Jenna Lewis and Haley Wilson, friends since their high school days at Harrison Trimble, are bridging the gap between the university’s resources and the Town of Sackville.
The pair, both first year students, are collecting supplies for Ensemble Moncton’s harm reduction vending machine as part of their “Community Narratives” class.
The machine, tucked just inside the front door of the United Church, dispenses pipes, unused needles, sanitary products, and snacks for those who need them.
Haley Wilson, who is studying psychology, says that she and Lewis wanted to choose a community project off the beaten path.
“We looked at the different kinds of resources and things happening and Sackville that had to do with that topic,” says Wilson, in reference to substances. “We learned about the the harm reduction machine, and so we reached out to the church [to see] if there was any way we could help.”
The students’ residences and the MASU filled donation boxes with sanitary products, such as menstrual items and deodorant, which Wilson and Lewis brought to Ensemble for distribution.
Wilson says that harm reduction efforts for people who use substances don’t get enough attention, which is why she and Lewis chose to help out a program right here in Sackville.
“I find it something that doesn’t get enough attention and focus.”
Jenna Lewis says that she hasn’t decided what she wants to do career-wise yet, but that she “wants to help people in some way,” starting with this project.
If you have items you would like to donate to Ensemble, things like mittens and unopened packages of sanitary items, get in contact with Ensemble at (506) 859-9616.
