2 minutes
Gathering supplies for people in the DTES
Problem
As most of you are well aware, we’ve had a unusually extreme patch of cold weather as low as (-13C/8.6F) and snow in the Metro Vancouver area, and this has been especially impactful to those of us less fortunate and living on the streets.
Many groups and individuals have been collecting and distributing clothing, shelter supplies, and food to those on the Downtown East Side over the past several days. One of my neighbours and I were out on Sunday and Monday evenings, and I have been down handing out what I have available on the nights since then.
What I ask from you is that if you have any of the items on the following list, that you let me know and I can arrange for pickup and distribution.
Popular items being sought are:
- Waterproof Jackets (larger sizes preferred to allow for layering)
- Sleeping Bags
- Blankets
- Emergency Blankets
- Warm Socks
- Hand Warmers
- Boots
- Toques/Beanies
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Tents
Of course, there are people that don’t have any of these items and would prefer to donate money to the cause instead. I would recommend any monetary donations be made to organizations like Sally Ann’s Harbour Light or UGM. Beyond their presence in the DTES, these organizations are also distributing supplies to those who need it in other areas of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
I wanted to make a special mention of the Army & Navy Department Store on Hastings. They have very reasonable prices for items that we have purchased, and they have even gone so far as to donate additional items when making purchases!
Contact
You can reach me on Facebook, email, Telegram, Twitter, or by Phone/Text/Whatsapp at 778-838-6025.
Updates
2020-01-26 @ 04:35 PST
I have dropped off the remainder of the odds I had left to the Powell Street Getaway and they were very appreciative! Thank you to everyone who provided goods. The people who received them are very thankful.
2020-01-17 @ 12:50 PST
I have received a fair amount of donations from people, thank you very much! I will be heading down to the DTES this evening, and again tomorrow if I receive more gear to distribute. Thank you all!