Brenden Harris: End of Day 2 - I've given up on instant coffee

The Options Committee of Making Kenora Home has proposed the third poverty challenge, A Walk in Other’s Shoes. Participants will attempt to stay within an Ontario Works social assistance benefits budget. The maximum basic needs benefit is just over $7.00 per day. The challenge budget of $38.00 will include all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each participant will be given a daily challenge card which will reveal an additional challenge to be completed before the end of each day. It is hoped the event will raise awareness and break barriers for those living in poverty. The participants will experience some of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face every day. A kick-off event will be held at Kenora City Council Chambers on Friday February 8th at 12:00pm. The wrap up event will be held at Women’s Place Kenora on Wednesday February 13th at 12:00. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

End of Day 2 - I've given up on instant coffee

Well, my challenge today was to collect ten shopping carts and keep the change, it went mediocre. Of course to get to the nearest shopping point that had carts with coins, I had to pay $2.50 to take the bus. I had planned on using a transfer pass to make the return trip, but they are only good for one hour. Apparently, people don't just leave carts in the parking lot. I had to cover some ground to get ten carts, and ended up having to pay my way home as well. Fortunately, I ended up with an additional $5.

For lunch today, I had two eggs. Nothing else, but it's actually more than I usually have for lunch. The real issues came with supper because my family apparently felt spiteful. They decided it would be a great day to have ribs, sausage and chicken wings. I had to sit and eat two packs of microwaved Mr. Noodles while they enjoyed a half decent meal. It was definitely hard to watch them eat a good meal, while I had to eat some cheap ramen noodles.

Overall I think I've been doing quite well budgeting my money. I haven't really made any extravagant changes to my lifestyle. I did get tired of the instant coffee and go out and buy some actual solid coffee for $3.99. I now just a little over $15.00.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Name: Brenden Harris

Occupation: News Anchor/ Reporter Q104

Brief Description of Yourself: As a reporter I get to head out in to the community often, which is why I love my job. I spend most of my time working, but not in the office, which is always great. When I'm not working I'm usually playing guitar, reading, or just driving around town.

Average weekly budget for “basic needs”:$70

Food Weakness: Coffee

Average Cost of Weakness: $14

The one item or service you purchase that you can’t live without: Gas, I drive around when I have nothing to do.

What do you anticipate being the most difficult in the challenge? I think Cutting back on coffee and showering only every second day.

Why did you decide to take the challenge? I really just want to answer the question; how hard can it be? I have considered taking part in the poverty challenge in the past, in order to have a better understanding of the difficulties faced. Without having ever faced poverty, I can not truly appreciate how difficult it can be.