Main Street Project needs warm clothing donations

South Point Douglas

The last month of winter may have felt mild to many Winnipeggers, but for those experiencing homelessness or poverty, even a mild temperature can be dangerous.

That’s why the Main Street Project has put out a call for donations of warm clothing, which it will distribute to people who need it around the city.

“Even when it’s just wet — if you’ve got an injury on your foot and you’re walking around with soaking wet feet all day and all night, that can rapidly lead to infection and septic shock. These are things that wouldn’t impact a privileged person that has access to a change of clothes, change of socks, and a decent pair of shoes,” said Ana Ziprick, director of development at Main Street Project.

Ziprick said the organization is looking for all kinds of winter gear, including hand warmers, gloves, and mittens. Ziprick said mitts seem to be particularly hard to bring in by donation, and would be a very helpful donation. However, all warm clothing — long johns, footwear, toques, etc. — are in demand.

“There’s a lot of need out there. Our 24-7 shelter is the only place you can come and go during the day and the night, and we’re the most consistent and the only city-wide mobile outreach in Winnipeg. So the volume of people that we see is intense,” Ziprick said. “And these are folks that are experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty that just can’t afford to buy these things.”

Ziprick said donors can drop off items themselves or buy them off the organization’s Amazon wishlist to be sent directly to them. Financial donations are always helpful, too, she said. For more information, visit www.mainstreetproject.ca/donate