As winter approaches, the need for warm clothing is felt by many in the qathet region, especially those facing homelessness. Lift Community Services is organizing a clothing drive aimed at providing essential winter gear to those in need.
Housing services manager Julie Jenkins is among the team members leading the initiative.
"Winter is a high-risk time for people experiencing homelessness, whether they are sleeping outside, living in their vehicles, or even living in a home without proper heat," she explains. "Over the past few years, we've seen more people in need of warm and dry clothing—basic things like rain gear, dry socks and proper footwear."
With homelessness increasing, Jenkins says upcoming months will likely see a rise in demand for Lift’s services.
"The shelter is often full, especially when the weather turns bad. We're anticipating a busy winter in our programs and lots of need out on the street. We’re doing the drive to stock up so we can help people stay as comfortable and healthy as possible. Having a pair of gloves, a toque, rain gear or even a pair of dry socks can make a huge difference for someone’s health and well-being.”
The clothing drive aims to provide crucial support to individuals through Lift programs, including the Community Resource Centre and emergency shelter. Jenkins hopes the community will rally around this cause, donating essential clothing to assist those most vulnerable.
"We encourage anyone who can to drop clothing off during the drive, which is on October 2 and 3, from 10 am to 4 pm in the lobby of Powell River Public Library.”
Items most needed include new socks and underwear, warm hats, gloves, mittens, raincoats, fleeces, clean sweatpants and sweaters, thermal long underwear, and disposable hand and foot warmers. The drive is also accepting nonperishable foods like granola bars and protein drinks, to provide “grab and go” snack packs at the resource centre.
Jenkins says the event also serves to foster a deeper connection between community members and Lift, which has been serving the region since 1984.
“Our mission is to work with people facing barriers to build relationships, find solutions to community challenges and mobilize resources," she adds. "This drive is one small way to show those less fortunate you care."
This is Lift’s first centralized clothing drive for its homelessness services, although community members have consistently shown up to support the organization’s efforts. Jenkins recalls a moment last winter when a man received a pair of snow boots.
"His feet were blue and numb, and having those boots meant so much to him. People experiencing homelessness often feel overlooked by society. These acts of kindness can make a huge difference, not just to keep someone warm, but to boost their self-esteem, knowing someone cares."
Beyond the immediate need for clothing, Lift continues to offer other critical support programs year-round. The Community Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday, providing a warm place to eat, do laundry and connect with services, while the emergency shelter operates 24 hours a day with 20 beds available.
Lift is also launching a community education series this fall, responding to calls for more information about homelessness and substance use. The series will kick off with a film night at the Patricia Theatre, followed by a public speaker event.
Anyone looking to contribute can support the clothing drive by donating items on October 2 and 3, or by organizing smaller collections at schools, workplaces or neighbourhoods.
"We’ve always been blown away by the generosity of people in our community," says Jenkins. "The drive is an opportunity to extend kindness and support to our vulnerable neighbours."
For those unable to contribute, spreading the word is equally important.
"Tell your friends, neighbours, co-workers; we’re counting on a great turnout to make this event a success. Every item donated will make a real difference in someone’s life.”
For more information, all 604.485.2004 or go to liftcommunityservices.org.
