Chilliwack’s early start to winter weather was a harsh reminder of what’s to come for the community’s homeless population. The 2017 Fraser Valley Regional District Homeless Count recorded 221 individuals of all ages living without shelter in Chilliwack, three times the number recorded in 2014, and the highest increase in the Fraser Valley.
And with the real winter season on the horizon, Chilliwack REALTORS® urge locals to donate to provide a little warmth to those less fortunate. From Tuesday, Nov.14 to Tuesday, Nov. 21, the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive will collect new and gently used winter clothing and gear to pass along to local shelters.
“Our REALTORS®, like so many, are very much aware that housing affordability and homelessness are problems in Chilliwack,” says Al Browne, Managing Broker of HomeLife Glenayre Realty Chilliwack Ltd. “A lot needs to be done and these issues are not going to be solved quickly, but require the ongoing co-operation of concerned citizens, companies and organizations. HomeLife Chilliwack REALTORS® continue to be very active in the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive and we welcome donations to our office.”
A blanket brings hope
The largest and longest-running blanket drive in British Columbia, the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive is a partnership between the REALTORS® of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board and their communities.
Thanks to generous donations from the public, the drive has helped more than 300,000 people in local communities stay warm and dry since its start in 1994.
Chilliwack’s most vulnerable residents need help and you can give your clothes and blankets new life by donating them to the Blanket Drive.
How you can help
Donations for all ages will be gratefully accepted at HomeLife Chilliwack, 8387 Young Rd., corner of Airport and Young.
Among the much-needed items are:
- gently used or new blankets and sleeping bags
- warm clothing and coats
- hats, gloves and scarves
- new socks and underwear
- plastic ponchos and bivy sacks
Where your help goes:
Donations collected by Chilliwack real estate offices and the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board will go to:
- Agassiz Harrison Community Services Association, 7086 Cheam Ave.
- Hope Community Services, 434 Wallace St.
- Ruth and Naomi’s Mission, 46305 1st Ave., Chilliwack
- Cyrus Centre, 45845 Wellington Ave., Chilliwack