Close your eyes and imagine your cupboards being locked at 6pm, the clothing you have chosen to wear being cut up or ripped and thrown in the garbage, being called every name possible, having to ask for money for simple necessities such as tampons, pads, and toothpaste, talking or simply looking at the wrong person could get you punished, Marks on your skin having to be hidden, and this becoming a norm for you. Getting so used to being told that you are to blame that you truly believe you are meant to receive the punishments you get every day.
In April 2021, Bizzzy Bea’s had heard of a woman escaping a horrific abusive relationship and needing to start over from scratch. Our founder, Chantelle, had been in these shoes herself and knew exactly what an escape looked like, how traumatic learning to live with the constant fear of looking over your shoulder, and readjusting your belief in yourself was going to look like. She understood how difficult the next few months and years were going to be and started thinking of a way we could not only help our homeless community but how we could also embrace other community members needing nourishment.
Within just a few hours, she had created the Fill The Fridge program. This program was a one-time lifeline for anyone who needed a hand with food. This new program could help civilians coming out of abuse shelters, our homeless community members coming off the street and into their new apartments, or senior citizens who have to choose between hydro or food.
Knowing how scared this woman was going to be, Chantelle made sure to have only women deliver the Fill The Fridge donation. This first client as well as the volunteers delivering were brought to tears by the pouring of love and compassion the city had come together to produce. From bathroom furnishings and hygienic necessities to self-care products, food to last well over a month, furniture, clothing, and so much more. Although the marks on her skin were still present, the sparkle in her eyes was what was remembered from that first delivery. We believe our programs change the way the world turns. One simple act of kindness paid forward could be a ripple effect into the future. Bizzzy Bea’s thrives at not only delivering food but spreading compassion, listening when needed, and having big shoulders to lean on. Sometimes warming hearts is just as important as warming tummies.