Local realtors are giving back again this year with the return of the 15th annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive, and the need is greater than ever, according to organizers.
"We've seen a tremendous change over the years in the need for the realtors Care Blanket Drive," said Scott Russell, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.
The 10-day event sees realtors throughout Squamish join those from across the Lower Mainland to collect warm clothes and bedding for the underprivileged.
The blanket drive collects an average of 4,000 bags annually, which are distributed by realtors directly to dozens of shelters, drop-in centres and community organizations.
In Squamish alone, 150 bags of donations were collected for the underprivileged last year, including more than 50 homeless men, women and children.
Last year's collection got off to a slow start, however, with a 50 per cent reduction in donations, so the Lower Mainland-based organizers launched this year's campaign with a public appeal.
"Our region now has over 3,000 homeless people that we know of and countless thousands who rely on food banks and community organizations just to make ends meet," said Russell. "Donating a sweater, jacket or a sleeping bag to the drive allows recipients to have a few extra dollars to spend on essentials like food and shelter."
As a result of a Lower Mainland bedbug epidemic, this year's collection campaign is focused on new blankets, sheets, sleeping bags and comforters, as well as gently-used winter coats and clothing.
"A number of shelters have told us they can't accept pre-owned bedding, but would gratefully receive new items," said Paul Penner, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 7 locals are asked to drop off the donations at Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty beside Extra Foods in the Garibaldi Highlands, at Re/Max Sea to Sky On Cleveland Avenue, and at MacDonald Realty on Tantalus Way.
For more information go to www.realtorscare.org or contact realtors Debbie Anderson or Joanne Ennis at 604 898-5904.
