Description

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

First Day of the Challenge - Feb 10th

Today is the first day of the challenge. I did start last night by purchasing groceries before I left Kenora.

 I recognize that people living on Ontario Works would more likely need to live within walking or public transportation distance of all their required needs.
Because I live so far from town, I plan to do my shopping and other errands on days I am already going (workday). I have seen some of my clients use carpool to get into town.

Today's challenge:
"You strained your back. You cannot afford any painkillers or a hot water pack. How will you alleviate pain?"

How did you know I would wake up this morning with this exact problem!. Medication and heat are the last things I would use. My treatment plan requires no money. My usual treatment is to do gentle back stretches, walk, yoga, and find a tennis ball to apply pressure to the spot. Although many would assume heat, I know cold is better for initial back strain. Good thing there is lots of snow outside and I can fill a bag and wrap in towel and reduce inflammation.
Because I heat home with wood, I will only to be able to carry 1-2 logs as opposed to 5-6 at a time to stoke fire. If this had happened grocery shopping, I would have had to consider 2 trips or lighter groceries.

Made it through Saturday at home. Doing my regular house chores, I reflected on the tools that make my life easier. When I was first married, we had a small unfurnished apartment, we had to walk to the laundry mart, and we had to try to clean a carpet with a broom. Finding change to put into the washer and dryer, waiting at the laundry mart for the wash to be completed and carrying the basket home was a 1/2 day gone. Now I can multitask , getting fire wood, taking composting to garden, vacuuming and washing floors while clothes are getting clean.
As for my challenge, my back was strained all day. I moved carefully hauling wood for the week, vacuuming and any other bending/lifting activities. When I was finished, I did gentle yoga, body scan meditation and enjoyed reading. My back is still sore and will take a few days to improve but I require no medication to tolerate a bit of pain.


Sunday morning and enjoyed being able to sleep in late in a warm bed.
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