People across the Peace Country are being asked to take a little longer look in the closet in the next as coats and winter garments are being collected to go towards those who need it. The fourth annual Spread the Warmth, spearheaded by BNI Northern Connection and Richmond Dry Cleaners, will see all the pieces collected cleaned and offered to Odyssey House Emergency Women’s Shelter.
Richmond Dry Cleaners General Manager Don Murray says the need to help those who may not be prepared for winter is great and it’s something he is hopeful the community can help out in a big way.
“If everybody just does a little bit, a little smile factor goes a long way… there are just so many people in need,” he says. “Hopefully, we get overwhelming support again from the community to help these people out.”
Murray says if you see something in the closet you haven’t worn in the last couple of years, you’re probably not going to wear it in the next couple. He adds giving the gift of warmth is something that can make the greatest difference in someone’s life.
“We get new clothing all the time and we just seem to forget about it in the back of our closet. Just take 15 minutes, go through your closet, and think maybe somebody else can use this,” he adds.
Garments can be dropped off at Richmond Dry Cleaners, Prairie Villa Insurance, Beyond Basics Office Management, and the Cool-Aid Society, with the delivery to Odyssey House expected to take place in mid-November. In 2021, just under 800 garments were donated.