Lotteries and butterflies

This summer, I decided to start buying Loto 649 tickets, much to the embarrassment and worry of my husband and sons. What has driven me to corner stores to stand in line with other people dreaming of millions?

I know this may not be a faith-filled response, but it's one way to cope with my distress around the housing needs and daily struggle of many people who cross my path. A couple of dollars, a few minutes of fantasy and I have a little more energy to write one more proposal, one more report for potential funders or one more letter to political leaders.

So far, I have won several dollars, which I immediately reinvested in more chances. All the money would go to my favourite groups who are working to create housing and support for women hurt and trapped by prostitution. I've enjoyed creating the percentage each group would receive and the criteria. I have decided that I wouldn't ask for proposals because I trust the management and track record of these groups. A simple piece of paper stating what they would use the money for and a copy of their annual report and audit would suffice.

These dreams come from hard experience. Each potential funder has different proposal and reporting formats. The word "sustainability" is in vogue, yet I wonder if they've looked up the meaning of "sustain:" to give support or relief; to nourish; to prolong. Many are requiring that programs become sustainable by the end of their particular funding contribution. Funders want to minimize contributions for management and accounting, yet demand high accountability without recognizing does this work. The cost of audits and insurance is rising for nonprofits because of funder requirements and the work with marginalized people. Organizations are forced to spend more time finding dollars, which can detract from their original vision and work priorities.

My latest grief was learning this month that a provincial government ministry turned down a well-reasoned appeal to extend funding for transitional housing. A non-profit group had created supportive housing to help people heal from the trauma and addictions associated with street prostitution. The housing had been built through the federal homelessness program and generous donations from the private sector and individuals. The hope was always that the province would pick up the operating costs after the initial three years.

Earlier this summer, Alberta government leaders loudly proclaimed their pride in declaring the province to be debt-free. They neglected to say that the poorest Albertans have paid the biggest price for this debt paydown.

Edmonton's river valley and back alleys house those who have no homes, while shelters, drug houses and friends' couches house others. Isn't now the time to put more dollars into housing for vulnerable Albertans?

While there are many generous individuals who donate to their favourite causes and many unique fundraisers, these alone cannot carry the work. I think it's a wise use of our public-dollars to invest in people and support them to become as healthy and as independent as they can be. That's sustainable. Throwing a few crumbs for mats in shelters is not.

I've had another summer revelation in addition to learning how to buy lottery tickets. While I have always marveled as a butterfly winged by, I didn't really know much about the incredible strength and survival instinct of butterflies. Their whole brief, beautiful life is about finding the right environmental conditions to sustain future generations. The famous monarchs that migrate to the forests of Mexico are actually most endangered in Alberta. They only lay their eggs on milkweed, a prairie wildflower. Through the use of pesticides and urbanization, milkweed is dwindling. No milkweed, no eggs, no caterpillars, no monarchs.

I've decided to plant milkweed in our inner city garden and intentionally be part of that incredible cycle of life. I may still buy a few more lottery tickets. And if anyone says I'm crazy, I'll take my cue from Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha. "Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be."

Kate Quinn writes from Edmonton, Alta.

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