When Rob Ostertag takes part in Orillia’s Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday, he will truly be taking steps for those who are living like he once did.
The 54 year old began using drugs and alcohol when he was 13 years old and was kicked out of the house when he was 15, lived on the streets of Orillia, battled drug and mental health issues, was in and out of prison, and eventually turned to the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter for help.
Ostertag says what the Lighthouse did for him was build his self worth.
He says if person can realize they are worth something, that they are important and count too, then they will reach out and help somebody.
Ostertag, who has also served in the military, says on the 29th of February he will have been without drugs or alcohol for eight years, and he will graduate as a social worker from Georgian College in two months.
He says most people are only a pay cheque away from being homeless.
Ostertag is glad Coldest Night of the Year brings awareness to the community that there are homeless people here.
About 350-400 people are expected to take part in the Orillia walk, with funds raised going to the local soup kitchen and shelter.
Rob will join the Sunshine 89 morning show with Tony and Sara on Thursday to talk more about the event and how he escaped the streets.
You can also hear his story by clicking on the audio.
Coldest Night of the Year Information:https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/location/orillia
Lighthouse Christian Ministries Soup Kitchen and Shelter: http://www.orillialighthouse.ca/
