Every time Barry Hobbis’ teenage daughters head downtown, their pockets jingle with toonies. And by the time they return, their pockets lay empty.

They hope the toonies they place in the hands of those living on the streets will go toward food, but as they told their father, there is no way of knowing.

That spurred Hobbis to action. The Downtown Victoria Business Association director got talking to the folks at the Salvation Army and within two weeks a solution was hatched.

Starting today (Dec. 3), Greater Victoria residents can purchase a booklet of food vouchers to give to the city’s homeless. The coupons are good for one hot meal and can be redeemed any day of the week for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Salvation army cafeteria on lower Johnson Street.

“If we feed just 50 people, how can that be a bad thing?” Hobbis asks, adding that he hopes the business community jumps on board with the program.

Ted Hughes, co-chair of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, is also looking to the public to back the program. While the coalition is busy working on securing shelters and affordable housing, he said, projects such as the food voucher coupons are an important part of the puzzle.

The booklets of five coupons cost $25. Four of every five dollars per meal go to food costs while $1 goes toward the program, said Maj. Bill Mason, Salvation Army addictions and rehabilitation centre executive director.

The booklets are sold at all Salvation Army facilities including headquarters at 525 Johnson St. and all thrift stores, at the Downtown Victoria Business Association at 20 Centennial Sq. and the Victoria Harbour Ferry at Suite N, 1234 Wharf St. Tax receipts are available upon request.

The voucher program will run throughout the Christmas holidays and if successful, will continue on into the new year.

For more information about Salvation Army or its programs, please visit www.BC.SalvationArmy.ca.

raldous@vicnews.com