Package

Marketplace Needs

Help a neighbour in need.

When you give, you make life a little easier for people in our community who are struggling with food insecurity. Thank you!

Shelf-stable food: Canned beans, canned vegetables, canned meat, canned pasta, pasta sauce, dry pasta, canned fruit, oatmeal or breakfast bars, cereal, and baking mixes
Baby items: Diapers (size 2-5), baby formula, and baby food
Hygiene items: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
Warm winter coats – gently used (adult sizes)

For more information, contact us at: donations@rayofhope.net. All donations are appreciated!
You can also donate directly through our secure donation page.