To the editor:
There are many stories about how people have been affected by the pandemic, but people living with disability are often forgotten or overlooked.
The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise is a non-profit social enterprise that employs disabled people who receive the Ontario Disability Support Plan benefits. So what does this have to do with a Valentine’s thank you?
There are lots of people living with disability in our community. In fact, one in five Canadians live with some type of disability. Some disabilities are visible, and some are invisible. Some people are able to be fully employed, some partially employed and some have no employment.
At the Raw Carrot, we offer supported, part-time employment to people with disabilities who want to work. We make healthy, delicious frozen soup that we sell through local retailers. We are a real business and we pay real wages to our employees.
We are also an outreach of Mount Forest United Church, and part of a group of “Raw Carrot Soup Enterprises” in different churches in southern Ontario.
Ontario Disability Support Program (OSDP) rates currently sit at $1,169 a month for a single person. This amount is expected to cover all expenses: food, rent, clothing and everything else needed for day-to-day living. Take a moment and think how, or even if, you could survive on less than $1,200 a month. That’s why we do what we do; offering supplemental income to people who want to work. We give a little extra support to make employment possible.
We are all feeling the pinch of rising expenses these days, especially for rent and food, but ODSP rates have not increased since 2018. There have been no government programs to help during the pandemic. Do you know who has stepped up? Our community! The good news about The Raw Carrot is the way it reflects our community spirit.
Our retail partners in Elora, Fergus, Conn, Palmerston, Harriston, Mildmay, Holstein, Drayton, Parker and Mount Forest have sold lots and lots of our soup. We are so grateful for these retailers that have been our lifeline, especially since indoor vendor shows have closed down (for a list of retailers go to therawcarrot.com).
Our volunteers have continued to come in to support our employees, even though it’s really hard to connect when we are all socially distanced.
Wellington North and Minto have worked with us through their Farmers’ Markets to provide another outlet for us. Businesses have supported us with donations to help purchase equipment and supplies.
We would like to send a big Valentine’s heart to the community for all the love and support that you have given us, especially during the pandemic. We have been able to continue to keep our staff employed and to provide a great food option for you. And, as always, remember to shop local.
Janice Benson,
The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise