Operation Fresh Start provides clean laundry and dignity to Regina's vulnerable population
A laundry program in Regina is giving the city's most vulnerable people and families access to clean clothing.
Operation Fresh Start is part of a project from Regina community organization Rally Around Homelessness to provide free laundry services in the Queen City.
The program, which launched in September 2024, provides vouchers that can be used to wash clothes at Seaspray Laundry, one of the partners.
"You don't realize how lucky we really are and how unfortunate some others may be. Maybe their washer just broke down and they don't have an extra $7 to do a load," Sherry Vester, manager at Seaspray Laundry, said.
By providing detergent, machines and the simple opportunity to get clothes washed, the program is making a difference in people's lives.
"That's what this program is all about, is just to step up and help some people that are having misfortunes," Vester said.
Wendy Miller, executive director of the Heritage Community Association, said there are a variety of people who use the program.
"It's just not about the houseless folks that potentially need their laundry cleaned. It's about families who might be renting a space that doesn't have a washer and dryer, or a working washer and dryer," Miller said.
"So it's just opening opportunities."
Self-worth through cleaner clothing
The program is about changing the way people feel about themselves.
Organizers know that for those facing homelessness or financial struggles, dirty or worn-out clothing can be a reminder of their hardship.
"Having clean clothes, that helps to restore a person's self-worth and self-respect, which everyone deserves to have," said Ann Perry, executive director of The Circle Project.
Perry said Operation Fresh Start is restoring a sense of normalcy and pride for people using the vouchers.
"The hygiene products that we give out as well as part of our outreach, it's the same principles that people deserve to have some respect and be in an environment where they are respected," Perry said.
Operation Fresh Start is a continuation of the Rally Around Homelessness's 'I Got You' campaign, which collected underwear donations for those in need.
So far the program has given out close to 300 vouchers to people and families in the Queen City.
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