Dolores collects spare change to give to homeless

Dolores says she's been retired for the last 40 years or so. Not necessarily by choice, though.

She worked as a seamstress for a garment company. She said when she and her co-workers demanded better pay, she was let go.

She tried to find work elsewhere, but with each passing year it got harder and harder. When knowledge of personal computers became a job prerequisite, she felt she'd never be able to catch up. Lack of funds and personal tragedies kept her from spending time and money to acquire new job skills. Dolores has spent much of her life in survival mode.

“In two instances, I've lost my homes to fire,” Dolores said. “And both times I ended up on the street and had to find shelters.”

She's managed to get back on her feet, and now in her 80s has a place to live on her own and a pension that barely covers expenses. In the past year, she was diagnosed with diabetes and has been able to keep it under control with the help of her local CLSC.

“I have developed wrist pain from diabetes,” she said. “I also have arthritis and back pain.”

Her family is scattered across the Caribbean and United Kingdom, so she's never had relatives to lean on in Canada. This year, she was reunited with a visiting niece who she hadn't seen in 40 years. With all the low points she's experienced in her life, Dolores has learned to value the happy moments when they come.

“I may not have much to give, but I collect spare change and I give it to the homeless by the métro,” Dolores said. “I remember what it was like to not have a place to stay, and I want to help any way I can.”