While winter won’t officially begin for another six weeks, the Okanagan is currently experiencing chilly weather, and a non-profit organisation is asking for the public’s assistance.
Winter clothing donations are needed for the Kelowna Gospel Mission to give out to the homeless.
The city is currently experiencing a shelter crisis due to a lack of overnight or emergency beds to keep the homeless from freezing to death. About 150 people are thought to be living outside.
According to the Gospel Mission, sleeping bags, blankets, winter boots, hats, mittens, scarves, and men’s jackets are the most essential items.
Sue Wheeler, social development manager for the City of Kelowna, said, “Temperatures have dropped and we are dealing with an unprecedented number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.”
Wheeler continued, saying, “while the work continues to find shelter and housing solutions, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, along with the Canadian Mental Health Association and many other local partners, have gone above and beyond to source mitts, toques and other cold weather supplies to help people stay warm. ”
The Gospel Mission reported this week that it had emptied its thrift store in order to donate several boxes of warm clothing to the city and nearby shelters.
Wheeler said, “We encourage community members to donate any warm clothing and blankets they have available. It will take the entire community to address the urgent needs.
“The immense challenge of finding permanent solutions to end human suffering on the streets of Kelowna can be brutal and discouraging,” said Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel.
As we work together as various agencies to address the immediate and urgent needs of people seeking shelter outside during this extreme weather, partnerships like these give us moments of joy and hope.
Rempel said the Gospel Mission will continue working to find permanent solutions, and that it “stands in solidarity and join hands to distribute winter clothing to those who are experiencing homeless; our need is great.
” The drop-off location for clothing donations is at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission Thrift Store, 125 Roxby Road.
Call 250-763-3737 or visit the Kelowna Gospel Mission website for more information.
For donations of winter clothing for the homeless, contact Kelowna Gospel Mission.
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