As our very short Autumn will turn to Winter the days and nights are getting cooler. As most of us sit by the fireplace or snuggle under the covers there are so many Edmontonians are left out on the streets with nowhere to call home. Shelters simply cannot keep up with the number of people needing a meal or a place to stay. Many individuals spend their days, on our downtown streets in the cold with just the clothes on their backs. Most not dressed for the cold weather, they are at the mercy of Mother Nature.
What can we do? I am blessed to be part of a conscious interfaith women’s group; Salam-Shalom. We are a diverse group of Muslim and Jewish women that come together with allies to build bridges, strengthen relationships and do well in our community.
Last year, we had the idea of doing a Winter Charity Drive. We called upon our friends and family to make donations of winter items such as toques, gloves, scarves, and socks so we could attempt to help some of the many homeless Edmontonians. We also collected gift cards for Tim Hortons and McDonald’s so that these individuals could go into one of these restaurants, escape the cold and get a warm drink or a meal. Too often individuals trying to escape the cold will be kicked out of restaurants because they have not purchased anything. This idea of giving them a gift card fixes that.
This year we are back at it again! We are very excited to be collecting more items for this winter. Also, we are starting early, so that everyone will have what they need for the winter months. We are calling on all community members to open their hearts (and pockets) to help us collect enough winter items to dress as many people as we can on the streets.
Items we are collecting:
- Toques
- Gloves/Mittens
- Scarves
- Socks
- $5 gift cards for Tim Hortons and McDonald’s.
- Monetary donations
If you would like to donate, please feel free to contact me:
Mona Ismaeil – 780-668-0082 or mona.ismaeil@gmail.com