I WAS THIRSTY - a documentary by Alan Auld of Imagine Films

I WAS THIRSTY — Documentary Synopsis Viewer Advisory This documentary contains real footage captured during outreach activities in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The scenes depict the lived experiences of people facing homelessness, vulnerability, and challenging circumstances. The individuals shown are real people, sharing real moments and personal experiences. Some scenes may be difficult to watch; however, they are presented with respect, dignity, and the intent of raising awareness and understanding of the realities faced by members of our community. Filmed in Thunder Bay, Ontario, throughout the summer and early fall of 2025, this documentary - filmed and produced by a Alan Auld of IMAGINE FILMS, chronicles the creation of the I WAS THIRSTY outreach mission — a grassroots humanitarian initiative established to address the often-overlooked issue of water insecurity among people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability. The film introduces the vision behind the mission and follows Founder and Managing Director Lorne Clifford, a retired Canadian peacekeeper and public servant whose experiences responding to humanitarian challenges overseas shaped his recognition of a similar need within his own community. The documentary explores the transition from a simple idea - providing safe drinking water directly to people where they live - into a grass roots, volunteer-driven outreach project that transitions into a disciplined, data driven project with qualitative and quantitative observations. There are key reflections in the documentary that are being approached by the mission. A great percentage of unhoused people are experiencing mental health concerns, addiction issues and significant poverty. It is also noteworthy that statistically, as informed by the "Point in Time" count from 2024, a great percentage of unhoused people are of First Nations origin. Through the voices of volunteers, donors, community supporters, and those receiving assistance, the documentary captures the early days of the mission: the preparation, the first deliveries, the building of trust, and the human connections formed along the way. Most importantly, the film brings forward the experiences of the people the mission serves. Viewers are given an opportunity to see direct interactions between the I WAS THIRSTY team and residents of encampments throughout Thunder Bay - witnessing not only the delivery of water, but the conversations, relationships, and moments of dignity that accompany each visit. What begins as the delivery of a basic necessity becomes a story about compassion, recognition, and human connection. Each bottle of water represents more than hydration; it represents a reminder that people are seen, valued, and not forgotten. I WAS THIRSTY is a story about a community responding to a need, one person, one conversation, and one bottle of water at a time. Check out I WAS THIRSTY on Facebook or search iwasthirsty.ca