‘This is going to be what will get us through this horrific winter’: Wrapped Up for the Holidays campaign concludes

“The work that has been going on for the last 14 years with the Gateway Mall in collecting these items this year, you can see the dire need is really in the warm gear; the shoe wear, the hygiene items but also blankets,” Clyke said adding the items will be shared with the YWCA. “Things that are very easy to transport seem to be the highest priority…And with our individuals we’re always looking to ensure they’re properly fitted with those gear so they can be warm.”

She added she often sees people without the proper winter wear and in large group settings these items often go missing or need to be replaced.

“We also have individuals who’ve newly become homeless or are transitioning but do not have winter gear at all. So, we’re fitting people with new outfits in terms of getting them situated for their experiences which is making their way to Stepping Stones for the intake,” Clyke said.

In the last four months she said there has been a growth in the demand for these items. The Moose Lodge deals with over 55 people per day and according to Clyke, for example if 10 people need gear they can go through six or seven bags of clothing. Therefore, the donated items through the Wrapped Up for the Holidays campaign could be dispersed in a month and a half to two months.

“This is going to be what will get us through this horrific winter and temperatures we can not predict,” she said. “This provides a resource to people that they would not have access to and that’s what’s profound about with what’s been happening with CTV and with Parkland Ambulance, and as well with Gateway Mall is their impact is prolific in our community because it puts items in hand to the vulnerable.”

If people would like to donate, they can reach out on the Facebook page or through Clyke on her cell phone at 306-930-1339.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of Public Affairs for Parkland Ambulance, said they always look for ways to give back to the community.

“We are so very honoured and proud to be part of the community we live and work in each and every day and for our team members to find ways to be involved. This is just one small way we can contribute back to the community,” he said. “Certainly, we appreciate all the generosity from the community.”

Karasiuk added they care for people every day who are out in the cold and steer them in the direction to help them get warm, comfortable, dry and something to eat.

“Those are the basic human needs,” he said.

“In fact, just late this morning close to lunch time we were in the downtown and there was a gentleman in an entrance way and the business owner called for someone who was in medial need. The gentleman simply said, ‘I’m not in medical need. I’m cold and I’m hungry and I need somewhere to warm up.” He added they directed him to the warming shelter.

Donna Hordyski, marketing coordinator with the Gateway Mall said they’re proud and pleased to continue to participate in the initiative.

“It’s one of the programs that we really hold dear to our heart. I mean, this is part of Prince Albert, this is part of what we do, and Gateway Mall was just very proud to be a part of that,” she said.

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12

by Ian Gustafson

‘This is going to be what will get us through this horrific winter’: Wrapped Up for the Holidays campaign concludes

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