A logo for COPE that features the word 'COPE' in large dark blue letters, with an orange circle with a white starburst shape inside the letter O.
COPE Poverty Simulation

More Than a Simulation—It’s a Shift in Perspective

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Enter into the stories, choices, and challenges faced by those living in poverty.
COPE (Cost of Poverty Experience) gives you a front-row seat to realities many Canadians face every day.

“As a care professional, I thought I understood poverty. This experience has been mind-blowing. I already see some changes coming in how we move forward in poverty alleviation. I can’t recommend this enough!”

- Participant

What is the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE)?

COPE is a powerful, 3-hour interactive experience that invites participants to role-play real-life stories based on actual families who experience poverty. 

In just a few hours, you'll be challenged to navigate life with limited resources, difficult choices, and systemic barriers—just like millions of others do daily.
This is not a game. It’s a TRANSFORMATIVE OPPORTUNITY to experience the human side of poverty, shifting head knowledge into heart-level empathy.

Each COPE event includes a valuable debriefing session that supports meaningful dialogue and practical application.

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Why Host a Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE)?

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  1. It Helps People See Poverty Differently: 

    COPE invites people into the stories, emotions, and diverse realities of what many in Canada experience - expanding participants' empathy. It gets real, real fast.

  2. It Challenge Assumptions: 

    COPE disrupt stereotypes and provides deeper insight into the systemic “why” behind poverty, and how everyone has a part to play in poverty alleviation.

  3. It Activates Compassionate Responses: 

    COPE equips your team, church, school, or organization to respond with more informed care and advocacy. It beautifully connects head to heart to hands.

  4. It Sparks Real Change: 

    This isn’t just awareness—it’s fuel for transformation in your community. This is a great catalyst for fueling compassion.
    Opportunity to pair COPE with serving real local needs (after) is possible, in partnership with local social serving organizations. This is an effective way to activate equitable local compassion and create instant application from the participants' COPE experience.

Who is it for?

Canadians desiring:

  • Church & Ministry Team Training

  • Social Serving Professional Development

  • Nonprofit & Volunteer Team Training

  • Educational Experiences for Staff & Students

  • Business & Philanthropic Professional Development

  • An Engaging Conference Feature

  • A Networking Event to GROW Compassion

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TELL ME MORE!

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CareImpact COPE Lead Facilitator

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Danika Peters

Community Development Facilitator