The Warmth of a Cold Day: A Journey to the Buffalo City Mission

On January 30th, Carolyn and I set out for Buffalo at 7:30 AM. As we met in a dark parking lot to begin our drive across the border, the thermometer hit a bone-chilling -25°C. The wind was arctic and the snow was relentless, but our objective was clear. Our own minor discomfort was nothing compared to the reality facing the people at the City Mission. Stepping inside felt like entering a warped time zone. The air was filled with the bustle of the crowd and the constant hum of the metal detector. I was struck by a jarring contrast: I had been complaining about the cold despite my heavy layers, yet here were families sitting on ice-cold steel benches in T-shirts and summer attire. The volunteer at the desk looked at us with disbelief as Carolyn explained the clothing was a gift. "Are you sure?" she asked. We told her to distribute them as she saw fit. Looking around that room, I realized that while our contribution couldn't fix everything, it was enough to keep someone from freezing today. It meant a child could finally play in the snow, or an adult could withstand the long outdoor lines for assistance.

On the drive back, I learned the true extent of Carolyn’s heart. Despite working 12-hour days, she had spent her weekends driving all over Toronto to collect every jacket, mitten, and pair of snow pants we delivered. As I watched her navigate the snowy Buffalo streets, I told her, "Because of you, someone is warm today." She humbly brushed it off, but I looked at her with total admiration. She is a woman who went the distance—literally and figuratively—to ensure a stranger wouldn't be left in the cold. It was one of the coldest days I can remember, but the drive home filled me with a warmth that touched my soul. It was a reminder that when we all do our part, love grows, we realize that Love, Peace, and Harmony are all around us and the world gets a little bit warmer for us all. Francesca Bartella