Our Approach

History

Paul Mackle has loved the outdoors for as long as he can remember and has been hiking, camping and canoeing since childhood. Refining his skills through the scouting movement, he became a very competent outdoorsman. For much of his adult life in Toronto, he has been involved with organizations which aim to help the disenfranchised, such as Sanctuary and the drop-in program at St. James' Cathedral. Through this work, he has gained a clearer understanding of the reality and problems facing people who live on the street. He knows their needs, and recognises the fragility that underlies the often tough, unflinching mask they present to the world. And he has gained their trust through the years, which is an essential for anyone proposing to help street people back to their feet.

Seventh heaven: lunch on the fifth lake of a four-day canoe trip.  This is a an experience the participants will not soon forget.

Vision

In the year 2000, Paul came upon the idea of combining his passion of helping those in need with his love for outdoors. He felt that the healing power he himself felt in nature could be a great force in helping people regain their balance in life. He understood that the city is not just where so many of the homeless live, but that the city's uncaring cruelty is, ironically, often the very reason they find it so hard to get off the street. He recognised that the peace he felt in his soul at the edge of a quiet lake or under an ancient tree is the same peace that could initiate the inner healing that so many people so desperately need. He also saw that by taking people out of the city to the wilderness, not only does it give them an easy opportunity to break with old habits, but they suddenly find themselves having to be responsible for themselves and for others.

And, it has worked surprisingly well. He found that by teaching some basic skills in outdoorsmanship and an appreciation of nature, these people would often show a surprisingly fast development and recovery from their problems. Most importantly, self-confidence is developed. This is the root for many other changes: From it, grows a new desire to find work and a belief in their ability to find it; new strength is found to kick old drug and alcohol habits; dysfunctional relationships are set aside and new friendships are formed. In short, people who had been marginalised, often for years, begin to feel again that they are human beings, that they are equal members of society and that they matter.

Training

Some of that commitment comes through training in skills that are needed for the longer trips to more remote areas.

With this training, members are ready for overnight back-packing trips, bike trips, canoe trips, cross-country ski and snowshoe trips. Not only does this variety of experience offer fun experiences, but it also improves the individual's level of fitness: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

It is this integrated, whole form of "fitness" which is the secret to Street to Trail's success.