An annual campaign to collect warm winter clothing and blankets to help those less fortunate get through the cold season launches Monday.
The week-long Realtors Care Blanket Drive runs Nov. 16–23, with items collected on the Peninsula to support three local organizations: Atira Women's Resource Society, Sources Food Bank Resource Centre and Sources Women's Place.
White Rock team leader Lorraine Cauley said the range of groups that receive support is one of the highlights of the effort.
“The wonderful thing about our blanket drive is that, rather than singling out one cause to support, we reach out to a number of worthy organizations in White Rock that touch different groups, ages, and needs,” Cauley said in a release.
Last year, the drive – which, across the Lower Mainland, benefits more than 19,000 people annually – collected approximately 250 bags of donated items, one of the highest volumes for the area in 20 years. Highly sought items this year include winter coats, toques, gloves, mitts and scarves for women and children, as well as blankets. Jeans, sweaters, sleeping bags and new socks and underwear are also needed.
In South Surrey/White Rock, items may be dropped off to HomeLife Benchmark (1-1920 152 St.), Royal LePage Northstar (118-15272 Croydon Dr.), Re/Max Colonial Pacific Realty (15414 24 Ave.) and Sutton Group-West Coast White Rock ( 15595 24 Ave.).
For more information, visit www.blanketdrive.ca