(no subject)
I would like to applaud the Surrey MLA that chose to go on Welfare for 1 month to truly see if the monthly allowance is realistic. There are few people in positions of power that are willing to sacrifice anything, let alone take on such a huge lifestyle change. It's reported that of the six hundred something he got for the month he had only $108 left for food and misc expenses. At the end of his month he had lost 16 lbs and was at the mercy of soup kitchens for his meals. It was very heartwarming to read about his experience and his portrayal of the people in the downtown east side. So often the homeless are typecast as degenerate drug dealers that would steal the shirt off your back - but the truth is the opposite. He reported that even though people knew who he was, and what he was doing they would offer him money. People than didn't have any money were willing to help him out so he could buy food. He states that the experience has changed his entire life and now the real work begins while he forges ahead in the battle to increase welfare rates. I'm really impressed and moved by this man's committment to the cause.