More Than a Simulation—It’s a Shift in Perspective
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.
See Poverty Differently — Experience It Firsthand!
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!
“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.
Why Host a Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE)?
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.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.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.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
TELL ME MORE!
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
