In case you aren’t aware, the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive is a partnership between the Realtors and communities of the Fraser Valley, Greater Vancouver and Chilliwack & District real estate boards.
This year, Realtors from Whistler to Chilliwack are marking 25 years of caring, collecting and sharing as they get ready for their annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive launching on November 18.
“Most of us know that home means comfort and safety. Sadly, we have far too many in our region who are homeless or can’t afford to adequately clothe themselves for the winter,” said Darin Germyn, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board president. “A warm blanket, clean, dry socks and a waterproof jacket can help protect people from the elements and potentially even save a life.”
Between November 18 and 25, REALTOR® volunteers from across the region will collect donations of gently used or new clothing and blankets to help those in need during our cold, wet winter months. The donations are distributed to partner charities from the same communities where the items were received.
Darren Dyck works on behalf of one of Surrey’s largest charities, Nightshift Street Ministries. “The blankets we have received over the years have helped so many people. In the winter, we often give out 300 blankets a month. All donations are gratefully received. It is truly heartbreaking when we can’t offer a blanket on a miserable night.”
Realtors are asking the public to help make this year’s 25th anniversary drive extra meaningful. Anyone can donate and it’s easy to do. More than 100 participating real estate offices across the Lower Mainland act as drop-off locations during the designated eight-days. Click here for a list of drop-off locations.
Needed items (gently used or new):
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves
- *new only* socks and underwear
Since the program began in 1994, it’s helped provide warmth to more than 385,000 people. It is the largest and longest running blanket and warm clothing drive in the Lower Mainland. Follow this year’s Blanket Drive on social media using #blanketdrive25 or go to www.facebook.com/BlanketDrive.