Settlement Worker in Schools Andriy Savchuk, left, with Executive Director Annette McGovern at the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre today. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Distribution set for Friday

Community Winter Clothing Drive on now

Oct 31, 2023 | 1:32 PM

Donations are still being accepted for the Community Winter Clothing Drive on now.

The project is a partnership with Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre (BIRC), North West College and Scotiabank.

People are invited to drop off items such as winter jackets, sweaters, winter boots, coats, toques, winter hats, mittens, snow pants and scarves for adults and children at any of these three sites.

BIRC Executive Director Annette McGovern noted there has been a good response from the community so far, since this drive started a couple of weeks ago.

“We’ve got lots of clothing,” she said. “We’ll take it over [to the college] tomorrow morning.”

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The donation deadline is Nov. 1. People can drop off items at BIRC, North West College or Scotiabank in North Battleford.

Clothing will be distributed at North West College on Nov. 3 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Everyone in need is welcome to receive a donation.

The BIRC collects clothing all year round, but this is the first time it partnered with the college for the clothing drive.

“It’s for the needy,” McGovern said. “We’ve probably got six or seven bags full [of clothing], and boxes of boots.”

She noted this is also a difficult time of year for people arriving in the Battlefords from other countries where they never experienced a cold winter. So, the drive can help them too.

“It’s getting colder, and they don’t understand our climate here,” McGovern said. “We try to be one step ahead. Lots of newcomers need [help] when they first get here. Even right now people who are coming from warm climates are finding it extremely cold because it’s so dry here. They are used to the warm damp weather. This is so dry and cold, they don’t know how to dress. It’s a big shock to their system.”

Prudence Swaan, North West College international education coordinator, encourages anyone in the Battlefords who needs an clothing item to drop by the college for the distribution.

“It’s for any North West College students and for the community to come in if they have a need,” she said. “We’re happy to welcome everyone.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow