Street Health team cool down on a hot day!

KJ Mullins-Toronto: Toronto has had a hot summer. While it’s nice to hang out at the beach when the sun is shining for those who live on the streets or are at risk before of their age or health that heat can be a killer.

Today at Allan Gardens it was evident that despite the heat alert being terminated those at risk are still fighting the effects. Three members of Street Health; Wanda, Anne Marie and Jessica were out at the park handing water to those desperate for some relief.

“The heat is a killer,” Anne Marie, a crisis nurse, said, “This summer has been very hot. Even when the heat alerts are terminated those living in homes with no air conditioning and on the street are still very much at risk. We are treating every day as a heat alert because those who are at risk of heat related illnesses remain at risk even when it’s not an extreme heat day.”

Almost three cases of water were handed out this afternoon just at the one park. The nurses noted that there appears to be more homeless out this summer compared to last year as well. Many of those were taking advantage of the shady trees and napping during the hot afternoon.

One Husky though had his own way of staying cool. The cleared ice from a nearby rink is dropped off at Allan Gardens making a constant pile of snowy fun. Watching the pup cool down and play gave the Street Health team a great idea of cooling down themselves.