POVERTY SIMULATION

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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.

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More Than a Simulation —

It’s a Shift in Perspective

Change how you see poverty — in just 180 minutes.

Step into the shoes of individuals and families facing the daily realities of poverty. Through this interactive simulation, participants gain a deeper understanding of the tough choices people must make and the impact those decisions have on every part of life.

Host an experience that changes how people see poverty in Canada.

  • Make tough choices to survive

  • Feel the stress of struggling systems

  • Experience real barriers to basic needs

  • Process the experience with guided discussion

The Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) is an immersive, live simulation that helps participants understand the realities of navigating poverty.

  • Created by ThinkTank Inc., with voices of people with lived experience, the Chalmers Center, and CarePortal

  • Impacted 100,000+ participants since 2011

  • Evidence-based and used by universities, businesses, churches, charities, and social services

Bring COPE to Your Community!

Ever tried surviving a month in someone else’s shoes?

We guide groups of 60-140 people through a powerful, real-life simulation. A fast-paced, true story experience followed by a guided conversation that changes how people understand and respond to poverty.

Built on the realities of 1 in 4 Canadians experiencing poverty.

Minimal prep required. We come to you and facilitate the entire experience.

“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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Take the Next Step — From Awareness to Action!

The RISE Together (Respond in Service & Empathy) experience helps participants turn compassion into meaningful action by connecting directly with real community needs.

  • Designed as a next step after COPE, moving from awareness to action

  • Rooted in practical service, reflection, and community connection

  • Builds empathy, dignity, and care while strengthening local relationships

  • Flexible format adaptable for churches, businesses, schools, and community groups

Activate RISE TOGETHER in Your Community!

CareImpact COPE Lead Facilitator

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Danika Peters

Community Development Facilitator