By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Lethbridge College Kodiaks supporting Streets Alive for fifth straight Warm Paws campaign

Nov 21, 2017 | 1:29 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Student-athletes and coaches from the Lethbridge College Kodiaks spent two days with Streets Alive Mission this week, helping to sort donated items for this year’s Kodiaks Warm Paws campaign.

Warm Paws is a holiday giving initiative that has traditionally taken place as an on-campus clothing drive, but this year the Kodiaks decided to change things up to get more hands-on in their efforts.

Kodiaks Athletics Assistant Holly Owens says they had heard there was a need in the community for volunteers to visit Streets Alive and help sort items to make sure they get into the hands of those in need.

“We thought this was a great opportunity to get our student-athletes into the community, to not only help, but to show them first-hand the services that are available in our city to support those who need help,” Owens said.

The City of Lethbridge and Social Housing identified more than 85 homeless individuals in Lethbridge in Action in a Homeless Count in 2016.

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While the homeless population has dropped by 68 per cent from 2008, the work by groups like Streets Alive helps make sure resources are available for those in need.

Todd Caughlin, Kodiaks Athletics Manager, added the student-athlete experience of getting involved in the community is one of the three pillars of success they ask all their athletes to adhere to.

“During this time of year, as the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to have our teams help out and really embrace that philosophy,” Caughlin continued. “We’re part of something bigger as a member of the Lethbridge community, and it’s our responsibility to help.”

This year marks the fifth year that the Kodiaks have held the Warm Paws campaign.