Families facing hardship will find support, resources, and a sense of community at an upcoming outreach event in Moncton.
The Helping Hand Project, led by The Mandate Development Centre (TMDC), is set to host its second major outreach at Victoria Park.
The initiative offers free essentials, entertainment, and a space for connection, especially for those experiencing difficult circumstances.
Executive Director Tayo Adeyemi said the project was created in response to a critical needs assessment that highlighted growing challenges among vulnerable populations.
“We wanted to create something practical, something intentional, something that involves everyone,” Adeyemi said.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from; what matters is having a heart of kindness.”
The first edition of the Helping Hand Project was held in September 2024 at the same location.
Since then, TMDC has hosted additional outreach efforts in Saint John and Moncton, including a winter care program that distributed warm clothing during extreme cold.
Adeyemi said the impact goes beyond material support. “Some people just need someone to stop and listen,” he said. “A word of kindness can remind them they’re not alone.”
This year’s event will also include packaged resources, reading materials, and activities designed to help attendees feel connected and supported.
TMDC is starting two new outreach campaigns.
The first is #BeKind, which promotes small acts of kindness. The second is the Homeless to Home Project 1000, which aims to create flexible housing for people who are homeless.
Adeyemi said the goal is to build a network of care that supports both immediate needs and long-term well-being.
“We envision a world where no one faces these challenges alone,” he said. “A community where acts of kindness and support build resilience.”
The Helping Hand Project begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, at Victoria Park in Moncton.
