By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Streets Alive Mission kicks off its Winter Essentials Donation Drive 2017

Nov 3, 2017 | 1:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE – With the onset of another winter storm, and the forcast for overnight temperatures to drop to -15 degrees celcius this weekend, Streets Alive Mission is beginning its Winter Essentials Donation Drive.
 
Associate Director Marie McLennan says when they get sudden and severe weather like this, it puts their clients in a state of emergency, and warm clothing is critical for their survival.
 
“We are in an urgent appeal for mitts and gloves perferably, warm clothes of any kind, winter coats and boots. Waterproof boots are really high on our essentials list ’cause we just don’t have any.”
 
She says gently used clothing is always prefereable than brand new clothing, because new clothing has a ‘street value’ and they would much rather keep someone in a coat, then have them sell it.
 
McLennan says they serve about 150 people a day through their various programs. In 2016, they gave away a total of 5,513 sets of clothing, and by July of this year they had already given away 5,873 sets of clothing.
 
What is also worrisome she says, is the new clientele they’re starting to see.
 
“We are starting to see some families, which is very concerning to us and we’re starting to see a lot of people in that 18-30 age group.
 
“Poverty is large and in charge in Lethbridge and it’s not just an issue. It’s real people in real trouble, and everyone of those real people has a face and a name.”
 
Donations of clothing, cash, debit or credit are accepted at the mission at 323 4 Street South, or they can make a donation online as well at http://streetsalive.ca