They're 'kind' of orange

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jun 30, 2016 / 2:29 pm

Orange kindness meters have been installed in downtown Vernon, part of a plan to rein in panhandling. “I'm so excited,” said a business owner on 30th Avenue who did not want to be identified. She said some of her customers were made uncomfortable by panhandlers sitting on a bench in front of her store and hoped downtown visitors would plug the new meters rather than hand out money to beggars. “The money goes to the John Howard Society and the Mission. This is a really great idea,” she said. “(The issue) has to be dealt with or we'll end up like Vancouver.” On the orange meters is a sign that reads: “Want to help those in need? Funds from this meter go to assist local homeless programs in Vernon.” Coun. Juliette Cunningham has said it is a “humanistic approach to dealing with the problem.” The meters are part of a series of strategies and tactics the City of Vernon is using to handle panhandling. Council only recently gave its approval.