Calgary non-profit struggling to keep up with demand for warm winter wear
Posted Nov 16, 2023 1:20 pm.
Last Updated Nov 21, 2023 9:04 am.
After a mild start to the month, Calgarians woke up to some snow on the ground Thursday morning.
As many scrambled to find their warm coats and boots, for others, that wasn’t an option.
A local non-profit organization CityNews spoke with says more Calgarians are struggling to afford warm outdoor clothing
Even with milder temperatures this fall, Mike Schacter with the Project Warmth Society of Alberta, says they’ve been struggling to keep up with the high demand this year.
The non-profit works with many local organizations to provide them with warm clothing for vulnerable Calgarians.
“We serve the homeless, we serve people in need,” Schacter said. “Even the Calgary Police Service will pick up items for us to give out to people on the street.”
He adds they’re catering to a wider variety of people these days.
Read more: Early winter arrival impacting vulnerable Calgarians
“There’s a lot of immigrant families that are coming into Canada from warmer climates and they have nothing warm, so they’re calling on us too,” Schacster said. “People are afraid because it’s going to get colder.
“The demand is immense this year and we’re struggling to keep enough items in stock.”
In addition to collecting warm clothes for newcomers, Project Warmth works with local shelters, as well as the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School Board, to ensure that students are dressed for the elements, something Schacter says has been an increasing issue.
“Principals or student counsellors will contact us when they have students that don’t have winter clothing and the parents can’t afford winter clothing,” he said. “There’s even been cases where the president will say ‘Ask the people if they can buy it for them and send us a bill and we’ll reimburse them.'”
He encourages anyone in need of warm winter clothing for their kids to connect with school representatives.
If you have new or gently used clothing to donate, it can be dropped off at any fire station across the city.
