New Life Community Kamloops launches Share Warmth Campaign

Feb 5, 2018 | 10:47 AM

KAMLOOPS — A steady decline in donations has New Life Community Kamloops putting the call out for help.

The non-profit has launched its Share Warmth Campaign for the second consecutive year.

“When we get a cold snap, we see our donations rise because people can’t imagine living outside in the bitter cold,” says Executive Director Stan Dueck. “But when the weather is milder like it is now, people tend to forget. Many don’t know that the milder, wetter weather can actually be more difficult for people on the street to deal with to keep warm and dry. So, this is our gentle reminder to our generous community to not forget about us.”

Dueck notes the needs “just don’t go away” and says people can share the warmth in four ways:

  • By dropping off a frozen turkey, ham or roast.
  • Share beverages like coffee. He says they go through 20 pounds of it a week which tranlates to about 1,000 pounds a year.
  • Share clothing and toiletries. Dueck says socks and gloves are always handed out to men, women and children. He says they also hand out toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and deodorant.
  • Share resources which can be done online at www.newlifekamloops.ca.

Dueck says people can also drop items off at the Mission located at 181 Victoria Street West or their office located at 346 Semour Street. You can also call 250-372-9898.

He says the recent snowfall hasn’t helped matters either.

“At least there’s been a shelter (Stuart Wood) that’s been open every night all winter. But it’s hard. It’s been cold and warm which makes things very wet and damp if you’re outside. They (the homeless) need a place to get out of the cold, the wet, to dry off and get a good meal just to carry on.”