A coat drive is currently underway for kids, and a blanket drive gets going next week in Langley, to help keep everyone warm this winter.
The 29th annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive kicks off next week, and Langley Advance Times is accepting donations in support.
What organizers call, “the longest running blanket drive,” will take place from Nov. 14 to 21.
Local charities set to benefit are The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope, Ishtar Women’s Resource Society, and Wagner Hills Farm Society, shared Jennifer Trentadue, a Langley realtor who has been involved in the blanket drive for more than 16 years.
“Everything is expensive for people and there are more homeless people, women and children and men, needing help, and our winters are getting colder and colder,” Trentadue said.
“As well, we have a housing crisis in our province, which has turned more people to living in their cars, on the streets, and in shelters.”
This year’s drive will combine the traditional collection and distribution of warm clothes and blankets with an online fundraiser – the goal is to raise $15,000 for partner charities.
“It is an easy event to donate to. Everyone has blankets, extra coats, and warm clothing that either does not fit anymore or not needed anymore,” Trentadue said.
“We also take donations of new items, such as socks.”
Other items accepted include sleeping bags, jeans, warm pants, sweaters, scarves, gloves, mitts, and hats.
“Remember we are looking for warmth!” she concluded.
The annual campaign is a partnership among the Lower Mainland’s three real estate boards, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), which covers Langley, as well as the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) and the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB).
Drop off locations in Langley are:
- 20258 Fraser Hwy.
- #116-4061 200th St.
- #101-6337 198th St.
- #135-19664 64th Ave.
- #C100-20178 96th Ave.
Donations can also be dropped off in Aldergrove, at 26641 Fraser Hwy.
Builders gathering coats again
Also doing a winter woolies drive for its 28th consecutive year is Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN).
Called “Coats for Kids,” the campaign supports the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus, and began when CEO Peter Simpson saw kids going to school in the snow without warm coats.
“It’s an easy way to support one’s community. With all the financial stress in the world today, ensuring children have a warm coat, full belly, and gift under the tree is a challenge for many parents,” explained Dawn Sondergaard, senior director of marketing and communications at HAVAN.
Sondergaard encourages people to donate to help ensure “every child has a warm and bright” winter season.
“Keeping [kids] in clothing that is appropriate for the winter weather can be costly. With all the added expenses that come with the holiday season, it is often one of the last things people think about,” she said.
Items can be gently used coats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children of all ages.
Donations are being accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Drop off locations in Langley are:
- #620-1933 88th Ave.
- 5126 223rd St.
- 22538 Fraser Hwy.
- #206-20434 64th Ave.
- #A300-20161 86th Ave.
- #200-8621 201st St.
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